THE SUBSTITUTE MAY NOT BE THE INTERESTING PLAYER

Observation

A substitution is often evaluated through what the incoming player does directly. The more interesting effect may be what the opponent starts doing differently.

Try Looking At

Track the defenders and midfielders dealing with the new player.

Counterpoint

The team may have changed its behaviour for other reasons at exactly the same moment.

Doesn't Fit

If similar changes occur after almost every energetic substitution, there may be nothing distinctive about the proposed State effect.

Question

Is there a kind of substitute whose value is primarily the condition they help create around themselves?