WhoScored and Sofascore – The Main Resources for Player Ratings

How Do They Calculate, and What Are Their Differences?

Of course, the core of these resources lies in automatic algorithms. WhoScored starts ratings at 6.0 and moves up or down depending on the player's performance. Sofascore begins with a base rating of 6.5, following the same pattern.

Key positive factors influencing ratings on these platforms include goals, assists, created goal-scoring opportunities, earned penalties, successful tackles and interceptions, and clearances from the goal line. Negative factors include own goals, red cards, conceded goals and penalties, missed clear chances, lost duels, and unsuccessful dribbling attempts. The number of saves, saved/missed penalties, and pass accuracy are considered for goalkeepers.

There are differences between the resources. WhoScored, in addition to the player's performance, also considers the result of the player's team in the match – Sofascore is more individualized in this aspect.

WhoScored updates more frequently in live matches and provides the final rating faster (within 5-10 minutes after the end of the game, whereas Sofascore updates ratings even 30-40 minutes post-match). However, Sofascore covers a broader range of leagues, while WhoScored analyzes only the top 10 leagues in detail.

Despite being the most popular resources, they have their drawbacks. The main one is that the algorithm does not consider the match context and the specific tasks of the players. So, trusting these portals 100% is not advisable – though they are the best available on the market (among free options).

Published by Patrick Jane
22.07.2024