Desenvolvimento, validação e aplicação da fórmula Defensive Golden Index para a análise de jogadores de Futebol em Fase Defensiva. Estudo da equipa sénior do Futbol Club Barcelona

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop, validate and apply a new formula called Defensive Golden Index (DGI). This work intended to i) identify the most valorous players (Defensive Golden Players (DGP)) in the defensive phase; ii) investigate the influence of the situational variable (quality of opponent) in individual performance of the players in defensive phase; and iii) to investigate the influence of match location in the different competition phases. The first article included reflects the methodological procedures used to validate the DGI formula. For its construction, 12 variables were selected regarding tactical-technical actions of players in defensive phase. Through a questionnaire applied to 11 experts, we obtained the answers that allowed to build and validate the formula. The DGI formula was applied to a total of 80 games of Futbol Club Barcelona (FCB) first team. In the Spanish league 2018/19, were analyzed 38 matches, and in UEFA Champions League 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 were analyzed 42 matches. During the DGI application, the objective was to identify and classify the defensive performance of FCB players according to the variables of the quality of opponents (article 1), match location and competition phase (article 2). It was found that Gerard Pique (right center back) was considered as DGP of FCB in Spanish League 2018/2019 season, in matches against medium and low-level opponents. In turn, Clement Lenglet (left center-back) was the DGP against high level opponents. Regardless of the level of the opponent, the players in the central path showed better defensive performances (Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Sergio Busquets). In UEFA Champions League, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, in home matches, Gerard Piqué was considered the DGP in total matches and in the playoffs stage. In group stage, Javier Mascherano was the DGP. In away matches, in total matches and group stage, Daniel Alves was considered the DGP, while in playoffs Arturo Vidal was the DGP. The defensive golden players (DGP), in away matches, played mostly in the lateral paths. The DGI proves to be useful for identifying and classifying players in the defensive phase, thus contributing to a superior knowledge of the team and players also contributing to the superior planning of training and competition.