Opta Live gives Rich access to advanced stats and modern performance metrics, but he focuses on making them usable rather than overwhelming. Using an Everton attacking-thirds example (courtesy of Opta), he shows how to turn complex metrics into simple, meaningful insights – such as:
- Pressure intensity: how aggressively a team presses the player in possession
- Expected goals: the likelihood a chance should result in a goal
- Line-breaking passes: passes that successfully cut through opposition lines
These advanced metrics open up storytelling angles that simply weren’t possible before, revealing patterns that traditional stats can’t capture. They allow Rich to enhance his commentary with new perspectives and give viewers a deeper understanding of what’s happening on the pitch.
