Liverpool have been at the forefront of using artificial intelligence (AI) in football, and are utilising the tool to alert them to possible substitutions.
AI has become prevalent throughout the football industry, with tools in place to predict where corner deliveries will land, for example.
Liverpool have been renowned for their investment in data science under FSG’s stewardship and that remains the case under new management.
As per the Mail‘s Lewis Steele, an AI tool is being utilised by club staff to alert them to the likelihood of a player edging closer to an injury during a match.
The bespoke algorithm, designed by STATSport, includes the measure of step balance, which delivers highly detailed biomechanical feedback on a player’s running motions, balance and gait.
It can detect imbalances or signs of fatigue that may lead to injury, and it played its role in Alexander Isak‘s substitution in the defeat at Crystal Palace, with Rio Ngumoha his replacement.
It was the Swede’s first Premier League start for Liverpool and he played 84 minutes, with Slot withdrawing his forward despite his side needing a goal.
Slot explained after the match that the “low intensity of the game” enabled Isak to play as long as he did – he is yet to surpass 84 minutes for the club since his transfer.
Isak will not have been the only player this season withdrawn after a warning of a potential injury, with Alexis Mac Allister a notable player who has had to be managed due to ongoing fitness issues.
The Argentine has not played 90 minutes for Liverpool since the 5-1 win over Tottenham at the end of April.
Liverpool’s staff will not rely solely on the advice of AI, but its quick interpretation of live data makes it a useful tool to help manage a squad that plays every three days.
It is an example of Liverpool seeking to use every tool at their disposal to stay among the leading clubs in the world, even if at the time a certain substitution may frustrate supporters.