How Artificial Intelligence and data are changing the world of football

The corner kick has always been an exciting moment in football, but now it can also be one of the most well-prepared aspects of the game thanks to artificial intelligence. Google DeepMind, in collaboration with Liverpool FC, has published an article in Nature Communications about their new AI tool, TacticAI, which can assist coaches in optimizing corner kick strategies. TacticAI predicts who will receive the ball at a corner kick and whether there will be a direct shot on goal, and analyzes how adjustments in player positioning can increase the chances of scoring.

This application of AI in football utilizes extensive data analysis of thousands of corner kicks from the English Premier League, enabling coaches to more precisely plan strategies. The system is not only programmed but also trained with large amounts of data to improve its predictions.

The impact of such technologies extends to the daily management of football teams, with data and AI increasingly being used to enhance performance and support tactical decisions. This is particularly seen in Premier League clubs with deep pockets and a background in data usage, like Liverpool. Clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City are also active in this area, partly due to their American owners who are familiar with the application of advanced analytics in sports.

The development of AI tools like TacticAI could ultimately lead to more systematic use of data analysis in training and match planning, transforming the strategic approach to set pieces such as corner kicks. While AI and data provide key tools, the study emphasizes that the intuition and decision-making of coaches and players remain essential in the sport.

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