Player ratings in modern football are calculated using a combination of subjective assessments and advanced statistical data. Here’s a breakdown of how they typically work:

1. Basic Stats:

• Goals and Assists: Direct contributions to the scoreboard are weighted heavily. Scoring a goal or assisting one significantly boosts a player’s rating.
• Pass Completion Rate: A player’s passing accuracy, including the distance of passes and whether they lead to meaningful attacks, is often considered.
• Tackles and Interceptions: Defenders and defensive midfielders are rated based on their ability to win duels, make interceptions, and tackle effectively without fouling.
• Shots on Target/Created: For attacking players, how many shots on target they take and how many chances they create for teammates are crucial.
• Defensive Clearances: For defenders, the number of times they clear the ball from dangerous situations is also factored into their rating.

2. Advanced Stats:

• Expected Goals (xG): This stat predicts the likelihood of a shot turning into a goal, based on factors like shot location, angle, and type of pass leading to the shot. A higher xG typically indicates a more dangerous player.
• Expected Assists (xA): This measures the quality of a player’s passes that lead to shots, showing how often they contribute to creating scoring opportunities.
• Key Passes: A key pass is one that directly leads to a shot on goal. This stat highlights a player’s creative contribution.
• Dribbles and Successful Take-Ons: How well a player beats defenders in one-on-one situations is vital for wingers or attacking midfielders.
• Pressures and Tackles Won: These metrics track how effective a player is in pressing the opponent and winning the ball back.

3. Positional Context:

• Role on the Field: Ratings can also be influenced by a player’s role. For example, a forward’s rating will rely heavily on goals and assists, while a midfielder’s rating might focus more on passing, tackles, and interceptions.
• Defenders’ Impact: Defenders are assessed on clearances, blocks, tackles, aerial duels won, and their overall defensive positioning.
• Goalkeeper Ratings: For goalkeepers, key stats include saves, save percentage, clean sheets, and how they manage high-pressure situations.

4. Subjective Observations:

• Work Rate and Intensity: A player’s effort on and off the ball is important. A player who tracks back defensively or presses high up the pitch might receive a higher rating for their work ethic.
• Decision Making and Impact: A player’s ability to make crucial decisions, such as choosing the right pass, when to shoot, or when to hold possession, is often factored in.

5. External Influences:

• Match Impact: A goal in a crucial match or a key assist in a winning effort may have more significance than in a less competitive game.
• Press and Fan Ratings: Some websites and media outlets allow fans to rate players, and these can contribute to overall player ratings.

6. Tools and Software:

• Opta & StatsBomb: Companies like Opta and StatsBomb collect a vast amount of data, which analysts and clubs use to generate detailed player ratings.
• FIFA Video Game Ratings: Though not used for professional analysis, the FIFA video game ratings are a popular way to measure player performance based on in-game data, serving as an entertainment tool for fans.