I have been using stats. Saying they are deceptive says that logic is deceptive. Logic and the ability to solve everything within its only constraints is exactly the reason there is maths, and thereby by proxy, statistics. There is this delusion (personal opinion on the matter) that stats can prove and disprove anything. You're only right suggesting it, if they are plucking random stats. The whole idea of justification through statistics is that there are parts of the game that can be analysed (AND THIS IS DONE BY ALL OF THE TOP TEAMS)... the whole point is to find strengths and weaknesses. Whether that be in players, style, strategy, tactics, substitutions etc. The days of random scouts judging a player by solely watching him are fading, and it is much easier to analyse players with heaps of data. Why do you think football manager has actually become a practical scouting tool (and one used by our rivals)... Come on... A defensive midfielders ability in passing and tackling are his job. If you can't analyse that through numbers and realise there is sense in doing so, then logic based arguments can't be your thing. Opinion on a whim is basically what you're saying is the only thing that works.