Krish Trickannad
Research Mentor(s): Michael Mignano
Mentor Department: Movement Science
Authors: Krish Trickannad, Michael Mignano
Session: Session 5 (2:00pm – 2:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 56
Abstract
In a team-oriented sport like soccer, it can be difficult to analyze the performances of individual players. However, there is one position on the pitch where this specific analysis can be done, the goalkeeper. Goalkeepers are special in the sense that they are an isolated position with their own specific set of statistics, and they are often given time to grow and improve within a season as they gain more experience. In theory, as a goalkeeper acquires more experience, their performance should get better. This study explores the variable of experience during a season by using a sample of 15 goalkeepers from different teams in the 2023-2024 Premier League season. Using expected goals on target (xGOT), goals conceded (GC), and goals prevented (GP), a statistical analysis was done to investigate a potential correlation between games played and shot-stopping performance across the course of a season. After the analysis, it was found that there was no significant correlation between matches played and performance for each of the 15 goalkeepers. It was expected that the goalkeepers would improve as the season went on, but this was not the case. The results were mostly inconsistent, and in some cases, the performance even decreased. These results can be used to examine the expectations of a goalkeeper throughout a season. Giving them more playing time does not necessarily mean they will improve statistically. This study focuses only on shot-stopping, but many other factors contribute to goalkeeper performance. To fully understand their performance, further research is necessary.
