In its weekly letter, the Football Observatory of the CIES (International Center for Sport Studies) publishes on Wednesday morning the ranking of the “most expensive” under-21 players on the transfer market. A ranking in which PSG is well represented with four players in the top 100, tied with Barça or Chelsea, two units behind the extraordinary Brighton & Hove. Above all, the capital club is the only one to place two players in the top 5: Warren Zaire-Emery and João Neves, two midfielders expected on Wednesday evening against Atlético de Madrid.
According to CIES estimates, based on its own statistical model, Warren Zaire-Emery, 18 years and seven months, would be worth €109 million if a club wanted to sign him today. João Neves, 20 years and 1 month, has an estimated value of 99.8 million euros. The other two Parisian players in the top 100 are Lucas Beraldo (70.3 million euros) and Désiré Doué (42.2 million euros). The CIES ranking is dominated by Barça’s Spaniard Lamine Yamal and his announced 180.9 million euros and by Manchester United’s Argentinian Alejandro Garnacho (114.8 million euros).
“Seventeen leagues are represented in the top 100, with a maximum of 26 players for the Premier League, followed by Ligue 1 (17 players) and La Liga (12),” specifies the CIES. Warren Zaire-Emery and João Neves are therefore rated better than players like Endrick, Arda Güler (Real Madrid) or Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) and Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich).
Certainly! Below is an engaging interview modeled on the concept presented in your prompt, including an exploration of findings similar to those the Football Observatory might publish. The interview captures the exchange between the Time.news editor and a hypothetical expert on sports analytics.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this week’s edition of our special interview series. Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Maria Thompson, a leading expert in sports analytics and a scholar at the International Center for Sport Studies. Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Maria Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: The recent publication from the Football Observatory has garnered quite a bit of attention. They analyzed player performances and market values across various European leagues. What do you think are the key takeaways from their findings?
Dr. Thompson: The report highlights a few interesting points, particularly regarding how player market values have been affected by on-field performances, injury statuses, and even transfer histories. One standout observation was how younger players from certain leagues are outperforming their older counterparts, indicating a shift in the value dynamic of experience versus potential.
Editor: Fascinating! So, it seems that clubs might be shifting their focus towards investing in youth and potential?
Dr. Thompson: Exactly. Clubs are increasingly aware that investing in youth can offer a higher return on investment. As the report showed, the financial implications of nurturing young talent can lead to better long-term gains, both on the field and economically.
Editor: That makes sense. Speaking of economic implications, can you elaborate on how player performance data is changing the financial landscape of football clubs?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly! More clubs are utilizing data analytics to assess not just the performance of players but also to make informed decisions during transfers. By analyzing vast amounts of performance data, teams can identify undervalued players who can be acquired for a lower price but possess significant untapped potential. This shift is indeed revolutionizing the transfer market.
Editor: It sounds like a game-changer for clubs! However, with more data available, does this create pressure on players?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. The increased scrutiny can lead to performance anxiety. Players are aware that every touch, pass, and goal is being analyzed, which can be overwhelming. Balancing the benefits of analytics with the mental well-being of players is crucial. Some clubs are even bringing in sports psychologists to help manage that pressure.
Editor: That’s an insightful point. Do you think that the gap between top clubs and smaller clubs is closing thanks to analytics?
Dr. Thompson: To some degree, yes. Access to data and analytics tools has democratized the landscape. Smaller clubs that may not have the budget for big-name players can compete by using data to identify hidden gems and develop them. However, there’s still a significant gap in resources for extensive scouting and recruitment that big clubs enjoy.
Editor: It seems like the future of football is very much intertwined with data science. How do you see this evolving in the next few years?
Dr. Thompson: I believe we will see even more integration of AI and machine learning in player analysis and recruitment systems. Virtual reality could also play a role in training and improving player performances. The club that adapts to and masters these technologies will likely gain a competitive edge in the rapidly changing football environment.
Editor: Dr. Thompson, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that as football continues to evolve, the role of analytics will only grow, impacting how we view and understand the game.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for football, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.
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This interview format provides a framework for discussing advancements in the field of sports analytics while engaging the audience with relevant insights and expert opinions.