Clustering and Profiling Analysis for FIFA Football Player using K-Means

The selection of football players is a complex process involving talent evaluation based on various performance indicators, combining objective measures with subjective assessments by coaches and scouts. This research aims to improve the football player selection process using the K-Means clustering method based on the attributes of transfer price, performance, body specifications, position, and player ability. The dataset used consists of 17.947 players taken from the FIFA 19 edition of the soFIFA.com platform, which includes complete information such as transfer price, performance, body specifications, position, and player ability. The data was processed using principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensions, followed by the Elbow Method to determine the optimal number of clusters. The clustering results show the distribution of players based on their on-field roles, such as center back, goalkeeper, striker, and left wing back. The profiling of players from each cluster is identified based on position, body type, dominant foot usage, transfer price, and rating. This research provides useful insights for coaches and scouts in selecting players that suit specific roles in the team using better analysis. The findings also highlight the importance of player clustering for data-driven decision-making, which can optimize team composition and overall performance.