Wold Cup analysis: Numbers signpost the wide route to World Cup glory

One of the key findings from analysis of the group games was the effectiveness of wide players, whether wingers, wing-backs or attacking full-backs, in creating goals.

Vinicius Junior of Brazil takes on Moonhwan Kim of Korea Republic. Pic: Michael Steele/Getty Images

ARSENE WENGER was nicknamed Le Professeur for his obsessive analytical approach to football, his micro-management of performance data when he was a coach, so it should come as no surprise that he has taken to his role as head of FIFA's Tactical Study Group like a 'canard' to water.

Wenger's role at the game's governing body has appeared to be somewhat mercurial, part ambassador, part blue-sky thinker – coming up with the idea of abolishing throw-ins, supporting a World Cup every two years, and other pie-in-the-sky concepts that have not been well received.