Football Statistics Glossary
Complete guide to football statistics terms and advanced metrics used in player analysis
This glossary explains all the statistics and metrics you'll find on Mercato XI. From basic stats like goals and assists to advanced analytics like xG and progressive passes, learn what each metric means and how to interpret it.
xG (Expected Goals)
A metric measuring the quality of a shot based on various factors. Each shot is assigned a probability (0-1) of resulting in a goal.
xA (Expected Assists)
Measures the quality of a pass that leads to a shot. If the shot has an xG of 0.3, the passer gets 0.3 xA.
xG per 90
Expected goals normalized to 90 minutes of play. Shows a player's expected goals per full match.
xG Overperformance
When a player scores more goals than their xG suggests. Indicates elite finishing ability or unsustainable luck.
xG Underperformance
When a player scores fewer goals than their xG suggests. May indicate poor finishing or bad luck.
Shots
Total number of shots attempted, including on-target, off-target, and blocked shots.
Shots on Target
Shots that would have gone into the goal if not saved by the goalkeeper.
Shot Accuracy
Percentage of shots that are on target. Calculated as (Shots on Target / Total Shots) × 100.
Conversion Rate
Percentage of shots that result in goals. Goals divided by total shots.
Shot Map
Visual representation showing the location and outcome of all shots taken by a player or team.
Big Chances
Situations where a player should reasonably be expected to score. Usually xG > 0.35.
Big Chances Missed
Number of high-quality chances (big chances) that did not result in a goal.
Pass Accuracy
Percentage of passes successfully completed. (Accurate Passes / Total Passes) × 100.
Key Passes
Passes that directly lead to a shot. The final pass before a teammate attempts a shot.
Progressive Passes
Passes that move the ball significantly closer to the opponent's goal (typically 10+ yards forward).
Through Balls
Passes played between defenders into space for a teammate to run onto.
Long Balls
Passes that travel a significant distance (usually 30+ yards).
Crosses
Passes from wide areas into the penalty box.
Accurate Crosses
Crosses that successfully find a teammate in the box.
Dribbles
Attempts to carry the ball past an opponent while maintaining control.
Successful Dribbles
Dribble attempts where the player successfully beats an opponent and maintains possession.
Dribble Success Rate
Percentage of successful dribbles. (Successful Dribbles / Dribble Attempts) × 100.
Progressive Carries
Ball carries that move the ball significantly closer to the opponent's goal.
Touches
Total number of times a player touches the ball during a match.
Dispossessed
Number of times a player loses possession to an opponent while in control of the ball.
Tackles
Attempts to win the ball from an opponent through physical challenge.
Tackle Success Rate
Percentage of tackles that successfully win the ball.
Interceptions
Times a player reads the opposition's play and cuts out a pass or cross.
Clearances
Defensive actions to clear the ball away from the defensive area.
Blocks
Times a player blocks an opponent's shot or pass with their body.
Aerial Duels Won
Percentage of contested headers won by a player.
Clean Sheet
When a goalkeeper or defense doesn't concede any goals in a match.
Per 90 (or /90)
Normalizes statistics to 90 minutes of play, allowing fair comparison between players with different playing times.
Goals per 90
Average number of goals a player scores per 90 minutes. Total Goals / (Minutes Played / 90).
Assists per 90
Average number of assists a player makes per 90 minutes.
G+A per 90
Combined goals and assists per 90 minutes. Total attacking output normalized to full matches.
Progressive Actions
Combined progressive passes and carries that move the ball toward the opponent's goal.
Shot-Creating Actions
Actions (passes, dribbles, fouls won) that directly lead to a shot.
Goal-Creating Actions
Actions that directly lead to a goal (one step before the assist).
Pressure Success Rate
Percentage of times pressing an opponent results in winning possession within 5 seconds.
PPDA (Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action)
Measures how aggressively a team presses. Lower PPDA = more pressing.