# Manchester City's 650,000-Player Data Strategy

> City uses data to find hidden gems in a 650,000-player pool, signing players like Elliot Anderson who metrics initially overlooked.
- Title: Manchester City's 650,000-Player Data Strategy · BBC Sport
- Summary: City uses data to find hidden gems in a 650,000-player pool, signing players like Elliot Anderson who metrics initially overlooked. Data and scouting combine…
- Keywords: manchester city, data strategy, elliot anderson, premier league, hugo viana, transfer market, city data, scouting, radar chart, potential impact score, enzo marescia, julian alvarez
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cm1wx51gyly5o
- Published: 2026-09-24T09:31:22.67+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: manchester city, data strategy, elliot anderson, premier league, hugo viana, transfer market, city data, scouting, radar chart, potential impact score, enzo marescia, julian alvarez
## Data-Driven Player Search
Manchester City starts with a 650,000-player database to identify talent for transfers.
## Three-Step Player Evaluation
City assesses players by ability, overall characteristics, playing system, and manager's demands.
## Data Filters Narrow the Field
Data reduces 650,000 players to 20-50 names before scouting adds further context.
## Elliot Anderson's Case Study
Anderson was initially overlooked by metrics but his potential in City's high-press system made him a key signing.
## Radar Chart Analysis
Radar charts measure specific on-field metrics like defensive regains and line-breaking passes for player evaluation.
## The 650,000-Player Database
City's database includes players from around the world, with filters to find those matching their tactical needs.
## Data Meets Scouting
Scouts and data analysts work together to understand a player's potential beyond what metrics show.
## Julian Alvarez Signing
City signed Julian Alvarez for £14m after data showed he would develop into a top-tier midfielder within two years.
## Khusanov's Data Story
Abdukodir Khusanov improved his on-ball metrics significantly after joining City in January 2025.
## Manager Change Impact
The switch from Guardiola to Maresca didn't alter City's data approach, as both prioritize possession and high press.
## Selling Players Strategically
City uses data to spot declining trends early, selling players like De Bruyne before their performance drops.
## Age Reduction Strategy
City lowered their squad's average age to the third youngest in the Premier League while maintaining trophy-winning potential.
## Data's Role in Success
Data helps City identify players who thrive in their system, even when traditional metrics don't highlight their potential.
## The Balance of Data and Scouting
City's data and scouting teams work together to find players who fit both their system and the individual's potential.
## Future of City's Data
City's data system predicts their squad will peak in two to three years, keeping them title contenders.
## Data-Driven Squad Overhaul
After winning the Treble in 2023, City overhauled their squad using data to find players who fit their high-press system.
## Key takeaway

Data and scouting combine to identify players who thrive in City's high-press system, even when traditional metrics miss their potential.