Statistical analysis continues to be ever present at the heart of innovation and growing at a rate of knots. This article takes a look at the latest version of arguably the biggest console game in the world, FIFA, how player ratings are generated and two stars in the making set to exceed their potential based on these stats.
Since EA Sports unleashed FIFA into the gaming universe in the 1990's, the game has continued to innovate and account for the smallest of details, leaving many of its competitors behind. One of the key indicators manager's look for in the game as we stand in 2014, is player ratings. Overall player ratings are generated on the back of seasonal data, accounting for a wide range of complexed statistics. Each player is also allocated a rating per attribute. There are six attributes allocated to each player. These differ depending on whether you are a Goalkeeper or outfield player. All of which are represented by a number out of 100.
The latest version of the game has Lionel Messi as the highest rated player in the world, with an overall rating of 94, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with a rating of 92. In reality, this is arguably a reflection of their perceived standings in the sport. However, in statistics, accuracy is dependent on sample size. Despite controversy already surrounding the player rating system, the largest flaw in the model is present upon where young players are on the verge of breaking into the first team.
Two players who fit into this category are Barcelona La Masia graduate Munir El Haddidi and AC Milan and Italian prodigy Hachim Mastour. 18 year old Munir is by no means new to those who follow Barcelona's academy, having proven himself through the clubs much acclaimed youth system since 2011. He got his chance in Barca's B team last campaign, making 11 appearances and scoring 4 goals. Under new first team coach Luis Enrique, Munir was promoted to the first team through the clubs pre season preparations and caught the eye with a fantastic performance against Mexican side Leon. Barcelona's first team kicked off their new season last night with a 3-0 victory against Elche, with Munir being handed his debut start for the club in a competitive fixture. He scored a brilliant goal with the outside of his left foot getting in between both centre backs with an outside in run topped by an impressive finish. With a current ranking in FIFA 14 of 63 and a potential ranking of 75, Munir is likely to exceed both ratings in the near future.
Hachim Mastour is a 16 year old attacking midfielder who can play number 10. He was transferred to the San Siro from Reggiana for 500,000 euros at the age of 14. Since then, he has performed at an
incomprehensible level in the Rossoneri youth ranks. Under 17's coach Omar Danesi had very kind words to say about the young talent in a recent interview with Gazzetta;
"It is impossible to take the ball from Hachim. He can run at breakneck speed. He has grown so much this year, especially in his work with the rest of the team. He is very young and there is a lot of scope for improvement. For the talent he has he is definitely a player to play at the San Siro [for Milan]. But he is very young and should be allowed to grow with calmness."
On May 18 2014, Mastour was included in Milan's squad for the first time at the age of 15, as the Italian giants took on Sassuolo at the San Siro. Milan won the game 2-1, with Mastour remaining an unused substitute. Since then, he has featured in multiple pre season matches for the Rossoneri first team, with an amazing assist against Monza in late July displaying his supreme ability on the ball and maturity far beyond his years.
With the 2014/15 Seria A campaign about to kick off, Mastour looks likely to get his chance in the first team this season, especially given the pending departure of Mario Balotelli. FIFA 14 has given him a potential player rating of 85. With the current game rankings, this would eventually propel him into the worlds top 40.
Sportonometrics Prediction: Munir and Mastour to both exceed their potential player ratings, with Mastour to break into the 90's under the current model. One thing is for sure, both will be a joy to watch for many years to come.
Since EA Sports unleashed FIFA into the gaming universe in the 1990's, the game has continued to innovate and account for the smallest of details, leaving many of its competitors behind. One of the key indicators manager's look for in the game as we stand in 2014, is player ratings. Overall player ratings are generated on the back of seasonal data, accounting for a wide range of complexed statistics. Each player is also allocated a rating per attribute. There are six attributes allocated to each player. These differ depending on whether you are a Goalkeeper or outfield player. All of which are represented by a number out of 100.
The latest version of the game has Lionel Messi as the highest rated player in the world, with an overall rating of 94, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with a rating of 92. In reality, this is arguably a reflection of their perceived standings in the sport. However, in statistics, accuracy is dependent on sample size. Despite controversy already surrounding the player rating system, the largest flaw in the model is present upon where young players are on the verge of breaking into the first team.
Two players who fit into this category are Barcelona La Masia graduate Munir El Haddidi and AC Milan and Italian prodigy Hachim Mastour. 18 year old Munir is by no means new to those who follow Barcelona's academy, having proven himself through the clubs much acclaimed youth system since 2011. He got his chance in Barca's B team last campaign, making 11 appearances and scoring 4 goals. Under new first team coach Luis Enrique, Munir was promoted to the first team through the clubs pre season preparations and caught the eye with a fantastic performance against Mexican side Leon. Barcelona's first team kicked off their new season last night with a 3-0 victory against Elche, with Munir being handed his debut start for the club in a competitive fixture. He scored a brilliant goal with the outside of his left foot getting in between both centre backs with an outside in run topped by an impressive finish. With a current ranking in FIFA 14 of 63 and a potential ranking of 75, Munir is likely to exceed both ratings in the near future.
Hachim Mastour is a 16 year old attacking midfielder who can play number 10. He was transferred to the San Siro from Reggiana for 500,000 euros at the age of 14. Since then, he has performed at an
incomprehensible level in the Rossoneri youth ranks. Under 17's coach Omar Danesi had very kind words to say about the young talent in a recent interview with Gazzetta;
"It is impossible to take the ball from Hachim. He can run at breakneck speed. He has grown so much this year, especially in his work with the rest of the team. He is very young and there is a lot of scope for improvement. For the talent he has he is definitely a player to play at the San Siro [for Milan]. But he is very young and should be allowed to grow with calmness."
On May 18 2014, Mastour was included in Milan's squad for the first time at the age of 15, as the Italian giants took on Sassuolo at the San Siro. Milan won the game 2-1, with Mastour remaining an unused substitute. Since then, he has featured in multiple pre season matches for the Rossoneri first team, with an amazing assist against Monza in late July displaying his supreme ability on the ball and maturity far beyond his years.
With the 2014/15 Seria A campaign about to kick off, Mastour looks likely to get his chance in the first team this season, especially given the pending departure of Mario Balotelli. FIFA 14 has given him a potential player rating of 85. With the current game rankings, this would eventually propel him into the worlds top 40.
Sportonometrics Prediction: Munir and Mastour to both exceed their potential player ratings, with Mastour to break into the 90's under the current model. One thing is for sure, both will be a joy to watch for many years to come.