For the last two years adidas
have been working behind the scenes to identify a new specific type of
football player called 'The Engine' and today they are proud to reveal a
partnership with leading sports data provider, Opta, who can confirm
the existence of this player type through an algorithm summarised by a
mathematical equation.
'The Engine' is the archetypical
box-to-box footballer who covers every blade of grass, seeks goal
scoring chances, tracks down his opponent and displays relentless energy
from the first minute to the final whistle.
Based on the adidas
insight, Opta have helped to reveal the fundamental character of 'The
Engine' by finding out how to measure and quantify his performances.
They have produced a mathematical algorithm which defines the perfect
'Engine' player and will be used to track this player's performance from
today onwards. Some of the players believed to fit 'The Engine'
stereotype are Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez, FC Barcelona's Dani Alves,
AS Roma's Daniele De Rossi & Paris Saint Germain's Ezequiel
Lavezzi.
With the help of Opta and their database of statistics
and insights, the algorithm will be used to pinpoint 'The Engine'
performances week in, week out. Certain indicators such as work rate,
pitch coverage, and on / off ball statistics will be measured and
players will be scored out of 100. adidas & Opta will analyse data
from key matches from the UEFA Champions League and the Confederations
Cup and highlight 'The Engine' players via an index entitled 'The Engine
Scale' – results will be announced to media and fans through a series
of info graphics and other statistic-based imagery as they become
available on twitter @adidasfootball #TheEngine.
Ahead of this
week's UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League Semi Finals, the
algorithm has already focused on several of the world's top players and
has unearthed some stats proving how vital 'The Engine' has been during
these campaigns. For example, Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez is
renowned for his committed style of play and has won on average 2.6
aerial duels per game in the UEFA Champions League this season, more
than any other Bayern Munich player.
Claus-Peter Mayer, adidas
Vice President Global Sports Marketing Football, said: "Working with
Opta has confirmed that adidas have found 'The Engine' footballer. 'The
Engine' is a player we have been focusing on in recent years in terms of
our footwear development and player recruitment, so for the world's
leading data provider to prove this insight through their scientific
analysis is a fantastic and exciting development."
Aidan Cooney,
CEO, Opta commented: "We are delighted to be working with adidas on
confirming the existence of 'The Engine' player. Modern football fans
are passionate about comparing, contrasting and analysing their
favourite players' performances. By incorporating Opta's uniquely
detailed data, The Engine Scale can help to contribute to this debate
before, during and after the match".
For further information
please go to facebook.com/adidasfootball / optasports.com or
@adidasfootball / @optasuit on twitter and join the conversation with
#TheEngine.
Source adidas
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