The creation of goal scoring opportunities in professional soccer. Tactical differences between Spanish La Liga, English Premier League, German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare how goal scoring opportunities emerge in the top four European soccer leagues. The sample included 914 team possessions that led to the creation of goal scoring opportunities in open play situations from 80 random matches (20 = Spanish La Liga (SLL); 20 = English Premier League (EPL); 20 = German Bundelisga (GB); 20 = Italian Serie A (ISA)) during 2017–2018 season. A total of 8 tactical dimensions related to the start, development and the end of the team possessions were evaluted by means of multidimensional observation. Kruskal Wallis analyses revealed significant tactical differences between the 4 competitions. SLL showed a greater proportion of long and combinative attacks. EPL had a higher tendency of progressing by means of fast and directs attacks. GB had the greatest number of counter-attacks, and ISA had the shortest offensive sequences and more proportion of counter-attacks and direct attacks than combinative and fast attacks. These results provide important insights to coaches and sporting directors to understand the different tactical requirements of each competition and manage the club’s strategies regarding tactical model, player recruitment and youth development.