What does xG (expected goals) mean?

xG, or expected goals, is a statistic that rates the quality of a chance as a number between 0 and 1. It works by comparing a shot to thousands of past shots from similar positions and situations, then giving the probability that one like it ends in a goal.

What is a false 9 in football?

A false 9 is a centre-forward who drops deep into midfield instead of leading the line. The movement pulls central defenders out of position: if they follow, they leave space behind; if they hold, the false 9 is free to receive the ball and turn.

How does the offside rule work?

A player is in an offside position if they are nearer the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them. It only becomes an offence if they then get involved, so simply standing in an offside position is not punished.

What is VAR in football?

VAR, the Video Assistant Referee, is an official who reviews replays and advises the referee on the pitch. It can step in on four kinds of decision only: goals, penalties, straight red cards, and mistaken identity, and only to correct a clear and obvious error the referee has missed.

What is pressing (and gegenpressing)?

Pressing is when a team without the ball chases the opponent in possession, closing down passing lanes to force a mistake and win the ball back high up the pitch. Gegenpressing, German for counter-pressing, is the specific version of it: pressing immediately after losing the ball, before the opponent can settle and build an attack.

What is a loan with an obligation to buy?

A loan with an obligation to buy is a transfer structure in which a player moves to a club temporarily, but that club must sign them permanently once agreed conditions are met, such as appearances played or promotion. It differs from a loan with an option to buy, where the permanent deal is a choice, not a requirement.

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What does xG (expected goals) mean?: xG, or expected goals, is a statistic that rates the quality of a chance as a number between 0 and 1. It works by comparing a shot to thousands of past shots from similar positions and situations, then giving the probability that one like it ends in a goal.
What is a false 9 in football?: A false 9 is a centre-forward who drops deep into midfield instead of leading the line. The movement pulls central defenders out of position: if they follow, they leave space behind; if they hold, the false 9 is free to receive the ball and turn.
How does the offside rule work?: A player is in an offside position if they are nearer the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them. It only becomes an offence if they then get involved, so simply standing in an offside position is not punished.
What is VAR in football?: VAR, the Video Assistant Referee, is an official who reviews replays and advises the referee on the pitch. It can step in on four kinds of decision only: goals, penalties, straight red cards, and mistaken identity, and only to correct a clear and obvious error the referee has missed.
What is pressing (and gegenpressing)?: Pressing is when a team without the ball chases the opponent in possession, closing down passing lanes to force a mistake and win the ball back high up the pitch. Gegenpressing, German for counter-pressing, is the specific version of it: pressing immediately after losing the ball, before the opponent can settle and build an attack.
What is a loan with an obligation to buy?: A loan with an obligation to buy is a transfer structure in which a player moves to a club temporarily, but that club must sign them permanently once agreed conditions are met, such as appearances played or promotion. It differs from a loan with an option to buy, where the permanent deal is a choice, not a requirement.

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