ICS Player Rating Methodology

Opta Stats is quite possibly the greatest thing to ever happen to USL. With the advancement of statistics in the league, we can further analyze clubs and their players.

One of the things that Opta stats enable is the creation of things like MLS’s player rating index, the Audi Player Index. We thought that we would bring a player rating methodology of our own to the USL, inspired by the Sky Sports EPL Player Rankings. A scale of points, weighted by a player’s position, have been given certain statistical categories according to Opta’s definitions.

Adding a weighted amount of points to 29 different categories, we come up with a combined total points that a player can earn per match. Over the course of the match, players earn points for different actions; something as small as completing a pass to much larger events like goals and saves. These points vary depending upon the position of a player.

For instance, a goal scored by a defender would be worth more than a goal scored by a forward, because it is less likely to happen. One example of this is as follows: a defender who scores and does nothing else is worth more than a defender with no goals, but eight tackles, five clearances, and five interceptions.

Another part of our rankings is that we cap our points. The lowest a player could earn in a match is -3000, which would have to be a truly dismal showing on the pitch. The highest a player could earn would 5000, although it is possible to earn higher than that from stellar performances. In cases where players who earn above 5000 are tied for a position, the spot will go to whoever earned more points, regardless of the 5000 point threshold.

The score you will see is usually just the score from one match. In cases where a club plays more one match in a week, a player's’ average rating from all matches will be used. This could lead to a potential pitfall, however, like if a player features in a really stellar outing for the first match in a week, then has a poor showing the next match that week.

In order for a player to be considered for the Team of the Month at the end of each month, they will need to make an appearance in at least three matches that month.

Each week, the best XI formation will be comprised of at least one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and two forwards, leaving us with two wild card players that can be added to any of the three available positions. A player who comes in as a substitute will be credited to whichever position the club lists the player - per the USL Official Site - not the position of the player he replaces on the pitch.

We hope that this formula provides a good idea of how well a player performs every week of the season. If certain categories appear to be over or under-weighted, necessary adjustments can be made.