Dr. Javier Fernández Navarro

Dr. Javier Fernández Navarro is a performance analysis specialist and academic whose work focuses on high-level match analysis, particularly the identification and evaluation of styles of play and their relationship with success in elite football. He completed a PhD in Sport Sciences at the University of Granada (2014–2018), with doctoral research centred on match analysis in top-level soccer. His thesis, “Analysis of Styles of Play in Soccer and Their Effectiveness,”reflects a clear expertise in translating complex game behaviours into measurable performance frameworks that coaches and analysts can apply. He also completed a Master’s in Teacher Training (Education) at the University of Granada (2013–2014), strengthening his profile as both a researcher and educator.

He is currently a Professor of Performance Analysis at Liverpool John Moores University (January 2023–present), delivering teaching and research in sports performance analysis in one of the UK’s most established sport science environments. Before LJMU, he worked at Nottingham Trent University, first as a Professor of Performance Analysis(January 2020–September 2021) and then as Senior Professor of Performance Analysis (September 2021–January 2023), continuing to build an academic track record focused on applied analysis and research impact.

Prior to his UK appointments, Fernández Navarro held research and teaching roles at the University of Granada. He worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher (bridge contract) (January 2019–June 2019), contributing to research and teaching on the “Fundamentals of Sports: Football” module within the Sport Sciences degree. During his PhD period, he was an FPU Researcher at the University of Granada (October 2014–November 2018), conducting match analysis research while teaching across multiple sport foundations modules (including football and other team sports) and football specialisation content.

His applied football background complements his academic expertise. Early in his pathway, he worked in professional academy scouting and opposition analysis as an Opposition Scout / Analyst at Granada CF (July 2011–June 2012), supporting the club’s Juvenil A team in Spain’s División de Honor. He has also coached in grassroots/youth football as a coach at Ciudad de Granada FF (August 2015–June 2016). In addition, he taught within coach education settings at Centro de Técnicos Deportivos Al-Ándalus (December 2014–June 2017), delivering subjects including teaching/training methodology and English within football technical coaching courses.

Overall, Dr. Fernández Navarro’s profile is defined by his ability to bridge scientific match analysis with practical football language—helping coaches, analysts, and students understand how teams play, why certain styles are effective in specific contexts, and how performance analysis can support smarter tactical decision-making.

Academic Institution: University of Granada; Liverpool John Moores University. Practical Affiliation (current & previous): Liverpool John Moores University; Nottingham Trent University; University of Granada; Granada CF. Languages Spoken: Spanish, English. Content Feature: Match analysis and styles of play. Area: Performance analysis in elite football.