Inside the high-tech world of Manchester City's data operation, the guiding question is simple: "What does it take to win?" The phrase encapsulates the club's focus on identifying, evaluating, and improving players to maximize their chances of winning the Premier League. Last season, City's data team predicted Arsenal would win the title—and they were right. This time, after five consecutive Premier League wins, fans and pundits are already talking about City being the closest challengers to the Gunners. To understand how the club has become one of the most data-driven in the world, BBC Sport has gained exclusive access to the inner workings of their metrics system, particularly in the areas of player recruitment and sales. At the heart of City's data strategy is reducing risk in every transaction, whether it's a purchase or a sale. Players are assessed based on their ability, overall characteristics, the system they play in at their current club, and how the manager wants them to perform. The goal is not just to find the best players, but to determine how they can grow at the Etihad. Since winning the Treble in 2023, City's squad has been completely transformed using this method. Only four players from that historic team remain, highlighting the scale of the overhaul. However, despite the growing role of data, traditional scouts still play a vital role in the decision-making process. "Data is one part of the picture," said sporting director Hugo Viana. "We also rely on the expertise of our scouts and specialists to understand a player's character and mentality." The process starts with a database of 650,000 players worldwide. From there, filters are applied based on the club's needs—such as position or specific playing style. For example, full-backs are categorized into three types: defensive, inside-oriented, or high and wide. After narrowing the list, it is cross-referenced with scouting reports. Scouts then conduct deeper analysis on a shortlist of six players, examining injury history, performance, and behavior. This leads to the creation of "acquisition packs," which include detailed reports with metrics like a "radar chart" that rates a player's on-field performance. For instance, when City signed Jeremy Doku in 2023, his data aligned with the type of winger Pep Guardiola wanted. Even though Doku's initial stats weren't perfect, the data system helped track his development, showing how the club uses metrics to improve players over time. One of the most intriguing aspects of the acquisition packs is the "action value score," which ranks players against others in similar roles. This, along with other metrics, helps the club decide on the final shortlist. The process is not just about finding the best player, but also about understanding their potential and the value they bring to the team. The club's data team also plays a crucial role in monitoring the market, as seen with players like Yan Diomande and Eduardo Camavinga. Even for obvious signings like Elliot Anderson, the process remains rigorous, showing how even top players are subject to the same data-driven evaluation. The club's ability to balance data with traditional scouting ensures they make informed decisions, even when the player's metrics are not immediately striking. As Viana explained, "The data gives us confidence, but it's the insight from our scouts that helps us understand the player fully."