Ryan Benson
@rbenson92.bsky.social
Data Journalist at Opta Analyst ⚽📊 | Reporter at two World Cups 🇷🇺🇶🇦 | Enjoyer of rock music and beer 🎸🍻 |📍 West Yorkshire
https://theanalyst.com/author/ryan-benson
https://theanalyst.com/author/ryan-benson
Mason Mount's best game for United. So good.
December 8, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Mason Mount's best game for United. So good.
This has been absolutely pitiful from United. Wolves dreadful but United just don't look interested. Cunha and Mbeumo probably the worst of the bunch.
December 8, 2025 at 8:49 PM
This has been absolutely pitiful from United. Wolves dreadful but United just don't look interested. Cunha and Mbeumo probably the worst of the bunch.
Peter Drury said "parish". Everyone drink.
December 4, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Peter Drury said "parish". Everyone drink.
Reposted by Ryan Benson
𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐔𝐭𝐝: 𝐒𝐞𝐭-𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬?!
It wasn't so long ago that Man Utd were one of the least-inspiring sides in the Premier League when it came to attacking set-pieces.
Now, they're one of the most effective. How?
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
It wasn't so long ago that Man Utd were one of the least-inspiring sides in the Premier League when it came to attacking set-pieces.
Now, they're one of the most effective. How?
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
‘Good Artists Copy, Great Artists Steal’: How Ruben Amorim Turned Man Utd Into Set-Piece Specialists | Opta Analyst
Under Erik ten Hag, Man Utd were one of the least-inspiring teams in the Premier League at set-pieces. Things have changed since Ruben Amorim arrived.
theanalyst.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:33 PM
𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐔𝐭𝐝: 𝐒𝐞𝐭-𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬?!
It wasn't so long ago that Man Utd were one of the least-inspiring sides in the Premier League when it came to attacking set-pieces.
Now, they're one of the most effective. How?
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
It wasn't so long ago that Man Utd were one of the least-inspiring sides in the Premier League when it came to attacking set-pieces.
Now, they're one of the most effective. How?
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
United's resilience makes a nice change though. Four games in a row that they've scored in 81st minute or later, three of them result-altering goals.
November 8, 2025 at 2:32 PM
United's resilience makes a nice change though. Four games in a row that they've scored in 81st minute or later, three of them result-altering goals.
United appalling in the second half. So passive and unimaginative in attack... But defeat would've been harsh.
November 8, 2025 at 2:25 PM
United appalling in the second half. So passive and unimaginative in attack... But defeat would've been harsh.
Really enjoyable story to work on, and great to speak to some of the people involved.
𝐀 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜-𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧
Mjällby, who play in a village with a population of 1,500, won the Allsvenskan title on Monday.
A modest budget, unfashionable surroundings and a journey back from the brink; it's a success that defies all logic.
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/mja...
Mjällby, who play in a village with a population of 1,500, won the Allsvenskan title on Monday.
A modest budget, unfashionable surroundings and a journey back from the brink; it's a success that defies all logic.
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/mja...
The Village Club Who Conquered Sweden: Mjällby’s Miraculous Journey From Existential Crisis to Logic-Defying Glory | Opta Analyst
Mjällby, who play their football in a village with a population of about 1,500, won the Swedish top-flight title on Monday. How did they manage to defy all logic?
theanalyst.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Really enjoyable story to work on, and great to speak to some of the people involved.
Unfortunately Harry Maguire's winner has been ruined as I've seen non-Americans referring to it as "clutch". A real shame 😞
October 20, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Unfortunately Harry Maguire's winner has been ruined as I've seen non-Americans referring to it as "clutch". A real shame 😞
Reposted by Ryan Benson
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐱𝐆 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬
Periodically through the 2025-26 Premier League season, we'll delve into Opta's xG-powered metrics to go beyond goals, assists and clean sheets.
Who's excelling? Who isn't? Which teams have been lucky? Which have been unlucky?
The xG Files are open...
theanalyst.com/articles/the...
Periodically through the 2025-26 Premier League season, we'll delve into Opta's xG-powered metrics to go beyond goals, assists and clean sheets.
Who's excelling? Who isn't? Which teams have been lucky? Which have been unlucky?
The xG Files are open...
theanalyst.com/articles/the...
The xG Files: Investigating the Premier League's Early-Season Outliers | Opta Analyst
After the first three matchdays of the 2025-26 Premier League season, we open The xG Files to break down the numbers behind the early performers.
theanalyst.com
September 12, 2025 at 12:49 PM
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐱𝐆 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬
Periodically through the 2025-26 Premier League season, we'll delve into Opta's xG-powered metrics to go beyond goals, assists and clean sheets.
Who's excelling? Who isn't? Which teams have been lucky? Which have been unlucky?
The xG Files are open...
theanalyst.com/articles/the...
Periodically through the 2025-26 Premier League season, we'll delve into Opta's xG-powered metrics to go beyond goals, assists and clean sheets.
Who's excelling? Who isn't? Which teams have been lucky? Which have been unlucky?
The xG Files are open...
theanalyst.com/articles/the...
Reposted by Ryan Benson
Well done to @optaanalyst.optajoe.com named Website of the Year (Specialist/B2B) for 2025! #FutureMediaAwards sponsored by Stibo DX
September 11, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Well done to @optaanalyst.optajoe.com named Website of the Year (Specialist/B2B) for 2025! #FutureMediaAwards sponsored by Stibo DX
Only five clubs in the top five leagues didn't pay a single transfer fee during the summer window (according to Transfermarkt):
Heidenheim, Le Havre, Angers, Genoa and Sevilla.
The absolute state of Sevilla's window:
Heidenheim, Le Havre, Angers, Genoa and Sevilla.
The absolute state of Sevilla's window:
September 2, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Only five clubs in the top five leagues didn't pay a single transfer fee during the summer window (according to Transfermarkt):
Heidenheim, Le Havre, Angers, Genoa and Sevilla.
The absolute state of Sevilla's window:
Heidenheim, Le Havre, Angers, Genoa and Sevilla.
The absolute state of Sevilla's window:
Reposted by Ryan Benson
𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞: 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫
Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Stuttgart's giant of a centre-forward, Nick Woltemade.
But don't let his enormous frame trick you into thinking he's a certain type of forward.
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/nic...
Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Stuttgart's giant of a centre-forward, Nick Woltemade.
But don't let his enormous frame trick you into thinking he's a certain type of forward.
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/nic...
Newcastle's Coup: Silky Giant Nick Woltemade Is a Reminder to Not Judge a Book by Its Cover | Opta Analyst
Newcastle are close to signing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. Coveted by Bayern Munich, the Germany international's arrival would be an exciting addition.
theanalyst.com
August 29, 2025 at 5:32 PM
𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞: 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫
Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Stuttgart's giant of a centre-forward, Nick Woltemade.
But don't let his enormous frame trick you into thinking he's a certain type of forward.
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/nic...
Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Stuttgart's giant of a centre-forward, Nick Woltemade.
But don't let his enormous frame trick you into thinking he's a certain type of forward.
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/nic...
Reposted by Ryan Benson
𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬
He'll need to do more than tame Wolves to be truly anointed Kevin De Bruyne's heir at Manchester City.
But Tijjani Reijnders' Premier League debut couldn't have been much better as the Dutchman produced a classy showing.
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/wol...
He'll need to do more than tame Wolves to be truly anointed Kevin De Bruyne's heir at Manchester City.
But Tijjani Reijnders' Premier League debut couldn't have been much better as the Dutchman produced a classy showing.
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/wol...
Wolves 0-4 Man City Stats: Inspirational Reijnders Steps Into De Bruyne’s Shoes on Classy Debut | Opta Analyst
Tijjani Reijnders stole the show on his Manchester City debut. See how he played a vital role in a big win at Molineux with our Wolves vs Man City stats page.
theanalyst.com
August 16, 2025 at 7:06 PM
𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬
He'll need to do more than tame Wolves to be truly anointed Kevin De Bruyne's heir at Manchester City.
But Tijjani Reijnders' Premier League debut couldn't have been much better as the Dutchman produced a classy showing.
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/wol...
He'll need to do more than tame Wolves to be truly anointed Kevin De Bruyne's heir at Manchester City.
But Tijjani Reijnders' Premier League debut couldn't have been much better as the Dutchman produced a classy showing.
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/wol...
Seems I've picked up about 90 followers in the past 24 hours. So, firstly, hiya. Secondly, in the interest of appeasing the fans and acknowledging the start of the Premier League today, this is a thread of some pieces I've particularly enjoyed working on for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com recently...
August 15, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Seems I've picked up about 90 followers in the past 24 hours. So, firstly, hiya. Secondly, in the interest of appeasing the fans and acknowledging the start of the Premier League today, this is a thread of some pieces I've particularly enjoyed working on for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com recently...
Reposted by Ryan Benson
𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡
Ever wondered which leagues and clubs put the most faith in young players? Well, @rbenson92.bsky.social has an article for that...
🏆 Youthful champions
🛣️ Consistent route to first team
🏡 Homegrown lifelines
👴 Experience preference
⬇️
theanalyst.com/articles/you...
Ever wondered which leagues and clubs put the most faith in young players? Well, @rbenson92.bsky.social has an article for that...
🏆 Youthful champions
🛣️ Consistent route to first team
🏡 Homegrown lifelines
👴 Experience preference
⬇️
theanalyst.com/articles/you...
Which European Leagues and Clubs Put Most Faith in Young Players? | Opta Analyst
Ever wondered how attitudes and priorities relating to young players vary across Europe? Well, wonder no longer...
theanalyst.com
July 19, 2025 at 10:27 AM
𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡
Ever wondered which leagues and clubs put the most faith in young players? Well, @rbenson92.bsky.social has an article for that...
🏆 Youthful champions
🛣️ Consistent route to first team
🏡 Homegrown lifelines
👴 Experience preference
⬇️
theanalyst.com/articles/you...
Ever wondered which leagues and clubs put the most faith in young players? Well, @rbenson92.bsky.social has an article for that...
🏆 Youthful champions
🛣️ Consistent route to first team
🏡 Homegrown lifelines
👴 Experience preference
⬇️
theanalyst.com/articles/you...
Reposted by Ryan Benson
𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞-𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
🔓 "Freedom"
🧬 Genetics
⚖️ Socio-economic factors
🧠 'Vision'
After Scandinavian players scored more goals than ever (on record) in 2024-25, @rbenson92.bsky.social explored how they are developing youngsters in the region... ⬇️
theanalyst.com/articles/sca...
🔓 "Freedom"
🧬 Genetics
⚖️ Socio-economic factors
🧠 'Vision'
After Scandinavian players scored more goals than ever (on record) in 2024-25, @rbenson92.bsky.social explored how they are developing youngsters in the region... ⬇️
theanalyst.com/articles/sca...
How Scandinavia Became the Centre-Forward Capital of Men's Football | Opta Analyst
There's a school of thought that the number nine is "dying out", but Norway, Sweden and Denmark are doing their best as conservationists.
theanalyst.com
July 16, 2025 at 4:30 PM
𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞-𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
🔓 "Freedom"
🧬 Genetics
⚖️ Socio-economic factors
🧠 'Vision'
After Scandinavian players scored more goals than ever (on record) in 2024-25, @rbenson92.bsky.social explored how they are developing youngsters in the region... ⬇️
theanalyst.com/articles/sca...
🔓 "Freedom"
🧬 Genetics
⚖️ Socio-economic factors
🧠 'Vision'
After Scandinavian players scored more goals than ever (on record) in 2024-25, @rbenson92.bsky.social explored how they are developing youngsters in the region... ⬇️
theanalyst.com/articles/sca...
Reposted by Ryan Benson
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐎𝐮𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 💎
Although a potential move to Crystal Palace has gone quiet, Diomande remains a hot topic.
Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle have all been linked with the Sporting CP defender - but why?
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/ous...
Although a potential move to Crystal Palace has gone quiet, Diomande remains a hot topic.
Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle have all been linked with the Sporting CP defender - but why?
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/ous...
Why Ousmane Diomande Is Among Europe’s Most-Coveted Centre-Backs This Summer | Opta Analyst
Ousmane Diomande is being linked with numerous Premier League clubs this summer. Here, we look at what he'll offer if he does arrive on English shores.
theanalyst.com
June 25, 2025 at 9:16 AM
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐎𝐮𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 💎
Although a potential move to Crystal Palace has gone quiet, Diomande remains a hot topic.
Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle have all been linked with the Sporting CP defender - but why?
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/ous...
Although a potential move to Crystal Palace has gone quiet, Diomande remains a hot topic.
Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle have all been linked with the Sporting CP defender - but why?
✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/articles/ous...
Reposted by Ryan Benson
𝐙𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐝?
Simple, unflashy and selfless. Martín Zubimendi may not bring attacking flair to Arsenal.
But his arrival could be pivotal in maximising the influence of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
theanalyst.com/articles/mar...
Simple, unflashy and selfless. Martín Zubimendi may not bring attacking flair to Arsenal.
But his arrival could be pivotal in maximising the influence of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
theanalyst.com/articles/mar...
Martín Zubimendi Could be the Key to Arsenal Freeing up Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard | Opta Analyst
Arsenal are supposedly close to signing Spain midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Here, we analyse why he could be a shrewd acquisition by the Gunners.
theanalyst.com
June 12, 2025 at 2:29 PM
𝐙𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐝?
Simple, unflashy and selfless. Martín Zubimendi may not bring attacking flair to Arsenal.
But his arrival could be pivotal in maximising the influence of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
theanalyst.com/articles/mar...
Simple, unflashy and selfless. Martín Zubimendi may not bring attacking flair to Arsenal.
But his arrival could be pivotal in maximising the influence of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
theanalyst.com/articles/mar...
Is there a more damning indictment in football than the referee allowing only 6 seconds of stoppage time?
May 31, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Is there a more damning indictment in football than the referee allowing only 6 seconds of stoppage time?
This.
How can anyone have any faith that United get £80m and then spend it all well? There's absolutely no evidence to suggest they would, and then you're also without your one genuine star who the team should be built around.
How can anyone have any faith that United get £80m and then spend it all well? There's absolutely no evidence to suggest they would, and then you're also without your one genuine star who the team should be built around.
The case for selling Bruno being a good idea feels like it requires an almost delusional leap of faith to me. This isn’t the Coutinho situation I’m seeing it compared to, not even close
May 30, 2025 at 10:32 AM
This.
How can anyone have any faith that United get £80m and then spend it all well? There's absolutely no evidence to suggest they would, and then you're also without your one genuine star who the team should be built around.
How can anyone have any faith that United get £80m and then spend it all well? There's absolutely no evidence to suggest they would, and then you're also without your one genuine star who the team should be built around.
Why has "club-to-club talks" become such a thing? What's wrong with "talks" by itself?
May 27, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Why has "club-to-club talks" become such a thing? What's wrong with "talks" by itself?
Why don't players get booked for diving anymore?
May 16, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Why don't players get booked for diving anymore?
Mark Clattenburg in embarrassing form here. Love to see (hear) it.
May 6, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Mark Clattenburg in embarrassing form here. Love to see (hear) it.
Reposted by Ryan Benson
Jamie Vardy becomes first Premier League player to blow the referee's whistle... probably.
📸Alex Pantling | Getty
📸Alex Pantling | Getty
May 3, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Jamie Vardy becomes first Premier League player to blow the referee's whistle... probably.
📸Alex Pantling | Getty
📸Alex Pantling | Getty