In soccer, the term "on paper" is often used to refer to a team's theoretical or expected performance, based on their players' individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as their overall tactical approach.
When analyzing a team "on paper," analysts and fans will often look at the team's formation, lineup, and individual player statistics to make predictions about how the team will perform in a given match or competition. For example, a team with a strong defense and a prolific goal scorer might be considered a favorite "on paper" to win a particular game.
However, soccer is a highly unpredictable sport, and a team's actual performance on the field may not always match their perceived strengths and weaknesses "on paper." Injuries, tactical adjustments, and other unforeseen factors can all play a role in determining the outcome of a match, and a team that appears weaker "on paper" may be able to pull off an upset against a supposedly stronger opponent.
Overall, while analyzing a team "on paper" can be a useful tool for predicting performance, it is important to keep in mind that soccer is a complex and unpredictable sport, and that the outcome of any given match or competition is never guaranteed.
When analyzing a team "on paper," analysts and fans will often look at the team's formation, lineup, and individual player statistics to make predictions about how the team will perform in a given match or competition. For example, a team with a strong defense and a prolific goal scorer might be considered a favorite "on paper" to win a particular game.
However, soccer is a highly unpredictable sport, and a team's actual performance on the field may not always match their perceived strengths and weaknesses "on paper." Injuries, tactical adjustments, and other unforeseen factors can all play a role in determining the outcome of a match, and a team that appears weaker "on paper" may be able to pull off an upset against a supposedly stronger opponent.
Overall, while analyzing a team "on paper" can be a useful tool for predicting performance, it is important to keep in mind that soccer is a complex and unpredictable sport, and that the outcome of any given match or competition is never guaranteed.