Linkkansen

Linkkansen is a term used in football analytics, particularly in Dutch-language discourse, to describe the volume and quality of goal-scoring opportunities generated on the left side of the pitch during open play. It covers actions from the left wing or left channel, including crosses, cut-backs, dribbles that lead to shots, through-balls, and combinations that finish with a shot in or near the penalty area.

Measurement of linkkansen typically combines event data that originate from the left flank with derived metrics. Common components include chances created from the left, assists that arise from left-sided actions, and the expected goals value (xG) of these left-sided chances. Analysts may report metrics such as left-side chances per 90 minutes, average left-sided xG per chance, and the share of a team’s total chances that come from the left flank.

Applications of the concept include evaluating the tactical strength of a team’s left side, planning overloads or overloads on the left, and comparing players who operate on the left wing or as left-sided full-backs. It informs decisions on formation, recruitment, and training focus—such as crossing, dribbling in wide areas, and finishing from the left.

Limitations include dependence on how data is labeled and zone-classified, potential inconsistencies across datasets, and the fact that linkkansen captures only part of the attacking context. It should be interpreted alongside broader measures of chance creation, overall attacking output, and defensive considerations.