Introducing the Role Continuity Evaluation System for Player Analysis
In 2022, I launched the Role Continuity Evaluation System (RCES) with a clear mission: to evaluate football players based on the qualities and skills that are vital for their specific roles on the pitch. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, RCES segments players into 20 distinct roles and compares them with others who share similar characteristics and team responsibilities. This article explains the principles behind Role Continuity, the rationale for its development, and how the system specifically informs the analysis of fullbacks.
The Origin and Philosophy Behind Role Continuity
Although the term ‘Role Continuity’ may sound reminiscent of organizational theory, its roots actually trace back to personality psychology. The key idea is that our traits and even outward personalities are shaped by the roles we regularly fulfill in various contexts. In the sporting world, this translates to the notion that footballers develop unique skills and strengths based on the responsibilities and positions they consistently occupy on the field. As athletes take on and perfect specific assignments game after game, these routines become core to their identity as players.
Evaluating Players on Role-Relevant Metrics
Translating this philosophy into football analysis, it becomes clear that evaluating players outside the context of their primary role provides limited insight. For example, expecting a fullback to match metrics typical of an attacking midfielder ignores the actual demands of their position. Similarly, using a single performance template across defenders, midfielders, and goalkeepers does not reflect the nuanced requirements of each role. The RCES instead focuses on evaluating players using the data and traits that truly matter for their regular positions. This ensures a more accurate and meaningful comparison.
Understanding Role Assignments Over Time
Players’ roles aren’t static—they can shift season by season or even match by match. RCES addresses this by examining which positions and responsibilities a player consistently undertakes for their team over longer periods. By tying each position to a tailored set of performance indicators, we capture not only where a player lines up but also what they actually contribute relative to their true job description. These job profiles evolve based on long-term observation of how players in similar roles perform above average in relevant metrics and areas.
How RCES Classifies and Analyzes Fullbacks
Fullbacks are a dynamic and multifaceted group within the role-based evaluation system. While there are three theoretical fullback types (Defensive Fullback, Inverted Fullback, and Wing-Back), RCES typically merges these into two primary groupings for the purposes of comparative databases and player rankings:
- Defensive/Inverted Fullbacks: These players tend to adopt more cautious field positions, with some prioritizing defensive solidity while others contribute to possession and build-up play. In modern football, it’s increasingly common for teams to have both an adventurous, attack-oriented fullback paired with one maintaining a defensive stance.
- Wing-Backs: Usually seen in teams deploying a back-three formation, wing-backs operate further up the flank, offering both width and attacking thrust. While defensive duties remain, attacking contributions are primary for these players.
The Nuances of Modern Fullback Roles
Modern tactical evolutions have introduced significant variability among fullbacks:
- In certain setups, players who are natural centre-backs shift out wide during possession, effectively serving as fullbacks in buildup phases before retreating to central roles defensively. Pep Guardiola’s use of defenders like John Stones and Bayern Munich’s deployment of Benjamin Pavard exemplify this dual-function approach.
- Some fullbacks invert into central midfield while in possession—a strategic move utilized by players like Trent Alexander-Arnold or Kyle Walker. Although such cases are notable, most “inverted” fullbacks hold more centralized, reserved positions in a team’s system, supporting progression from deep.
- Occasionally, a primarily defensive fullback will contribute minimally to possession or progression but will nonetheless operate in the same zones as their more creative counterparts. This justifies grouping Defensive and Inverted Fullbacks for certain analytic purposes.
Accounting for League and Team Success in Evaluation
A comprehensive analysis goes beyond individual statistics and includes team context. The RCES factors in a club’s competitive environment, weighting team and league strength based on difficulty and quality. Team achievements—like win/loss ratios, goal statistics (including expected goals for and against), clean sheets, and table finish—are built into the evaluation framework. This additional context improves the identification of players thriving in top-performing squads, supporting better decision-making for scouting and recruitment.
Integrating Data, Video, and the “Eye Test”
While advanced statistics and role-specific analytics form the backbone of the RCES, true player evaluation is never complete without direct observation. After identifying standout metrics, video analysis and the so-called “eye test” allow for a fuller assessment of positioning, decision-making, and adaptability that numbers alone can’t capture. This blended approach creates robust player reports—offering both clubs and analysts a multifaceted perspective when comparing and scouting talent.
How Clubs Use Custom Scouting Databases
Through data partnerships, RCES helps professional clubs bridge the gap between tailored analytics and practical scouting. By combining performance data with video analysis, these databases empower clubs to find prospects whose strengths align closely with the team’s playing philosophy and positional needs. This future-oriented system ensures a continuous pipeline of targeted player options.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Role Continuity Evaluation System represents a significant advancement in how football talent is analyzed and compared. By focusing on sustained roles and context-relevant metrics, RCES offers nuanced, actionable insights for both analysts and clubs. As tactical innovation continues to create new functional profiles within classic positions—especially among fullbacks—maintaining a role-driven approach is more valuable than ever.
In the coming weeks, I will share further insights into the RCES, including case studies and a behind-the-scenes look at how video-centric tools like Wyscout complement statistical analyses. For those interested in the specific metrics and methods used to compare fullbacks or for clubs aiming to enhance their scouting processes, professional consultations are available.
For deeper examples of the RCES in practice, or to explore how your club or analysis team might benefit from a more role-focused scouting system, stay tuned for upcoming articles or reach out for a personalized discussion.
