The Opta Points - Explained
The Opta Poins is a comprehensive player metric for soccer that evaluates a player's overall contribution to the game.
The scoring system distinguishes only between field players and goalkeepers, assigning the same number of points to all field players for corresponding actions. A distinctive feature of this system is its exclusive focus on in-game actions, refraining from awarding points for post-game performances, such as securing a victory or allocating bonus points for maintaining a clean sheet.
Positive actions (goals, passes, tackles, etc…) will add to a player’s score and, conversely, negative actions (cards, own goals, goals conceded) will reduce a player’s points total. Theoretically, a player's points value is unlimited, and players can conclude a game with negative points. However, players who complete the full game duration on the field typically end up with a point total ranging from 10 to 40 points.
| Stats |
Player |
Goalkeeper |
Total Points |
| Goals (G) |
10 |
10 |
14 (G+SOnT) |
| Shots on target (SOnT) |
4 | 4 | |
| Shots off target (SOffT) |
2 | 2 | |
| Blocked shots (BS) |
2 | 2 | |
| Own goal (OG) |
-5 | -5 | |
| Assists (A) |
6 | 6 | |
| Passes (P) |
0.2 | 0.2 | |
| Crosses (C) |
0.2 | 0.2 | |
| Tackles (Tk) |
2 | 2 | |
| Interceptions (INT) |
2 | 2 | |
| Fouls won (FW) |
1 | 1 | |
| Fouls conceded (FC) |
-1 | -1 | |
| Offsides (O) |
-1 | -1 | |
| Yellow cards (YC) |
-2 | -2 | |
| Red cards (RC) |
-5 | -5 | |
| Goals conceded (GC) |
-1 | -6 | |
| Penalties won (PW) |
4 | 4 | |
| Saves (SAV) |
| 5 | |
| Pen Saved (PS) |
| 5 | 10 (SAV+PS) |
Assists
The final touch from a teammate, which leads to the recipient of the ball scoring a Goal. If the assist is deflected by an opposition player, it must be deemed as travelling to the Goal-scorer irrespective of the deflection. In the event of an own Goal, direct free kick Goal and direct corner Goal, an assist will not be awarded. This same rule applies to penalties unless the penalty taker chooses to pass the ball for another player to score. Also see 'Fantasy Assist.'
Cards
Cards are collected as yellow, 2nd yellow or red card. We cross-check cards against official sources to match the official statistics and will align our collection unless there is recognition of a clear error.
Crosses
A ball played from a wide position targeting a teammate(s) in a central area within proximity to the Goal. The delivery must have an element of lateral movement from a wider position to more central area in front of Goal.
Foul won
A Foul Won is defined when a player wins a free kick or penalty for their team after being fouled by an opposing player. There are no fouls won for a handball, dive, back pass, illegal restart, dissent, GK 6-second violation or obstruction where a free kick is conceded.
Foul conceded
A Foul Conceded is defined as any infringement penalised as foul play by a referee that results in a free-kick or penalty event. Offsides are not given as a foul conceded. Incidents where a match official has played advantage and subsequently cautioned a player, do not contribute towards the total foul count for the player or team. In these scenarios a free-kick or penalty event must occur for a foul to be awarded.
Goal/Own Goal
Attributing a Goal to the Goal scoring player, or in the case of an Own Goal, to the defending player. Given any contention around assigning a Goal to an appropriate player, Opta will apply their own rules, and when applicable will align decisions to the relevant official competition, governing body.
Interception
This is where a player reads an opponent’s pass and intercepts the ball by moving into the line of the intended pass.
Offside
An event attributed to the player deemed to be in an offside position when a free kick is awarded. If two or more players are in an offside position when the ball is played, the player considered to be most actively involved is given offside.
Passes
The attempted delivery of the ball from one player to another player on the same team. A player can use any part of their body (permitted in the laws of the game), to execute a pass. Event categorisation includes open play passes, Goal kicks, corners and free kicks played as a pass. Crosses, keeper throws, and throw ins do not count as a pass.
Penalty (Won, Conceded and Taken)
Attributing a series of sequential penalty events to both appropriate team and player. Collection comprising; Penalty Won, Penalty Conceded and Penalty Taken.
Shot
A shot is defined as any goal attempt.
Shot on target
A deliberate attempt to score that is on target. Includes all Goals being scored and shots on target saved by the Goalkeeper. It also includes shots on target that are Blocked by a last line defending player, preventing the ball from entering the Goal. Also See 'Shot Off Target.'
Shot off target
A deliberate attempt to score that misses the target, without contact from a player diverting the ball from on target to off target. A shot hitting the frame of the Goal is classified as a Shot Off Target unless the ball subsequently enters the net. A Blocked Shot is not classified as a Shot Off Target. Also see 'Shot on Target.'
Tackle
A tackle is defined when a player connects with the ball in a legal, ground level challenge and successfully takes the ball away from the opposition player. The tackled player must be in controlled possession of the ball to be tackled by an opposition player. Both Tackle Won and Lost are categorised as tackles, but the outcome of the tackle (won or lost) is different based on where the ball goes after the tackle.
Save
A Goalkeeper preventing the ball from entering the Goal with any part of their body when facing an intentional attempt from an opposition player.
Saves have the following attributes:
- Body part - Hands/Feet/Body/Fist
- Save type - Caught/Collected/Parried Safe/Parried Danger/Fumble/Fingertip
- Goalkeeper position - Diving/Standing/Sliding/Reaching/Stooping
This includes:
- This includes unintentional or misplaced efforts on target from a Goalkeeper’s own teammates, but only if the intervention is not perceived to be a routine collection of the ball.
- If after a Goalkeeper’s intervention, a more prominent defensive action from a teammate prevents the ball from entering the Goal, this will be categorised as a Block for the teammate, not a Save for the Goalkeeper.
- If the ball goes behind the Goal because of a Goalkeeper intervention, the match officials must award a corner for it to be recognised as a Save.
Penalty Save
A Goalkeeper preventing the ball from entering the Goal with any part of their body when facing a penalty from an opposition player.
