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What are substitutions?
Substitutions are used for different reasons. They can help change the team’s tactics, bring on fresh legs to deal with tiredness, or replace a player who is injured and cannot continue (e.g., concussion substitution). Coaches often use substitutions to try to improve performance or adapt to what is happening in the game.
Rules for substitutions
The rules around substitutions in a football match have changed over time. Today, most competitions follow a standard set of rules, but there can still be slight differences depending on the league or tournament.
How many substitutions are allowed?
In most major competitions, teams are allowed to make up to five substitutions per match. There was a substitution rule change from the old limit of three and was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to help manage player fitness. It has since become a permanent option, although some competitions’ substitution rules might still allow fewer changes depending on their own rules.
How do substitutions work?
Here are the basic steps teams must follow when making a substitution:
- Informing the officials: The coach or team staff must tell the fourth official (or the referee if there is no fourth official) who is coming off and who is going on.
- Waiting for a break in play: Substitutions usually happen when the ball is out of play, such as during a goal kick, throw-in, or after a foul. This helps keep the game flowing smoothly. In some cases, like for injuries, referees can allow substitutions at other times.
- Players coming on and off: The player being taken off should leave the pitch at the nearest point unless the referee tells them otherwise. The substitute can only enter the field after the other player has left and the referee gives the signal.
- No re-entering: Once a player has been substituted, they cannot return to the match. This is a standard rule, although some rare exceptions exist in specific competitions with special rules.
Why do teams make substitutions?
Managers make substitutions during a match for many different reasons. Some are planned, while others happen because of how the game is unfolding. Here are the most common reasons:
1. Tactical reasons
One of the main reasons for making a substitution is to change how the team plays. This could include:
– Changing formation (e.g. switching from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2)
– Adding a faster player to attack a slow defender
– Bringing on a defensive player to protect a lead
– Adding an attacker to chase a goal
Managers also react to an opponent’s threat by bringing on a player with the right skills to counter it.
2. Managing tired players
As the match goes on, players get tired. Substituting a tired player can help keep the team’s energy levels and match intensity high, and reduce the risk of injury. This is especially important in hot weather or when teams play many games close together.
3. Replacing injured players
If a player gets injured and cannot continue, the manager must replace them in order to promote player safety. Depending on the injury, this could disrupt the team’s tactics or force an unexpected change in formation.
4. Reacting to the opponent
If the other team makes a change that causes problems (e.g., offensive substitution), the manager might respond with a substitution (defensive substitution). For example, team A could start with a back 3 because team B is playing a lone striker, but when team B switches to a front 3, team A could make a substitution to bring in a 4th defender and thwart the new threat.
5. Breaking down defences or holding a lead
When a team is struggling to score, a manager might bring on a more creative or aggressive player to try and open up the opposition’s defence. On the other hand, if the team is winning, a defensive-minded substitution can help protect the lead or run down the clock.
6. Time-wasting (controversial)
Late in the match, some managers make substitutions to slow the game down and waste time. This tactic is often criticised but is still used to help secure a win, especially in tight matches.
Impact of substitutions on the game
Substitutions are more than just fresh legs, they can change the course of a match, for better or worse. Here’s how they can influence the game:
1. Shifting the momentum
A well-timed substitution can change the mood and flow of a match. A fresh player full of energy and determination can lift the team and put pressure on the opposition. However, if the new player struggles to fit in quickly, it can disrupt the team’s rhythm.
2. Adding energy late in the game
As players get tired, they slow down and make more mistakes. Substitutes bring fresh energy and can raise the pace of play. This is especially helpful towards the end of the match when fitness becomes a big factor in both attacking and defending.
3. Changing the team’s shape or style
A new player can give the team something different. For example:
– A tall striker can add an aerial threat
– A fast winger can stretch the defence
– A defensive midfielder can help protect a lead These changes allow managers to adapt their team to suit the situation on the pitch.
4. Psychological effects
Substitutions can affect how both teams feel. Bringing on a dangerous player can make defenders nervous. Making a defensive change might signal a team’s intention to protect their lead, which could cause the opponents to push forward more or become frustrated.
Analysing substitution patterns and effectiveness
In modern football, how and when managers use substitutions is being studied more closely than ever. These patterns can reveal tactical habits and help measure how effective a substitution truly is.
1. Timing matters
The timing of a substitution can be just as important as the player coming on. Common trends include:
– Early substitutions: Usually made because of an injury or to fix a clear tactical issue.
– Around 60 minutes: Often used to refresh the team and add energy, especially in attack.
– Late substitutions: Usually tactical to protect a lead or take one last chance to score.
Data can track how often managers make changes at these stages and whether those decisions help the team perform better.
2. Player roles and tactical intent
Looking at who is substituted and who comes on gives insight into the manager’s thinking. For example:
– Replacing a striker with a midfielder might show a move to defend a lead.
– Swapping one winger for another may be aimed at keeping pace and width in attack.
Over time, these patterns show how managers typically react to different match situations.
3. Impact on performance
Analysts now examine how substitutions affect performance by measuring:
– Changes in possession
– Shots on goal
– Expected goals (xG)
-Defensive stability
This helps determine whether a substitution leads to better (or worse) outcomes shortly after it happens.
4. The “Super sub” effect
Some players are known for having a big impact off the bench. These “super subs” often:
– Bring fresh energy
– Offer a different style of play
– Score or assist in key moments
By tracking goals, assists, and key passes made as substitutes, analysts can spot players who regularly make a difference late in games. Players such as Havier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Jermain Defoe and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have etched their names as top super subs in football.
5. Using all substitutions wisely
Now that managers are allowed more substitutions, the way they use them is also studied. Some prefer to make changes early to manage fitness. Others save their changes for the final moments to make a tactical push. Data helps assess which approach is more successful based on team results and match performance.
Famous substitutions in football history
Some substitutions are remembered not just for changing a game, but for changing football history. These key moments show how one decision from the bench can leave a lasting mark.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær – 1999 UEFA Champions League Final
One of the most iconic “super sub” moments. Solskjær came on late for Manchester United and scored the winning goal against Bayern Munich in injury time. His goal completed a dramatic comeback and won the trophy.
Jürgen Klinsmann – 1990 FIFA World cup semi-final
West Germany were trailing England when Klinsmann came off the bench. His presence gave the team fresh attacking energy, helping them equalise. West Germany later won on penalties, with Klinsmann’s impact proving vital.
David Fairclough – 1977 European cup quarter-final
Known as Liverpool’s original “super sub”, Fairclough came off the bench against Saint-Étienne and scored the goal that sent his team through. This goal secured his place in club history as a game-changer.
Tim Krul – 2014 World Cup Quarter-Final
In a clever tactical move, the Netherlands brought on goalkeeper Tim Krul just before a penalty shootout against Costa Rica. Krul saved two penalties and helped send his team into the semi-final showing that substitutions aren’t just for outfield players.
How Sportmonks helps analyse player changes in football
Sportmonks provides a full football data service that covers over 2,500 leagues worldwide. While we don’t directly tell you “substitution patterns,” we give you all the information you need to study player changes effectively.
Key information you can get
– When players change: See exactly when substitutions happen in a game, who came on, and who went off.
– Player stats: Get detailed numbers for players. This helps you see how a substitution affects how well a player performs.
– Game events: Keep track of things like goals, yellow/red cards, and substitutions. This helps you understand why a coach made a change and what happened afterward.
Why use Sportmonks?
– Lots of data: You can get information from many different leagues, letting you look at a wide range of games.
– Live updates: Get data as it happens, which is super important for fresh analysis and apps.
– Easy for developers: It’s simple to use their data with clear instructions, making it easy to build different tools.
– Advanced stats: Includes complex stats like “expected goals” (xG) and player ratings to make your analysis deeper.
Analyse substitutions with precision using Sportmonks
Substitutions can change the course of a match, and with Sportmonks, you can track every one of them in real time. From who comes on and when, to how it impacts team performance, our data lets you explore match dynamics in full depth across over 2,500 leagues.
Start your free 14-day trial with Sportmonks today and turn raw data into winning insights.
FAQs about substitutions
