Rory Smith

Rory Smith is a prominent sports journalist and author who serves as the chief soccer correspondent for The New York Times. He specializes in covering international soccer/football and is known for his analytical deep-dives into the sport's tactical, cultural, and business aspects. Prior to joining The New York Times in 2016, Smith worked as a football writer for The Times of London and The Telegraph in the UK. His journalism career has included coverage of multiple World Cups, European Championships, and Champions League competitions. Smith authored the book "Expected Goals: The Story of How Data Conquered Football and Changed the Game Forever" (2022), which examines how analytics and statistics have transformed modern football. His writing style combines detailed research with narrative storytelling to explore the evolving nature of the sport. He regularly contributes to The New York Times' soccer podcast and has established himself as an authoritative voice on European football, particularly focusing on the Premier League and major continental competitions. Smith's work often explores the intersection of sports, culture, and technology.

Readers praise Smith's ability to make complex soccer analytics accessible and engaging. His 2022 book "Expected Goals" receives credit for explaining technical concepts through storytelling and real-world examples. Soccer analytics professionals and casual fans note his balanced perspective on how data has changed the sport. Common praise includes: - Clear explanations of statistical concepts - Strong storytelling that maintains interest - Well-researched historical context - Thoughtful analysis without taking sides Main criticisms: - Some sections become too technical for casual readers - Occasional repetition of key points - Focus primarily on English football examples Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (219 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (127 ratings) Several readers specifically highlight Smith's chapter on Arsenal's data revolution as particularly insightful. Analytics professionals frequently cite the book in their own work. The Athletic called it "an essential text for understanding modern football's transformation."

Expected Goals: A Journey Back Through Time with Football's First Shot Statisticians Chronicles the history of soccer analytics and data collection, focusing on the individuals who pioneered statistical approaches to understanding the sport.

Does Your Rabbi Know You're Here?: The Story of English Football's Forgotten Tribe Documents the history of Jewish soccer players, managers, and owners in English football, examining their influence and challenges faced within the sport.

Simon Kuper writes about soccer/football through sociological, historical and economic lenses. His books examine the cultural impact of the sport and its connection to politics and power structures.

Jonathan Wilson focuses on tactical analysis and evolutionary changes in soccer/football formations and playing styles. His work traces developments from the sport's origins through modern innovations while incorporating historical context.

David Winner investigates national soccer identities and how they reflect broader cultural elements. He explores the connections between a country's playing style and its social history.

Michael Cox analyzes tactical and strategic elements of European football/soccer with emphasis on specific eras and evolutionary changes. He breaks down matches and trends through statistical and observational frameworks.

David Goldblatt examines soccer/football's role in global politics, economics, and social movements. His books connect the sport to broader historical events and societal changes across different continents and time periods.