You definitely could use an SQL database, but if you wanted to stick with strictly python, you could take advantage of Python's object oriented programming style.
I would define an object class as so:
class Player:
def __init__(self, optional_paramater1, opt_param2):
#Stuff you want to happen when object is initialized
def read_in_matlab_structure(self, matlab_info_as_text):
self.tackles = #Wheverever you get this info from
self.crosses = #...
self.goals = #...
Then, when you make the object, you can access each of the values below a self defined name.
players = [] #This would be a list. Depending on your use, you could also
#Use a dictionary that links name to the object
#That way you can call up a person by name.
#eg. players["Babe Ruth"]
#There are also sets in Python that might be applicable to
#Your situation.
for entry in matlab_structure:
temp_player = Player(name)
temp_player.read_in_matlab_structure(entry)
players.append(temp_player)
#then, when you want to access player information,
# lets say you want to see all the players who had more than 8 goals in a season:
for person in players:
if person.goals >= 8:
print(person.name)
Hope this gives you an idea. More info on Python data structures:
Python 3 Data Structures
