The Italian league games I've seen played in empty stadiums have been great. I think adding the sense of hearing back into the game due to lack of crowd noise does a lot for a team's coordination and thus quality of play. Maybe this is just my opinion based on a few matches, but there is a palpable difference in play.
Also a lot less flopping on the ground in fake agony. With no crowd to play to, players fall over and then get back up again. It's very refreshing to watch.
I think not being heckled, abused, or harassed will have a positive impact on most players. Though not all.
For some (and I mean in no uncertain terms, for black players and those from other minorities), it's probably a godsend, and that sense of 'relief' probably does have a measurable outcome (i.e. some players raising their standards, and others doing likewise to follow them).
OPTA and their like measure a lot of data points. So this hypothesis could probably be proved. Passing percentages, XG and assist rates for example, but I'd reckon individual running distances will be a particularly interesting metric to explore.
Any of those stats could go up or down for all players, but I do suspect there will be observable changes, because of these new playing conditions.
Agreed. It's been interesting to hear how the players communicate and organise each other from a fan perspective as well - it's not something we usually have access to.
Perhaps it's harder to justify internally if the only people watching know exactly what you just did? I've always been surprised by the shamelessness of soccer dives, I definitely don't understand it.
A totally subjective answer here, but I think it's because of the speed the game is played at.
It's very easy to trip when sprinting at full speed while concentrating on a single object. The slightest external force will put you on the ground very quickly.
Rugby, Gridiron and Ice Hockey players will also know that, but frequent falls under pressure are expected by the rules. In soccer, it's a lot more subtle (shirt pulling, various rules around obstruction, the height at which you keep your hands... all sorts). There's plenty of opportunity fool a referee, so you will instinctively try to do so. Especially if your style of play generally draws opposing players into fouling you regularly already.
I'd say that the introduction of video referees (VAR) are probably more effective in stopping that kind of behaviour, than empty stadiums. But you'd never know.
Also a lot less flopping on the ground in fake agony. With no crowd to play to, players fall over and then get back up again. It's very refreshing to watch.