Past, present and future of goal scoring analysis in professional soccer (Pasado, presente y futuro del análisis de goles en el fútbol profesional)

Abstract. The aim of this theoretical review is to summarize the key performance indicators and contextual variables that have been related to goal scoring in soccer, as well as to discuss the new perspectives and future challenges for the development of research studies on this topic. Firstly, situational variables such as match location, time of the game, opponent level, as well as match status have been shown to have an influence on goal scoring. Secondly, tactical factors such as the team possession type of start, starting zone, initial opponent positioning, type of attack, pass number per possession, type of assist, finishing zone and type of finishing have been described as performanc…