Some of world football's smartest transfer strategies are anchored and driven by data analysis.
Liverpool are a top-line example; their work with numbers and models flagged up Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah (among others) as ideal additions to the team. That's brought them goals, profit and trophies—in that order.
But most of Europe's top order are incorporating data into their hunt for signings in some way, shape or form. And we're not talking publically available data—shots, tackles and clearances per game, and the like—we're talking advanced data and specific algorithms, designed to measure players from the Champions League down to South Korea's second tier against one another.