History made as game-changing tracking device is worn in Premier League for first time

Premier League history was made in the Premier League at the weekend during Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

City surrendered a two-goal lead at the Etihad Stadium, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring and winning a last-gasp penalty that was coolly converted by Michael Olise.

But the match was a game-changer as it marked the debut of a state-of-the-art tracking device in the Premier League.

Dean Henderson became the first player to wear a 'Playermaker' in the English top flight.

The tracker was created in 2019 and is powered by AI sensors placed inside two silicon straps that are attached to boots.

GPS devices have been utilised in the past but the Playemarker monitors technical data as well as physical metrics.

Some of these include time on the ball, technical balance, kicking velocities, speed, distance covered, acceleration and change of direction.

The data is logged on an app, which records the game the moment the sensors are placed in the straps from the case.

Image: Playermaker

Playermaker have partnerships with 200 clubs but a huge step was made in September, IFAB approved the use of Playermaker technology for official matches, after it gained both the FIFA Quality and FIFA Basic Certification as part of the FIFA Quality Programme for EPTS.

And so on Saturday, England goalkeeper Henderson became the first to wear the tag on his boots.

Image: Getty

Of course the majority of the former Manchester United shotstopper's work was with his hands but the device will have collected valuable data on his touches.

The brand reacted: "History has been made! Dean Henderson is the first player to wear @playermaker in an English Premier League match!

"Playermaker was officially awarded the FIFA Quality and FIFA Basic certifications in September 2023.

"This meant we were the first, foot-worn tracking device to be allowed within official FIFA match play. As we’ve documented over the past months Playermaker has been worn by multiple national programs and football academies playing in official FIFA matches.

"This weekend marks Playermaker’s debut in the EPL— a surreal achievement reflecting the dedication of our incredible team."

Image: Getty

The Premier League is approving of these types of electronic devices should it have the appropriate safety mark, the data is not used for commercial activity and that branding is not visible.

It could be prove to be a watershed moment as the influx of technology in football continues.

Topics: Premier League, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Dean Henderson

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_