The appetite for Opta data is not confined to the media, pundits and fans. Professional clubs also crave greater statistical insight in order to gain that crucial improvement in performance. Since 2012, OptaPro has been meeting that demand.
18 Premier League clubs, the majority of the Championship and over 200 clubs globally are now working with Opta data. It has steadily evolved into a huge and trusted operation.
It first began just six years ago, when Liverpool, Manchester City and Fulham recognised the value that Opta data could add to the process of performance analysis and scouting. Its early adoption by those three clubs led to more following, and the subsequent birth of OptaPro.
OptaPro’s growth coincided with the emergence of analysts as key members of staff at professional clubs. Some Premier League sides now employ up to 15. Coaches, analysts, heads of player recruitment, directors of football and chairmen all want the added assurance that their decisions (Who to play in midfield on Saturday? What are our next opponents’ weakness? Who’s the best ball-playing centre back in our price range?) are underpinned by statistical evidence.
OptaPro’s flexibility means they can offer a bespoke consultancy-style service which fits with each manager’s and club’s specific requirements. They provide not only the data, but the tools and ongoing support and expertise to help club staff understand it, and present it to coaches and players in a digestible, practical and enlightening way.
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