Machine Football Explainers

The Machine Football Scoring System

The colour code used universally around the PlayerDB experience to represent quality in play.

  • 98 - 100: World class
  • 80 - 97: Highly effective
  • 60 - 79: Very Effective
  • 40 - 59: Effective
  • 20 - 39: Average
  • 0 - 19: Below average

Cohesion

A measure of how effectively a player interacts with teammates within a specific tactical setup.

xCohesion

Predicted cohesion. An estimate of how well a player fits and performs within a given tactical system, based on PlayerDB's model. Use the Team builder tool to see this in action.

On The Pitch

On the pitch, each line shows how strongly players interact in a match scenario, highlighting key connections across the field.

  • Solid lines represent actual connections between current or past teammates.
  • Dotted lines represent predicted connections for players who haven't played together yet.

Game Model pitches

A representation of where on the pitch a player most frequently and effectively performs each attribute, based on their on-ball actions and involvement across different zones.

Stylistic Fit

How naturally a player suits a manager’s tactical identity.

Attack Contribution

A player’s influence on creating and finishing attacking opportunities.

Attributes

These can apply to a player or a team as a whole.

Final Third

Link-up Plays

Ability to combine effectively with teammates in attack.

Finishing - shots

Efficiency in converting chances with their feet.

Finishing - aerial

Efficiency in scoring with their head.

Attack Positioning

Frequency of occupying dangerous attacking areas.

Build-up Play

Creativity

Volume of high-value passes a player produces.

Passing Rate

Successful passes per minute of possession

Accelerations

Frequency of rapid speed bursts or sharp changes in direction

Defensive

Tackling

Frequency and success of tackles made, measuring a player’s effectiveness in dispossessing opponents through well-timed defensive challenges.

Ball Recovery

Ability to regain possession through anticipation, positioning, and reacting to loose balls or interceptions.

Defensive Headers

Frequency and success of aerial duels and headed clearances, measuring a player’s effectiveness in defending crosses, long balls, and set-piece deliveries.

Playing styles

Team styles

Boiler Rooms

Cautious, defensively disciplined, low-possession teams.

Attacking Engines

Possession-based, creative, high-chance attacking powerhouse.

Passive Controllers

Conservative, balanced, low-risk possession football.

Possession Builders

Controlled, methodical, technically precise football.

Vertical Transition

Fast, direct, explosive counterattacking teams.

High-Octane Pressers

Relentless, physical, direct transitional football.

Low Block Counterers

Compact, aerially strong, reactive counter-attacking specialists.

Aggressive Disruptors

Physical, midfield-focused, second-ball specialists.

Player styles

Direct 7

Vertical wide runners who attack space and make box runs, thriving in direct and counterattacking systems.

Direct 9

Explosive runner attacking space in behind defences.

Hybrid 8

Reliable all-rounders who balance ball progression and defensive work in transitional midfields.

Target 9

Aerial focal point that thrives on consistent service.

Dynamic 7

High-volume creators and goal threats who drive progression, press aggressively, and excel in transition.

Balanced 2

Defensively solid wide players who excel aerially and protect space in conservative systems.

Balanced 4

Mobile, adaptable centre-backs who step out confidently but lack dominant defensive traits.

Balanced 6

Reliable midfielders who press well, intercept danger, and contribute without taking major risks.

Balanced 7

Quick wingers who attack defenders directly, get into scoring areas, and contribute steadily.

Balanced 9

Scores, links, presses; reliable across key phases.

Complete 4

Technical defenders who progress play and resist pressure with high mobility.

Dynamic 10

Possession-focused facilitator, keeping play moving and supporting structure.

Incisive 7s

Wide progressors who combine ball-carrying, pressing, and chance creation, ideal for overload-heavy systems.

Anchoring 6

Deep, physical protectors who dominate aerially and shield the defence in low-block systems.

Balanced 10

High-energy all-rounder, contributing in build-up, pressing, and attack.

Combative 2

Physical full-backs who thrive in 1v1 defending, duels, and deep defensive roles.

Creative 10

Primary chance-creator, driving attacks with vision and invention.

Enforcing 4

Safety-first stoppers who dominate duels and clearances in deep defensive systems.

Expansive 9

Most complete striker, able to influence play across the pitch.

Tenacious 4

Dependable hybrid centre-backs who offer balance across defence and mobility without extremes.

Box-to-Box 8

Physical disruptors who cover ground, compete aerially, and arrive in the box rather than build play.

Disruptive 6

All-round connectors who support defensive shape and tempo without aggressively breaking lines.

High-Tempo 8

Explosive movers who drive forward runs, width, and transitions from advanced midfield roles.

Metronomic 8

Possession controllers who keep play ticking with safe distribution and positional discipline.

Playmaking 2

Attack-minded wide defenders who provide crossing and progression but limited defensive security.

Playmaking 6

Creative deep midfielders who progress play with speed and passing but rely on others for defensive cover.

Specialist 2

Steady wide defenders who are competent across the board without standout qualities.

Box Crashing 10

Late-arriving goal threat, attacking the box like a second striker.