Table 2. The most valuable 20 technical variables identified in feature selection for the three analytical approaches.

Rank	Data-Driven Approach	Rational Approach	Literature-Driven Approach
1	First Goal	Relative Percentage Shots On Saved	Relative Shots On
2	Relative Intentional Assist	Relative Intentional Assist	Shots On
3	Assists	First Goal	Relative Total Shots
4	Relative Big Chances On Target	Percentage Shots On Saved	Relative Aerial Duels Won
5	Relative Shots On Conceded Inside Box	Relative Shots On From Inside Box	Total Shots
6	Intentional Assist	Intentional Assist	Relative Successful Crosses Corners
7	Relative Attempts Open Play On Target	Shots On	Total Clearances
8	Relative Big Chance Created	Relative Total Shots	Relative Total Passes
9	Relative Right Foot Shots On Target	Shots On From Inside Box	Relative Total Clearances
10	Shots On Conceded	Relative Saves Made	Relative Offsides
11	Shots On Conceded Inside Box	Relative Recoveries	Relative Corners Conceded
12	Big Chances Faced	Total Shots	Relative Unsuccessful Crosses Corners
13	Big Chances On Target	Relative Shots On Target Outside Box	Successful Crosses Corners
14	Shots On From Inside Box	Relative Second Assists	Corners Conceded
15	Relative Touches Open Play Opponent Box	Percentage Successful Duels	League Or Tournament
16	Relative Shooting Accuracy Right Foot	Relative Successful Dribbles	Total Passes
17	Relative Recoveries	Saves Made	Unsuccessful Crosses Corners
18	Relative Defensive Aerial Duels Won	Relative Percentage Total Successful Passes	Corners Taken
19	Total Shots Conceded	Relative Successful Crosses Corners	Aerial Duels Won
20	Relative Second Assists	Relative Aerial Duels Lost	Offsides

All variables were used in the first phase of analysis, which included variables that have a pseudo-relationship with scoring. The pseudo-score related variables (underlined) were removed in the second phase of the analysis.