In football (soccer), substitutes are often rated differently than starting players due to various factors that influence their performance and the context in which they enter the game. These differences in ratings stem from the role substitutes play during a match, the time they have to impact the game, and the overall expectations placed on them. Let’s explore how substitutes are rated compared to starting players:

1. Impact of Playing Time

• Starting Players: Starting players have the full 90 minutes (or more, in the case of extra time) to impact the game. Their performance is judged based on their contribution over the course of the match, including their involvement in both attacking and defensive actions.
• Substitutes: Substitutes, on the other hand, typically have less time to showcase their abilities, especially if they come on late in the game. As a result, their ratings are often reflective of how much they influence the game in a limited time frame. A late goal or key assist can lead to high ratings, even if they played for only a short period.

Rating Differences:

• Substitutes often have less time to accumulate statistics like key passes, tackles, or interceptions. Therefore, their rating might be skewed higher if they make an immediate impact (e.g., scoring a goal or providing an assist) within the limited minutes they play.
• On the other hand, if a substitute has little to no impact on the game, their rating might reflect their shorter involvement and be lower compared to a starter who has a more consistent presence.

2. Role of Substitutes

• Tactical Impact: Substitutes are often brought on to change the dynamic of the game. A coach may bring in a player for offensive reasons (e.g., to chase a goal) or for defensive purposes (e.g., to protect a lead). The effectiveness of a substitute is often judged based on how well they fulfill the intended tactical role.
• Starting Players: Starting players are often expected to perform a more comprehensive role, contributing across all phases of the game from the outset.

Rating Differences:

• If a substitute is brought on for an attacking purpose and scores or creates a crucial chance, they are likely to receive a higher rating than a starting player who performs poorly or doesn’t have a significant impact.
• Conversely, a substitute brought on to defend and successfully helps secure a result, such as making a vital clearance or preventing a goal, might receive a higher rating for that limited action compared to a starting player who doesn’t make any key defensive contributions.

3. Game Context

• Substitutes in Losing Teams: A substitute coming on for a team that is losing may be under more pressure to perform quickly and make an impact, and their rating will often reflect how well they handle that challenge.
• Substitutes in Winning Teams: A substitute coming on for a team that is winning might have a less significant role. Their rating will depend on whether they maintain the team’s performance level, contribute offensively, or help preserve the lead.
• Starting Players in Both Contexts: A starting player might be involved in the key moments of the game, whether their team is winning or losing. Their performance is evaluated over a longer period, considering all aspects of their play, from buildup to final moments.

Rating Differences:

• A substitute who performs well in a crucial moment (e.g., scoring in the dying minutes or making a key clearance) might receive a higher rating than a starting player who had a solid but less influential performance. This is because substitutes are often judged based on their ability to influence the match in key moments.

4. Statistical Considerations

• Statistical Metrics: Ratings are often based on statistical performance metrics such as goals, assists, key passes, tackles, interceptions, and dribbles. Substitutes, with limited playing time, have fewer opportunities to accumulate these statistics.
• Advanced Metrics: Some advanced player rating systems (like WhoScored or SofaScore) adjust ratings based on the number of minutes played. A substitute who scores in a brief appearance might have an artificially high rating compared to a starter who played 90 minutes but didn’t score.

Rating Differences:

• Substitutes often have an advantage if they are involved in a game-changing action (e.g., scoring, assisting, or making an important defensive play) in a limited time. Their rating can be disproportionately high compared to their playing time.
• Starting players are expected to maintain a consistent level of performance across the full match, which means their rating is more likely to reflect their overall contribution.

5. Perception of Performance

• Expectations: There tends to be lower expectations for substitutes, especially if they come on late in the game. A substitute who scores or makes a key assist is often seen as having had a more outstanding performance than a starting player who did not contribute significantly.
• Starting Players: Starting players are under greater pressure to consistently perform, and a poor performance over 90 minutes is more noticeable than a poor performance from a substitute who only plays for a short time.

Rating Differences:

• Substitutes can often have higher ratings for making the most of a limited opportunity, such as scoring a goal or making a decisive pass, compared to a starting player who was less involved.
• Starting players tend to have a more balanced rating, reflecting their sustained contribution over the full match.

6. Examples of Substitutes with High Ratings

• In major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or Champions League, substitutes often grab headlines with key moments of brilliance. For instance, Kylian Mbappé in the 2022 World Cup final or Díego Forlán during the 2010 World Cup, who came off the bench and had an immediate impact, often receive high ratings for their limited but decisive contributions.
• A classic example is Ole Gunnar Solskjær in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final, where his late goal made him a hero and earned him a very high rating despite only playing a short amount of time.