Moneyball: Analyzing the Efficiency of English Premier League Strikers Using Data Envelopment Analysis

In the spirit of the ‘moneyball’ paradigm, this study introduces the Player Performance Efficiency Index (PEI), designed for English Premier League football players, using an advanced Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) framework. Our study improves upon traditional DEA models by adding relative weight constraints, positive weight attributions, and cross-efficiency considerations, proposing an index that closely mirrors real-world conditions and aligns with expert opinions. The PEI objectively evaluates players across four key technical dimensions: (i) goal-scoring, (ii) creative playmaking, (iii) dribbling, and (iv) defense. It serves as a valuable decision-making tool for club management, coaches, and players. Empirical findings from our study show a strong correlation between player efficiency and team success, particularly in goal-scoring and playmaking. The PEI enhances existing performance metrics, offering a more comprehensive, objective assessment of player performance.