The effect of uncertainty on the assessment of individual performance: empirical evidence from professional soccer

Abstract

The most important variables for measuring achievements in team sports such as soccer are physical condition, technical and tactical performance. Furthermore, in the last decades it has been noted that tools as the real market value or the reputation influence the ratings expressed on the players. Because of the complexity of the game of soccer, it is difficult to ascertain the relative importance of each of these variables and to establish an objective system for accomplishing a ranking of the best sportsmen. The aim of the present study is to develop a statistical model for analysing the subjective evaluation expressed by raters on some of the most valued soccer players by stressing the role of uncertainty in decisional process.