I can't see a dedicated Matthew Benham thread, so sticking this in here:
View: https://x.com/HenshawAnalysis/status/1965734876709290201
Sitting alongside Matthew Benham and industry experts.
I wasn't sure I belonged on this panel.
Last week I spoke at the @RoyalStatSoc conference in Edinburgh.
Having never done a panel before, I felt completely out of my depth next to the Brentford owner.
But it became one of my most valuable learning experiences in football analytics.
Here's what I learned:
1) Data access is solving itself
Soon you'll upload match videos and get full event data.
Getting data is no longer an issue, using it effectively is.
2) Combining event and tracking data
Those who merge both datasets get complete context.
You need tracking data to see the bigger picture.
3) Online presence opens real doors
Even Benham reads social media and watches YouTube.
He mentioned René Marić and Spielverlagerung.
If he's reading analysis work online, who else is...?
4) Scouts provide irreplaceable context
Data models can't capture everything teams need.
Alignment between scouts, data, and coaches is vital.
But this might change in the future.
5) Step outside your comfort zone
Honestly, I nearly didn't go because I felt underqualified.
But it led to learning, new connections, and getting my name out there.
The key takeaway...
↓
Put yourself in rooms where you feel underqualified, that's where development happens.
Now tell me (I really want to know)...
Have you ever felt out of place at an industry event? Yes or no?
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Read all of this? Thank you.
Leave a comment to let me know how you think data has transformed football or repost if this was useful.
- Liam
