The Saint-Maximin's number, also known as the "Muller's number," is a mathematical concept in football statistics that refers to the average number of tackles per game for a team against a specific opponent or league. This number has been used to measure the performance and effectiveness of individual players on a team.
In the case of Saint-Maximin's Number (SMN), it was first calculated by French coach Alain Muller in 1986. The SMN was defined as the average number of tackles made by each player during a match against another team with a similar level of skill and experience. It then became widely recognized as a useful statistic for evaluating a team's defensive performance and their ability to tackle effectively.
There have been several studies conducted to determine the SMN of various teams and leagues over time. Some studies have found that the SMN tends to be higher for certain teams compared to others. For example, a study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology in 2004 found that teams with more experienced players tend to have higher SMNs than those without such players.
Another study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine in 2017 found that teams with strong defensive strategies and high-scoring offenses tended to have lower SMNs. This suggests that having a well-defined defense and effective tackling strategies can lead to higher scoring numbers.
It's important to note that while the SMN provides valuable insights into a team's defensive performance, it should not be relied upon solely for predicting future performances. In order to accurately evaluate a team's defensive performance, other metrics such as interceptions, fumble recoveries, and pass attempts per game should also be considered.
Overall, the SMN is a useful metric for evaluating a team's defensive performance and understanding how well they tackle effectively. However, it's important to remember that it should not be used as the sole indicator of a team's defensive strength and success.