ADAM rewrites transfer history: Wingers

Were moves like Pépé, Antony and Sancho something following a formula could've avoided?

At long last, WE’RE BACK! It’s been a hell of a two weeks, hasn’t it? The season has started, We’ve seen injuries, monster transfers, and so much more. But finally, we can get back to what really makes this site tick: Playing pretend!

If you missed the first two (four) parts of this series, the concept is pretty simple: I wanted to test out the tools I’ve been using to rank players for you all for the past few seasons, with the ability right there to tell us whether the tool got the call right or wrong.

In part three (I think) I got tired of the word “formula” and named this whole thing ADAM, because I’m humble like that, and I’ve since wrapped up midfielders and fullbacks, to pretty good effect, I think. That leaves us with centre-backs, wingers and strikers, and so I figured I’d go with those wide attacking men next.

A full breakdown of the rules is in my first piece, linked here, but quick review:

• Use the formulas as they exist today, even if they pick a guy you know busted.

• Ignore the eye-test element, even though I do use both in my actual practice.

• When the formula recommends against a guy, try to emulate that guy the best you can: Similar style of player, from a similar league, similar age, etc. I’ll usually call out how I got where I did with the pick.

• We start with 2017-2018, my first season with advanced enough data to do this, and with the big five leagues. The next season, we add Portugal, Belgium, the Eredivisie, and the Championship.

Good? Good. Let’s go!