Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 12/06/2026England could win the World Cup and Thierry Henry going full Ben Wyatt at Alexi Lalas saying "full-kit wanker" on live TV would still probably be my favourite moment of the tournament. 110
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 03/06/2026Pick specific World Cups from the timeline in the left margin, or scroll through them all, including a look ahead to the 2026 edition. For the optimal user experience we recommend 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐩. 🛠️ @petermckeever.bsky.social ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/wor...theanalyst.comHistory of the FIFA World Cup: Journey Through Time With the Opta Analyst Interactive Atlas | Opta AnalystWith the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, brush up on your tournament history (and geography) with our interactive World Cup Atlas. Map fans, unite! 011
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 17/02/2026Jose Mourinho an absolute disgrace with his victim blaming of Vinicius Junior. I'll also just point that out that Mark Clattenburg on Prime commentary said "[Vinicius] made this situation very, very difficult" 🤔 061
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 29/01/2026𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐫 Bournemouth's latest rough diamond is Rayan. A £25m signing from Vasco, he'd already been hailed "the most complete striker in Brazil" at the age of 19. But what specifically alerted Bournemouth to him? ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/ray...theanalyst.comMore Adriano Than Neymar: Understanding Rayan, Bournemouth’s Latest Rough Diamond | Opta AnalystBournemouth are preparing to unleash their latest prospect after signing him from Vasco da Gama to replace Antoine Semenyo. But why is Rayan so highly rated? 082
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 08/12/2025This has been absolutely pitiful from United. Wolves dreadful but United just don't look interested. Cunha and Mbeumo probably the worst of the bunch. 000
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 03/12/2025𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐔𝐭𝐝: 𝐒𝐞𝐭-𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬?! It wasn't so long ago that Man Utd were one of the least-inspiring sides in the Premier League when it came to attacking set-pieces. Now, they're one of the most effective. How? ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/man...theanalyst.com‘Good Artists Copy, Great Artists Steal’: How Ruben Amorim Turned Man Utd Into Set-Piece Specialists | Opta AnalystUnder Erik ten Hag, Man Utd were one of the least-inspiring teams in the Premier League at set-pieces. Things have changed since Ruben Amorim arrived. 021
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 08/11/2025United's resilience makes a nice change though. Four games in a row that they've scored in 81st minute or later, three of them result-altering goals. 000
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 08/11/2025United appalling in the second half. So passive and unimaginative in attack... But defeat would've been harsh. 000
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 21/10/2025Really enjoyable story to work on, and great to speak to some of the people involved. 121
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 20/10/2025Unfortunately Harry Maguire's winner has been ruined as I've seen non-Americans referring to it as "clutch". A real shame 😞 020
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 12/09/2025𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐱𝐆 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 Periodically through the 2025-26 Premier League season, we'll delve into Opta's xG-powered metrics to go beyond goals, assists and clean sheets. Who's excelling? Who isn't? Which teams have been lucky? Which have been unlucky? The xG Files are open... theanalyst.com/articles/the...theanalyst.comThe xG Files: Investigating the Premier League's Early-Season Outliers | Opta AnalystAfter the first three matchdays of the 2025-26 Premier League season, we open The xG Files to break down the numbers behind the early performers. 041
Reposted by Ryan BensonPress Gazette @pressgazette.co.uk · 11/09/2025Well done to @optaanalyst.optajoe.com named Website of the Year (Specialist/B2B) for 2025! #FutureMediaAwards sponsored by Stibo DX 193
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 02/09/2025Only five clubs in the top five leagues didn't pay a single transfer fee during the summer window (according to Transfermarkt): Heidenheim, Le Havre, Angers, Genoa and Sevilla. The absolute state of Sevilla's window: 140
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 29/08/2025𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞: 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Stuttgart's giant of a centre-forward, Nick Woltemade. But don't let his enormous frame trick you into thinking he's a certain type of forward. ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/nic...theanalyst.comNewcastle's Coup: Silky Giant Nick Woltemade Is a Reminder to Not Judge a Book by Its Cover | Opta AnalystNewcastle are close to signing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. Coveted by Bayern Munich, the Germany international's arrival would be an exciting addition. 031
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 16/08/2025𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬 He'll need to do more than tame Wolves to be truly anointed Kevin De Bruyne's heir at Manchester City. But Tijjani Reijnders' Premier League debut couldn't have been much better as the Dutchman produced a classy showing. ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/wol...theanalyst.comWolves 0-4 Man City Stats: Inspirational Reijnders Steps Into De Bruyne’s Shoes on Classy Debut | Opta AnalystTijjani Reijnders stole the show on his Manchester City debut. See how he played a vital role in a big win at Molineux with our Wolves vs Man City stats page. 051
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025well done if you're still with me. This was my favourite piece of the summer, looking into the explosion of Scandinavian centre-forwards, speaking to experts who've worked extensively in the region. theanalyst.com/articles/sca...theanalyst.comHow Scandinavia Became the Centre-Forward Capital of Men's Football | Opta AnalystThere's a school of thought that the number nine is "dying out", but Norway, Sweden and Denmark are doing their best as conservationists. 000
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025... and Manchester City. theanalyst.com/articles/man...theanalyst.comMan City 2025-26 Preview: Five Key Questions Ahead of the New Season | Opta AnalystThe Premier League returns for the 2025-26 season this week. Ahead of the action commencing, we focus on Manchester City and their bid to regain the title. 100
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025With another Man Utd rebuild/transition/renaissance in progress, I posed five key questions for them over 2025-26. theanalyst.com/articles/man...theanalyst.comMan Utd 2025-26 Preview: Five Key Questions Ahead of the New Season | Opta AnalystThe Premier League returns for the 2025-26 season this week. Ahead of the action commencing, we focus on Manchester United and their latest rebuild. 100
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025Here, the team collaborated to pick one potential breakout player for every Premier League club this season. theanalyst.com/articles/pre...theanalyst.comOne Potential Breakout Star for Each Premier League Team in 2025-26 | Opta AnalystAhead of the 2025-26 Premier League season, we picked one youngster from each club who could make a name for themselves in the next 12 months. 100
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025Beginning of the end for Nick Pope? Went deep on Aaron Ramsdale and Pope here, with a particular focus on their passing habits using various Opta Vision metrics. You might be hearing quite a bit about Opta Vision this season... theanalyst.com/articles/new...theanalyst.comAaron Ramsdale's Newcastle Arrival Could Be Beginning of the End for Nick Pope | Opta AnalystNewcastle hope to sign Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton. But they already have a good goalkeeper in Nick Pope, so what's behind this move? 100
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025Players we're excited to watch in 2025-26 @alitweedale.bsky.social and I picked some... well yeah, the above and the title pretty much tell you what this is about... theanalyst.com/articles/pre...theanalyst.comEight Premier League Players We’re Excited to Watch in 2025-26 | Opta AnalystThe new Premier League season is very nearly here, and we're pumped for it to start. With that in mind, we've selected eight players we're particularly looking forward to watching. 100
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025Martín Zubimendi "a very interesting statistical analysis of Zubimendi's game" - not my words, the words of Sid Lowe on Twitter. So yeah 👍 theanalyst.com/articles/mar...theanalyst.comMartín Zubimendi Could be the Key to Arsenal Freeing up Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard | Opta AnalystArsenal have completed the signing of Spain midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Here, we analyse why he could be a shrewd acquisition by the Gunners. 100
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025'Like a new signing' Here, we picked out a bunch of players who missed a lot (or all) of last season that we're looking forward to watching in 2025-26. theanalyst.com/articles/lik...theanalyst.com'Like A New Signing': Returning Premier League Players Who Could Star in 2025-26 | Opta AnalystAhead of the 2025-26 Premier League season, we've identified eight players returning from injuries or loans who could be "like a new signing" to their team. 100
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025Which European leagues and clubs put most faith in young players? Sifting through all the numbers for this was fun and it includes some nice viz courtesy of Robbie Dunne and Jon Manuel. theanalyst.com/articles/you...theanalyst.comWhich European Leagues and Clubs Put Most Faith in Young Players? | Opta AnalystEver wondered how attitudes and priorities relating to young players vary across Europe? Well, wonder no longer... 100
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025Seems I've picked up about 90 followers in the past 24 hours. So, firstly, hiya. Secondly, in the interest of appeasing the fans and acknowledging the start of the Premier League today, this is a thread of some pieces I've particularly enjoyed working on for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com recently... 110
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 19/07/2025𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 Ever wondered which leagues and clubs put the most faith in young players? Well, @rbenson92.bsky.social has an article for that... 🏆 Youthful champions 🛣️ Consistent route to first team 🏡 Homegrown lifelines 👴 Experience preference ⬇️ theanalyst.com/articles/you...theanalyst.comWhich European Leagues and Clubs Put Most Faith in Young Players? | Opta AnalystEver wondered how attitudes and priorities relating to young players vary across Europe? Well, wonder no longer... 031
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 16/07/2025𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞-𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 🔓 "Freedom" 🧬 Genetics ⚖️ Socio-economic factors 🧠 'Vision' After Scandinavian players scored more goals than ever (on record) in 2024-25, @rbenson92.bsky.social explored how they are developing youngsters in the region... ⬇️ theanalyst.com/articles/sca...theanalyst.comHow Scandinavia Became the Centre-Forward Capital of Men's Football | Opta AnalystThere's a school of thought that the number nine is "dying out", but Norway, Sweden and Denmark are doing their best as conservationists. 0124
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 25/06/2025𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐎𝐮𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 💎 Although a potential move to Crystal Palace has gone quiet, Diomande remains a hot topic. Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle have all been linked with the Sporting CP defender - but why? ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/ous...theanalyst.comWhy Ousmane Diomande Is Among Europe’s Most-Coveted Centre-Backs This Summer | Opta AnalystOusmane Diomande is being linked with numerous Premier League clubs this summer. Here, we look at what he'll offer if he does arrive on English shores. 013
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 12/06/2025𝐙𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐝? Simple, unflashy and selfless. Martín Zubimendi may not bring attacking flair to Arsenal. But his arrival could be pivotal in maximising the influence of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. theanalyst.com/articles/mar...theanalyst.comMartín Zubimendi Could be the Key to Arsenal Freeing up Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard | Opta AnalystArsenal are supposedly close to signing Spain midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Here, we analyse why he could be a shrewd acquisition by the Gunners. 0515
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 31/05/2025Is there a more damning indictment in football than the referee allowing only 6 seconds of stoppage time? 110
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 30/05/2025Right, then say they go spend a similar amount of money on two players who go on to be abject disappointments. What good's the £80m then? Fernandes being good is far more of a sure thing than we can say of any replacements. 100
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 30/05/2025This. How can anyone have any faith that United get £80m and then spend it all well? There's absolutely no evidence to suggest they would, and then you're also without your one genuine star who the team should be built around. 120
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 27/05/2025Why has "club-to-club talks" become such a thing? What's wrong with "talks" by itself? 020
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 22/05/2025I had a teacher in high school who said our exam papers were being sent off to be marked in Pontefract, north Wales. Admittedly he was Italian, but still. 000
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 06/05/2025Mark Clattenburg in embarrassing form here. Love to see (hear) it. 010
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 03/05/2025Jamie Vardy becomes first Premier League player to blow the referee's whistle... probably. 📸Alex Pantling | Getty 3276
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 02/05/2025𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬: Vítor Pereira's the Toast of Wolves 🍻 Since he took over, only Liverpool and Newcastle have won more Premier League games. Pereira's overseen arguably the most remarkable upturn in form by a relegation-threatened team in PL history. ⬇️ theanalyst.com/2025/05/vito...theanalyst.comPoints Then Pints: Vítor Pereira is the Toast of Wolves After Overseeing Remarkable Transformation | Opta AnalystVítor Pereira has overseen an incredible change in fortunes for Wolves. Here, we analyse what specifically is different and the extent of their improvement. 031
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 28/04/2025𝐀𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐬 𝐏𝐒𝐆: Six Key Subplots 😩 Busy left-backs 🎮 PSG's control 🟥 Arsenal's absence 🔬 Goalkeepers under the microscope Ahead of Tuesday's UCL semi-final first leg, @alitweedale.bsky.social & @rbenson92.bsky.social analysed potentially decisive areas/battles ⬇️ theanalyst.com/2025/04/arse...theanalyst.comArsenal vs PSG: Six Semi-Final Subplots That Could Decide the Tie | Opta AnalystWe look ahead Arsenal vs PSG in the Champions League by identifying some key elements to keep an eye on across their semi-final. 054
Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 25/04/2025Wrote about Jørgen Strand Larsen this week. He's had a really encouraging first season and could get even better if Wolves play to his strengths more. 010
Reposted by Ryan BensonOpta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 18/04/2025𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐭-𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬? There has been a lot of discussion around set-pieces this season, so @rbenson92.bsky.social has investigated which Premier League teams have been most effective from them in 2024-25. ⬇️ theanalyst.com/2025/04/prem...theanalyst.comWhich Premier League Teams Are Most Dangerous from Set-Pieces? | Opta AnalystWith this season's Premier League entering its final stages, we look back over 2024-25 to date and see who've been the most threatening teams at set-pieces. 254