Game of Numbers #40 – Bruno Fernandes as an ‘8’

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League

They might not be firmly in the top four yet, but Ruben Amorim's Manchester United have seen significant improvement this season. Much has been made in the media about Amorim's use of the 3-4-2-1 and whether or not it's a perfect fit for players like Bruno Fernandes and his midfield partner Casemiro. But with some new signings hitting the ground running, Manchester United are clicking on all cylinders and getting the best out of their best players. Here is why Ruben Amorim's use of Bruno as an '8' has worked so far in 2025-26.

Game of Numbers #39 – Erling Haaland’s backstep before goals

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker

Manchester City have scored 15 goals in the Premier League's opening 8 matches. Erling Haaland has scored 11 of them. And among many of those goals, a common trend has emerged. I call it - the backstep!

Ruben Amorim – Manchester United – Tactical Analysis – 2025-26

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis

This is a rather optimistic take on the state of Manchester United, amidst much in the way of common criticism and calls for Amorim's head that will likely continue to circle the media all season long. Here is my tactical analysis of the Red Devils to start the 2025-2026 Premier League season.

Jesper Sørensen – Vancouver Whitecaps – Tactical Analysis – 2025

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis

Vancouver were far and away the best Canadian side inside Major League soccer last season. Showing much in the way of promise and potential, the Caps still made the decision to change coaches and bring Jesper Sørensen into the equation in place of Vanni Sartini, hoping for better fulfilment behind all that promise this season. Since the opening day of the season, the Whitecaps haven't looked back.

Pep Guardiola – Manchester City – Tactical Analysis (2023-24)

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis

This might finally be the year. It might finally be the year that Pep Guardiola and Manchester City don't win the Premier League. Despite that, they've still been the most tactically complex team in the league, carrying on from much of the tactics that brought them a treble-winning triumph last season. Here is what Pep Guardiola has imposed in 2023-24, continuing to make City one of the most dominant forces in the world.

How I created a football tactics empire

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses

In 2016, I started TheMastermindSite.com as a passion project, writing about whatever interested me at the time. Five hundred articles and five years of coaching experience later, I had created one of the biggest platforms in the tactics/analysis space, certainly by a sole proprietor. Now going on 1,200 articles, I deep-dive into how I created one of the most popular platforms in the football tactics, analysis and coaching space.

How I optimize video analysis for professional players

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Masterclasses, Player Analysis

I'll tell you right off the top, nothing I say here will be groundbreaking. This article is meant to show you how simple video analysis can be, even at the high-end level of sport. Yes, you have to know the game. Yes, you should know how to positively promote other people. It even helps to know how to game-ify conversations in order to make them more intriguing. But ultimately, you can easily follow my steps here for conducting optimal video analysis for professional players. Steal it. Take it with you. It's yours. Here is my process for creating actionable insights for pros (or semi-pro players) to take back into their own environments.

Why centre-backs are becoming fullbacks: The tactical trend that defined 2023

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Fullback, Masterclasses, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

It might be wrong to credit this tactical approach to Pep Guardiola. After all, the origin story to the 'fullback' is because the defender was fully back. However, in operating with a centre-back that steps up into midfield, Guardiola also created a construction within his team that regularly positioned centre-backs out wide. From then on, this approach has only become more popular. It's been the top tactical trend of 2023, and often one that's allowed the best teams in the world to thrive.

Game of Numbers #35 – Anthony Gordon’s embodiment of the Newcastle way

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Winger

Newcastle United have been defined in the Eddie Howe era by energy and intensity, including an all-out press, and fervid counter attacking immediately upon regaining possession. Anthony Gordon perfectly embodies the Newcastle way under Eddie Howe, and has been one of the surprise stars of the 2023-24 season. Many scoffed at Chelsea's interest in the former Everton youngster at the start of last season, particularly the price tag bestowed upon him. But Gordon is proving to be a priceless acquisition for the Magpies this season, bringing his tireless tenacity to the table every game. Here is Game of Numbers #35.

Game of Numbers #34 – Dribbling lessons from Jérémy Doku

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Winger

Gotham FC finished the 2023 NWSL season in sixth place, narrowly scraping into the playoffs on goal differential over the Orlando Pride. They were far from the favourites to make the playoff final, let alone win the whole thing over a star-studded team like OL Reign. Yet thanks to a double-assist from Midge Purce, the NJ/NY team claimed the highest honour the NWSL has to offer. Here is a dribbling masterclass featuring lessons from the electrifying Midge Purce and Manchester City's new kid on the block Jérémy Doku.

Game of Numbers #32 – Harry Kane’s playmaking at Bayern Munich

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Striker

Harry Kane is one of the best goal-scorers on the planet. But he's also one of the best play-makers. In Game of Numbers #32, I break down why Kane has been such a perfect fit for Bayern, and why his playmaking influence should be a serious legacy of his career.

The complexities of scouting & recruitment at the pro level

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Recruitment & Scouting

One month removed from the 2022-23 European season, all the attention continues to be on the transfer market. Transfers are the talk of the town across the globe at the moment, with each European club preparing to enjoy happier times next season, and handle all their ins and outs as efficiently as possible.

How I create scouting reports for pro clubs

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Recruitment & Scouting

Scouting seems to be one of those professions that just about anyone thinks they can get into. And to an extent - with good reason! With a knowledge and passion for your sport of choice, it's not incredibly difficult to take the necessary courses and begin the path toward being a scout. But talent identification goes far beyond just the ability to watch matches and identify talent. Most of the time, it's not difficult to identify talent. What's difficult is to identify talent that will transfer over to a new environment, under new circumstances, repeatedly over time.

Games-based learning for optimal athlete development

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Most Recent

This is one of my number one coaching philosophies, and want I always teach to other coaches: games-based learning is the best training design to support long-term athlete development.

How athletes can improve their scanning and perceptions of BOTS

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Education, Sport Psychology

The number one aspect that separates elite players from amateur is the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Elite athletes are better able to process information, and frequently take in more information when scanning their surroundings, even if scanning for shorter periods of time. But scanning, information processing and attention to detail are all skills that can be worked upon by athletes at any level, in any sport.

Understanding BOTS & how to scan for quicker, correct decisions

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Education

Scanning goes far beyond what must coaches will shout out: "check your shoulder!". It needs to encompass a constant process of neck and eye movement, assessing ball, opposition, teammates and space.

How to move off the ball like a world class winger

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Winger

In the modern era, wingers can be as vital to scoring goals and creating chances as any other position on the pitch. Elite superstars like Mohamed Salah and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have illustrated this to a tee this year, for both their goal scoring prowess and chance creation supremacy. But most young players aspiring to be the world's best struggle to see the finer details of exactly how the likes of Salah and Kvara find themselves in those scoring positions. With that, we break down how to move off the ball like a world class winger, with real examples from the likes mentioned above, in addition to Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Alex Morgan.

Coaching 9v9 Soccer – Ebook (2nd Ed.)

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Most Recent

9v9 is one of the most exciting stages in the development of young players and can often be the first time they are truly able to understand positioning, formations and how to play to the strengths of their teammates. This Ebook gives coaches an opportunity to learn all the in's and out's of coaching 9v9, including tactics, formations, and game management.

Why Erling Haaland scores so many goals

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Striker

Let's not get overly simplistic about this. Erling Haaland is the best footballer in the world at the moment. But how he scores so many goals can be scrutinized in far greater depth than simply saying he's an alien. So with that, here is our latest analysis on the great Erling Haaland, and how he scores so many incredible goals.

How to use Wyscout for successful football analysis

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent

As football analysis has risen to prominence in the past decade, platforms like Wyscout, InStat, StatsBomb and smarterscout have become commonplace for clubs, analysts, scouts, coaches and even players around the world. In today's article, as part of our Introduction to Football Analysis course, we detail how to successfully use Wyscout to enhance your analytical mind and football analysis frame.

The difference between seeing and understanding in analysis

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis

When it comes to analysis, it's no secret that the goal is to think on a deeper level, scrutinizing over the finer minutia beyond what you see at first glance. But it's also no secret that this skill takes dedicated time and energy to learn. A lack of deep tactical understanding about the game often comes at a cost to coaches and amateur analysts. They are adequately able to perceive events on a football pitch, but they may be unsure of how to change what they are seeing for the better, or even fully comprehend what they are seeing to the level required. Coaches in my Mentorship Program often ask me - "How do you go from seeing to understanding?" Well that, my friends, is what we're after today. In this series of notes, I'm going to give you a series of images and videos, where you can go from seeing, to understanding. If you've been doing analysis for years, no worries, this will still be an excellent way for you to practice and refine your skills.

The simple task anyone can do to improve their tactical knowledge

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Education

As coaches, analysts, players, fans, and football obsessed individuals, we all want to grow our tactical understanding of the game. In fact, it's one of the top five questions I get thrown my way on social media or email (links at the end of the article), where people either want to know how I developed my degree of tactical knowledge, or want to know how they too can take their tactical and analytical understanding to the next level. Here is a structured process that you can follow to develop your own tactical knowledge, and continuously learn about the game on repeat.

Evaluating players based on role continuity

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Data Analysis, Match Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, World Football

What a player does on a football pitch from a pure on-the-ball event perspective, quantifies only a small percentage of their actual role or influence on a match. What a player does off the ball can often be the key to a good performance, allowing a player to enhance their on-the-ball metrics in the process. So this begs the question - how can you evaluate a player's performance if they weren't really all that involved in the action, but stuck to their specific role perfectly?

How I watch football matches for tactical analyses

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Match Analysis

As a football analyst, I often get asked a very broad question - 'How do you watch football matches?'. What people really want to know is what I look for, the process of watching to disseminating that information to an audience, and how they can learn more about the game to see football like a true tactical analyst themselves. A little over a year ago, I wrote an article titled 'How to watch football like a tactical analyst', following a 'how do you watch football?' type of question from one of our long-time readers. Since that article, the way I watch football has evolved, with new processes and techniques to study the game and prepare myself for the subsequent analyses that follow. So with that, today I share how I watch football matches, and gain the necessary insights that guide my articles.

Chloe Kelly has the strongest mental frame in Women’s Football

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Player Analysis, Winger, Women's Football, World Football

One of my biggest disappointments of not having a functioning laptop the past few weeks has been my inability to watch the Women’s Euros. But I’ve seen all the highlights, and just about every single time a highlight comes on of the Women’s Euros lately, England’s Chloe Kelly remains a prime fixture. Chloe Kelly, for … Continue reading Chloe Kelly has the strongest mental frame in Women’s Football

A tribute to Diogo Jota

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker

The Portuguese striker netted 34 goals in 85 appearances across all competitions in his first two seasons, developing a knack for finishing off chances in the penalty area. What became perhaps most impressive about Jota's early years at Liverpool was his surprise knack for scoring headed goals.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool the Early Favorites to Win Back-to-Back Premier League Titles

by TMS Staff, posted in World Football

The 2025-26 English Premier League season kicks off in less than two months, and discussions are already underway about which teams will be the frontrunners for the title. Having delivered the Premier League title in his first season at Anfield, Dutch mastermind Arne Slot is the favorite with the best online sports betting sites for … Continue reading Arne Slot’s Liverpool the Early Favorites to Win Back-to-Back Premier League Titles

Coaching Newsletter #10 – Coaching a team with varying skill levels, older players & low motivation

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses

Last month, I received a great question from a former student of mine, who is coaching their first team of teenagers right now. The players are U15, yet still don't know many of the basic skills to soccer. They just want to have fun, hang out with their friends, and they lack enough sporting experience to know how to handle losses and setbacks. I answered this question immediately, but I think it's valuable for every coach to know and hear. So with that, here is my Coaching Newsletter #10 - for subscribers of the site!