Steven Dabdoub
@stevendabdoub.bsky.social
⚽ Analysis and Methodology
Formerly: Real Madrid, Inter Miami, Dinamo Tbilisi, La Liga, CONCACAF
Formerly: Real Madrid, Inter Miami, Dinamo Tbilisi, La Liga, CONCACAF
🇺🇸🇲🇽🇨🇦 A while back, I wrote how luck could matter at the 2026 World Cup draw more than ever before. With FIFA releasing the official draw procedures for December 5, that seems to be the exact case.
Here's why👇
Here's why👇
November 26, 2025 at 4:20 PM
🇺🇸🇲🇽🇨🇦 A while back, I wrote how luck could matter at the 2026 World Cup draw more than ever before. With FIFA releasing the official draw procedures for December 5, that seems to be the exact case.
Here's why👇
Here's why👇
📊As data analysis grows and becomes more mainstream, so does it's applications. Outside of using data to analyse teams, players and matches - coaches can and are increasingly being analyzed - which was the focus of a project I completed last year.
November 6, 2025 at 3:09 AM
📊As data analysis grows and becomes more mainstream, so does it's applications. Outside of using data to analyse teams, players and matches - coaches can and are increasingly being analyzed - which was the focus of a project I completed last year.
Part of what makes football so exciting for many is how low scoring it is with thin margins where every chance carries massive pressure to make it count.
That’s why chance quality and dynamism matter so much.
That’s why chance quality and dynamism matter so much.
November 5, 2025 at 3:07 AM
Part of what makes football so exciting for many is how low scoring it is with thin margins where every chance carries massive pressure to make it count.
That’s why chance quality and dynamism matter so much.
That’s why chance quality and dynamism matter so much.
❌Firing 11 Players Overnight? Not so easy.
✅Firing a Head Coach? Easy.
Even as elite clubs become more aware of the importance of balancing sporting objectives & financial sustainability, I still see decisions at top clubs that appear reactive, with a lack of strategy to guide
✅Firing a Head Coach? Easy.
Even as elite clubs become more aware of the importance of balancing sporting objectives & financial sustainability, I still see decisions at top clubs that appear reactive, with a lack of strategy to guide
November 4, 2025 at 2:32 AM
❌Firing 11 Players Overnight? Not so easy.
✅Firing a Head Coach? Easy.
Even as elite clubs become more aware of the importance of balancing sporting objectives & financial sustainability, I still see decisions at top clubs that appear reactive, with a lack of strategy to guide
✅Firing a Head Coach? Easy.
Even as elite clubs become more aware of the importance of balancing sporting objectives & financial sustainability, I still see decisions at top clubs that appear reactive, with a lack of strategy to guide
Match Dashboard: UCL - Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
October 22, 2025 at 3:55 AM
Match Dashboard: UCL - Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
🔃Update!
I have slightly refreshed the UI of my League Table tracker today, but more importantly added STAB beside each team. A score based on the Mean Absolute Change of each team's league position matchday to matchday to essentially measure the variance/stability of their league position.
I have slightly refreshed the UI of my League Table tracker today, but more importantly added STAB beside each team. A score based on the Mean Absolute Change of each team's league position matchday to matchday to essentially measure the variance/stability of their league position.
October 21, 2025 at 2:01 AM
🔃Update!
I have slightly refreshed the UI of my League Table tracker today, but more importantly added STAB beside each team. A score based on the Mean Absolute Change of each team's league position matchday to matchday to essentially measure the variance/stability of their league position.
I have slightly refreshed the UI of my League Table tracker today, but more importantly added STAB beside each team. A score based on the Mean Absolute Change of each team's league position matchday to matchday to essentially measure the variance/stability of their league position.
🚨 Data Scouting Case Study: CM Options for Real Madrid 🇪🇸
As the 25/26 season started, R. Madrid are only working with Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos and Camavinga as CMs. Yes, Bellingham (more attacking role), TAA and Alaba (injury prone) may slot in CM.
As the 25/26 season started, R. Madrid are only working with Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos and Camavinga as CMs. Yes, Bellingham (more attacking role), TAA and Alaba (injury prone) may slot in CM.
October 16, 2025 at 2:19 AM
🚨 Data Scouting Case Study: CM Options for Real Madrid 🇪🇸
As the 25/26 season started, R. Madrid are only working with Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos and Camavinga as CMs. Yes, Bellingham (more attacking role), TAA and Alaba (injury prone) may slot in CM.
As the 25/26 season started, R. Madrid are only working with Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos and Camavinga as CMs. Yes, Bellingham (more attacking role), TAA and Alaba (injury prone) may slot in CM.
🇦🇷Nico Paz has been one of the best players so far this season in Serie A. Even with a lower passing quantity + quality overall compared to other MFs in Serie A, his impact in terms of creation, progression and even shooting has been almost second to none in the league.
October 8, 2025 at 2:14 AM
🇦🇷Nico Paz has been one of the best players so far this season in Serie A. Even with a lower passing quantity + quality overall compared to other MFs in Serie A, his impact in terms of creation, progression and even shooting has been almost second to none in the league.
League tables are slowly starting to take shape! I just updated since my league table tracker and looking for feedback/suggestions/requests! Feel free to check it out and follow your favorite team's progress as the season goes along.
stevendabdoub.shinyapps.io/LeagueTables...
stevendabdoub.shinyapps.io/LeagueTables...
October 7, 2025 at 3:02 AM
League tables are slowly starting to take shape! I just updated since my league table tracker and looking for feedback/suggestions/requests! Feel free to check it out and follow your favorite team's progress as the season goes along.
stevendabdoub.shinyapps.io/LeagueTables...
stevendabdoub.shinyapps.io/LeagueTables...
Today, Ousmane Dembele won the #BallonDor after close competition from players such as Lamine Yamal, Raphina and Mo Salah.
👇Screenshots of the 4 players' performance dashboards last season (24/25) based on my web app.
👇Screenshots of the 4 players' performance dashboards last season (24/25) based on my web app.
September 23, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Today, Ousmane Dembele won the #BallonDor after close competition from players such as Lamine Yamal, Raphina and Mo Salah.
👇Screenshots of the 4 players' performance dashboards last season (24/25) based on my web app.
👇Screenshots of the 4 players' performance dashboards last season (24/25) based on my web app.
✅12 Completed Seasons
❌9 Different Coaches
❌1.73 Average Points per Game
❌Average League Position of 6th
❌Outrageous Average Salary Bills
❌9 Different Coaches
❌1.73 Average Points per Game
❌Average League Position of 6th
❌Outrageous Average Salary Bills
September 19, 2025 at 3:55 AM
✅12 Completed Seasons
❌9 Different Coaches
❌1.73 Average Points per Game
❌Average League Position of 6th
❌Outrageous Average Salary Bills
❌9 Different Coaches
❌1.73 Average Points per Game
❌Average League Position of 6th
❌Outrageous Average Salary Bills
🎯🇪🇸 Of course it's very early, but so far Cristhian Mosquera has been one of the main topics in Arsenal circles so far after his €15 million transfer from Valencia.
September 18, 2025 at 1:48 AM
🎯🇪🇸 Of course it's very early, but so far Cristhian Mosquera has been one of the main topics in Arsenal circles so far after his €15 million transfer from Valencia.
🇹🇷Kenan Yildiz has been one of the talks of the 25/26 season so far. Being mentioned along names such as Doue, Yamal and Dembele.... and with the start to the season he has had of course.
September 17, 2025 at 2:29 AM
🇹🇷Kenan Yildiz has been one of the talks of the 25/26 season so far. Being mentioned along names such as Doue, Yamal and Dembele.... and with the start to the season he has had of course.
Refreshed my League Performance MD Tracker for the 25/26 Season
Planning to also add the Champions League. If you have any feedback or requests for leagues, reach out!
Planning to also add the Champions League. If you have any feedback or requests for leagues, reach out!
September 15, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Refreshed my League Performance MD Tracker for the 25/26 Season
Planning to also add the Champions League. If you have any feedback or requests for leagues, reach out!
Planning to also add the Champions League. If you have any feedback or requests for leagues, reach out!
With the 2026 World Cup draw around the corner in December, prepare to be surprised. This World Cup might be one of the most intense, unbalanced and for some unfair, lucky or unlucky World Cups we’ve seen group-wise.
September 11, 2025 at 5:40 AM
With the 2026 World Cup draw around the corner in December, prepare to be surprised. This World Cup might be one of the most intense, unbalanced and for some unfair, lucky or unlucky World Cups we’ve seen group-wise.
The Athletic’s The Future of Football podcast — Is the Premier League’s dominance a problem? — is a must-listen with a comprehensive on- and off-the-field discussion of the current football ecosystem. It dives not only into the business side but also football operations.
September 10, 2025 at 2:15 AM
The Athletic’s The Future of Football podcast — Is the Premier League’s dominance a problem? — is a must-listen with a comprehensive on- and off-the-field discussion of the current football ecosystem. It dives not only into the business side but also football operations.
Parma's Benja Cremaschi, one of the most recent MLS exports to Europe. A talented player with huge potential, above average creator, dribbler and passer according to the data when compared with other MFs in Europe's Top 5 Leagues. Excited to see his progress.
September 9, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Parma's Benja Cremaschi, one of the most recent MLS exports to Europe. A talented player with huge potential, above average creator, dribbler and passer according to the data when compared with other MFs in Europe's Top 5 Leagues. Excited to see his progress.
Today, news broke that Nick Woltemade is on the verge for signing for Newcastle at €85 million fixed fee plus €5 million in add-ons. However, based on the data his xTV from TransferRoom is around 20 - 30 million. That is a massive gap between the xTV and the suggested fee.
August 29, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Today, news broke that Nick Woltemade is on the verge for signing for Newcastle at €85 million fixed fee plus €5 million in add-ons. However, based on the data his xTV from TransferRoom is around 20 - 30 million. That is a massive gap between the xTV and the suggested fee.
A common mistake made by many football fans and casual viewers as data emerges is to compare the results of a game to the xGs of the teams. However, considering expected goals (xG) at a single match level can be very misleading as a single match is subject to a lot of randomness.
August 28, 2025 at 2:48 AM
A common mistake made by many football fans and casual viewers as data emerges is to compare the results of a game to the xGs of the teams. However, considering expected goals (xG) at a single match level can be very misleading as a single match is subject to a lot of randomness.
✅ 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...
✅ 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...
Frankfurt are about to hit profits of €345m in six years just from selling strikers – this is how they do it
nytimes.com
July 25, 2025 at 1:31 AM
✅ 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...
✅ 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...
🔎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
🇫🇷 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
July 23, 2025 at 1:56 AM
🔎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
🇫🇷 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
One article on a transfer, with one simple lesson.
✅ Your network matters, and it always triumphs in this industry
www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
✅ Your network matters, and it always triumphs in this industry
www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
Thiago Almada's Atletico Madrid move sums up the transfer industry 2025
www.nytimes.com
July 22, 2025 at 2:34 AM
One article on a transfer, with one simple lesson.
✅ Your network matters, and it always triumphs in this industry
www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
✅ Your network matters, and it always triumphs in this industry
www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
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.
May 30, 2025 at 11:06 AM
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.
May 27, 2025 at 8:29 PM
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.
Reposted by Steven Dabdoub
⚽ 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)
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)
May 27, 2025 at 12:01 AM
⚽ 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)
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)