Examining soccer players' productivity

The researchers applied advanced econometric techniques to a sample of 66
 top goal scorers in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)
Champions League between 1991 and 2011.

The study found that a player's height and being left footed had a positive
effect on the probability of scoring a goal - and that carefully timed
substitutions were crucial.

Unsurprisingly, the research also found evidence of a concave relationship
between age and productivity, which suggests that teams should be seeking
young goal scorers who are less than 25 years old. 

Dr Alberto Posso, Professor Tim Fry and Guillaume Galanos, from
RMIT's School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, have had their findings
published in the ‘Scottish Journal of Political Economy’.

"These results have important implications for managers both in looking to
sign on new players and to maximise their potential during a competitive
match," Dr Posso said.

"Recruiting top-quality strikers based on their previous performance may be
an imperfect strategy, when these players have been around for too long.

"Managers should be careful to pick players that are yet to peak."

Dr Posso said that, along with team selection, tactics need to be
implemented and conducted in a manner that enhanced the chances of a team
winning.

"Managers must carefully consider the timing of substitutions to
successfully influence a game's result," he said.

"Our research indicates that substituting a player at any time during a
match will not increase the team's probability of winning, all things being
equal.

"Our research showed player productivity reaches a peak late in a game.

"Managers should think twice about substituting players late in the second
half - when the productivity of their goal scorers will be at its highest."