Football analytics has evolved significantly, and data-driven decision-making has become a crucial part of the game. Comparisonator, an advanced football comparison tool powered by AI, provides in-depth performance analysis of players and teams across various leagues. This session covers how Comparisonator AI Ratings select the best XI, how teams’ actual point standings compare to AI-powered rankings, and the key metrics that determine player rankings.
Understanding AI-Powered Football Ratings vs. Traditional Points System
Football teams and players are traditionally evaluated based on their match points, goals, and assists. However, Comparisonator AI Ratings take a different approach by analyzing every action on the field, such as:
- Goalkeeper performance metrics (saves, shots against, expected goals prevented)
- Defensive contributions (ball recoveries, interceptions, clearances, pressing recoveries)
- Midfield play (progressive runs, passing accuracy, dribbles, final-third passes)
- Attacking efficiency (shots on target, expected goals, successful offensive actions)
These data points allow for a more precise evaluation of individual players and teams, beyond just points and goal differences.
UEFA Europa League – Best XI Based on AI Ratings
Comparisonator’s AI-selected best XI for the UEFA Europa League includes the top-performing players across multiple key metrics. Here’s a breakdown:
Goalkeeper:
Constantinos Tzolakis – Selected for:
✔️ Clean sheets
✔️ Goals conceded per match
✔️ Long shot save percentage
Defenders:
Left-Back: Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)
✔️ Ball recoveries
✔️ Passes to the final third
✔️ High defensive efficiency in 8 matches
Center-Backs:
- Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao) – Counter-pressing recoveries, interceptions, clearances
- Zeki Çelik (Roma) – Ball recoveries, successful duels
Right-Back: Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)
✔️ Best average ranking per 90 minutes
✔️ Defensive contributions
Midfielders:
Defensive Midfielder: Patrick Berg (Bodø/Glimt)
✔️ Ball recoveries
✔️ Counter-pressing recoveries
✔️ Pass interceptions
Central Midfielder: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
✔️ Key passes per match
✔️ Ball progression
Forwards & Attackers:
Left Winger: Pedro (Lazio)
✔️ Touches in the box
✔️ Shots on target
✔️ Progressive runs
Right Winger: Rabbi Matondo (Rangers)
✔️ Successful dribbles
✔️ Progressive attacking actions
Striker: Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
✔️ Leading goal-scorer
✔️ Best average points per 90 minutes
AI Rankings vs. Traditional Point Standings
Teams like Lyon were ranked 6th in the traditional table but 1st in AI-powered rankings due to individual contributions. Manchester United had a higher AI ranking than their actual points standing. This proves how AI identifies key contributors beyond just goal statistics.
UEFA Champions League – AI-Powered Best XI
In the UEFA Champions League, AI-based rankings also differ significantly from traditional point tables. Bayern Munich, for instance, topped the AI rankings due to their high number of successful actions, even though their real points didn’t reflect the same dominance.
Goalkeeper:
Mike Maignan (AC Milan) – Saves, shots against, expected goals prevented
Defenders:
Left-Back: Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
✔️ Goals & assists
✔️ Expected goal contributions
Center-Backs:
- Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) – High ball recoveries, interceptions
- Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) – Aerial duels won, defensive clearances
Right-Back: Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
✔️ Touches in the box
✔️ Expected assists
✔️ Progressive runs
Midfielders:
Defensive Midfielder: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
✔️ Most successful passes
✔️ Long passes to the final third
Central Midfielder: Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven)
✔️ AI rating leader among midfielders
Attacking Midfielder: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
✔️ Key dribbles & progressive play
Forwards & Attackers:
Right Winger: Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
✔️ Most successful dribbles
✔️ Top offensive actions
Left Winger: Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
✔️ Highest number of key passes
Striker: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
✔️ Most goals in the AI rankings
AI vs. Traditional Standings in Champions League
📊 Bayern Munich, despite not topping the real table, was ranked 1st in AI rankings due to their total number of actions rather than only goals and assists.
Why AI-Driven Football Analysis is the Future
🔹 More than just goals: AI evaluates defensive and tactical contributions that are often overlooked.
🔹 Scouting potential stars: Helps clubs identify underrated but high-performing players.
🔹 Objective, data-driven decisions: Avoids biases and ensures strategic squad building.
📢 Join the future of football analytics with Comparisonator! Whether you’re a club, scout, or football analyst, AI-powered performance evaluation will revolutionize the way you assess football talent.
🔥 Watch the full video for a deep dive into the AI-powered rankings and discover how data is shaping modern football!
