FedEx Performance Zone: how it works

What is it? 

The FedEx Performance Zone tracks players' form for their clubs in the UEFA Europa League and respective domestic leagues. The FedEx Performance Zone runs official player statistics through a specially designed algorithm to create rankings based on performances.

Player data from domestic matches and qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League (for teams entering via that competition) and UEFA Europa League forms the initial basis for the rankings. 

The FedEx Performance Zone is purely a form tracker and does not suggest that one player is better than another.

How it works 

Every player is assigned a primary on-field position, where they are expected to play the majority of the time.

The categories are:

• Goalkeepers
• Full-backs
• Central defenders
• Defensive midfielders
• Central midfielders
• Attacking midfielders
• Wingers
  
• Forwards

The data considered for each player is specific to the position. For example, tackles and blocks are considered to be key statistics for defensive midfielders, while successful dribbles and crosses are important metrics for wingers.

The algorithm uses player stats from matches in domestic leagues and the UEFA Europa League, delivering updates after these games are played. On UEFA Europa League matchnights, the rankings update live as the matches unfold.

Weighting

Since the FedEx Performance Zone acts as a form tracker, the more recent the fixture, the higher the weighting assigned to the data derived from it; for example, player stats from yesterday are given more significance than those from last week. If a player is not active (due to injury or non-selection), his ranking will decrease over that period of inactivity.

Performances in the UEFA Europa League are accorded the highest weighting. Then displays in the domestic competitions in which the 48 group stage teams compete are included, with weightings corresponding to the respective competition. The top leagues are weighted at one, and so on, with domestic leagues weighted in line with the UEFA association club coefficients. 

Features

Fast risers: In the FedEx Performance Zone pages, you will see a series of fast risers throughout the ranking. These players are highlighted due to their performance data reaching the elite percentile in the relevant statistics. This is based on an automated algorithm to show the difference-makers in various facets of the game.

Compare points: Along with their ranking, you can now see each player's ongoing points total throughout the season. Taking all of the aforementioned factors and weightings into account, you can measure how far your favourite players are from top spot. As soon as matchday one commences, you will be able to follow all the moves live!

Enhanced player cards: If you click on the bottom right icon on your favourite players, you will find a selection of the key stats relating to their position. You can discover how many clearances the top defender has made, how many passes the leading midfielder has provided and how many attempts at goal the top strikers require to score.