Soccer Statistical Analysis - Wave of the Future!

Fantastic article on FinancialTimes.com today about the use of statistical analysis in soccer in Europe (and possibly worldwide) and how it could revolutionize player evaluation.  There's a comparison to Moneyball, the book that started the statistical revolution in baseball, and some debate over whether soccer could be similarly changed.

The article discusses the history of statistical analysis in soccer and gives examples of how its been used.  Then it goes on to discuss future implications and how those teams that identify, and take advantage of, statistical weakness of opponents will benefit.

I wonder if USA Soccer is using these tools.  One would hope so, given the American obsession with stats.