Steven Dabdoub

Should they stay committed and consistent in how they execute their methodology, it really shouldn't be a surprise if they achieve even more success on the pitch in the long run.

It’s a great example of a modern day club that has a sustainable, financially smart football methodology, showing that success is possible, both on and off the field.

By being self-aware of their place in the football ecosystem, they’ve been able to align individual player goals with club goals and methodology. With this they’ve earned player commitment and loyalty which has allowed them to stay committed and consistent in how they operate.

Frankfurt are about to hit profits of €345m in six years just from selling strikers – this is how they do it

✅ Consistency
✅ Attention to detail
✅ Commitment
✅ Execution

These are four pillars of Eintracht Frankfurt’s strategy that have led to their recent (relative) success, stability, and sustainable operational model.

nytimes.com/athletic/650...

Feel free to also check out my Player and Team Performance Dashboards at tinyurl.com/stevendabdoub and provide feedback, suggestions or requests as I work on making improvements/changes with the new season around the corner!

My overall thought based on the data is that L'pool made the best deal even if they overspent by 15-40 m vs Man Utd who might have overspent by 40-50m on a worse player according to the data. The loan option allowed Barca to mitigate risk, yet personally not convinced. Thoughts?

My opinion is that he won't generally provide much to Barcelona, but with this raw talent and a change of environment, anything is possible - given that performance is dependent on the interaction of talent and the environment.

Rashford over the past 4 seasons has generally been a pretty average/poor player ranking 53rd in the shooting percentile, and his best output coming from his progression (73rd) and dribbling (74th).

Mbeumo only ranks in the 36th percentile for shooting despite his 20 goals overperforming his total xG by around 7 goals. However, he is a very active forward out of possession and is able to create and progress the ball well.

Etikite was arguably the best performer in 2024/25with the 3rd highest npxG/90, and ranking in the 93rd percentile for shooting and the 91st for creation. While in a high pressing system such as Liverpool's his defensive ranking (87th) with a high poss. win rate should excel

🔎Taking a look at 3 transfers so far in the 2025 Summer Market. Who got the best deal?

🇫🇷 Hugo Etikite ➡️ Liverpool for €91m vs €50-75m xTV
🇨🇲 Bryan Mbeumo ➡️ Man United for €80m vs €30-40m xTV
🇬🇧 Marcus Rashford ➡️ Barcelona on loan with €30 m buy option vs €20-30m xTV

Thiago Almada's Atletico Madrid move sums up the transfer industry 2025

One article on a transfer, with one simple lesson.

✅ Your network matters, and it always triumphs in this industry

www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...

However, Enrique's PSG are a very strong and technical team that should not be underestimated, as seen by their ability to reach this far. Feel free to explore the data yourself, and give suggestions/request, with my team and player dashboards at tinyurl.com/stevendabdoub.

I believe that the adaptability of Inter, their strengths on set pieces and in the defensive phase favor them to win the UCL, especially with the experience of a UCL loss final a few years ago.

Inzaghi's Inter are a defense focused team (96th percentile) who still do very well to maintain possession (93rd percentile, 91st field tilt). While unlike PSG they are very strong on set pieces, and crosses/aerial play - which is a key area where the game could be won.

Looking at the teams, based on data, PSG are one of the strongest possession based teams in Europe this season - 99th percentile of passing and retention and 97th for Field Tilt. While their defense is strong in the 88th percentile, through their pressing (100th percentile)

The #UCL final is tomorrow between #PSG and #Inter Milan, 2 very strong teams that maybe were not the most favored to reach this point. In my opinion, Inzaghi's Inter Milan has been relatively unappreciated in recent years while Enrique has done very good with a young PSG side.

Feel free to explore the data yourself, and give suggestions/request, with my team and player dashboards at tinyurl.com/stevendabdoub. Hoping to get the time to add some new elements soon!

For example, if Betis is pressing very well, Maresca and co. might look at making adjustments in game to create midfield overloads or dropping a bit deeper to control possession in initial phases, knowing that their team is able to control and maintain possession of the ball well

It is crucial that this data is of course used and considered when game plans are developed on both sides and more importantly making in game adjustments.

- the ability of Betis to disrupt Chelsea's control of the game with the ball

- the ability of Chelsea to maintain possession under pressure

- the ability of both teams to defend and score on set-pieces (especially as neither are particularly good in the air)

Where Betis are very weak on their set piece defense, Chelsea are very strong while weak on defense, with Betis strong on their set piece attack.

These stylistic contrasts put a few possible scenarios into play to decide tomorrow's game:

On the other hand, Betis are a very press-heavy team (84th percentile) with a focus on direct play (66th percentile vs 45th for Chelsea), but both teams are around the 90th percentile (93 vs 88) for chance creation, regardless of contrasting styles.

Based on the data, Chelsea are a possession focused team with a focus on dominating the ball in their final 3rd (86th percentile for Field Tilt) and maintaining possession of the ball (90th percentile for passing and retention).

Tomorrow's Conference League Final between Chelsea and Real Betis, has Chelsea favored to win in what might be a closer game than expected given the tactical styles of the teams.

⚽ Fun Fact! Did You Know…?

While fans often complain about inconsistent refereeing decisions or debate right vs. wrong calls, there’s a scientific explanation behind these decisions—rooted in psychology, behavioral economics, and social + environmental factors. (1/7)

It’s important to note that these aren’t just theories or suggestions—they’re well-documented phenomena supported by research in sports psychology and behavioral science.

5️⃣ Decision Fatigue
As mental and physical fatigue build over the course of a game, referees’ decision accuracy drops significantly—a huge but often overlooked factor. (7/7)

4️⃣ Compensation / Balance Bias
After an incorrect or controversial call, referees may subconsciously (or sometimes consciously) try to “even things out” with stricter or more lenient decisions later in the match. (6/7)

3️⃣ Confirmation Bias
Players with reputations for aggression may be carded or sent off more quickly, even if their tackles aren’t overly aggressive—because referees expect certain behaviors. (5/7)