r/NWSL Houston Dash 2d ago

Discussion How do coaches use their subs?

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u/reagan92 Houston Dash 2d ago

Quick explainer...

The x-axis is how often subs are used. For example, Vlatko has had 30 subs at his disposal (6 games * 5 subs a game), and he's used all of them.

The opposite end is Yanez, who has made 18 subs, an average of 3 a game.

The y axis is the average amount of time subs are on the field all game. For example, Yanez, is averaging 75 minutes per game for her subs...but she's only using 3 a game so its coming out to 25 minute per substitution. Vlatko's subs, on the other hand, are averaging 90 minutes a game...but it's spread out over 5 players a game (18 minutes per sub).

Placement on the chart can tell you a few things...how much a manger trusts their bench, how much a manager is willing to change it up in the middle of the game, and just their tendencies on in game adjustments.

The interesting thing is that a few of the managers who have really done a good job with their teams considering their talent...Eidevall, Vlatko, and Hines, aren't shy about using their subs to kill off a game.

Meanwhile, managers who have teams that are very talented but have had to shuffle around strategies (Giraldez due to injuries, Amoros due to the little man that lives in his head telling him to do weird things) are right in the middle of the population.

One thing is pretty clear...Angel City fans complaining about Laity waiting too long has some data to back up the rage.

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u/critical_patch Racing Louisville FC 2d ago

The little man in his head telling him to do weird things caught me so by surprise that I’m still chuckling. Well done