Football--the most mathematical of sports. From shot statistics and league tables to the geometry of passing and managerial strategy, the modern game is filled with numbers, patterns and shapes. How do we make sense of them? The answer lies in modelling--mathematical processes more usually applied in biology, physics and economics. This book brings football and mathematics together in a mind-bending synthesis, using numbers to help reveal the inner workings of the beautiful game.

The kick-off -- Part I. On the pitch. I never predict anything and I never will ; How slime moulds built Barcelona ; Check my flow ; Statistical brilliance ; Zlatan Ibrah rocket science -- Part II. In the dugout. Three points for the bird-brained manager ; The tactical map ; Total cyber dynamo ; The world in motion -- Part III. From the crowd. You'll never walk alone ; Bet against the masses ; Putting my money where my mouth is ; The results are in -- Part IV. The analysts. Finding the talent ; Football's intelligent future -- The full-time whistle.