Author: Rhys Desmond

Across the past decade, I have worked with thousands of players and coaches across multiple sports and disciplines. I recognize the value of diving deeper beyond the first glance, and uncovering the deeper-lying ways to enhance performance. I make a commitment toward positive reinforcement, research-backed insights, and making the experience fun for those that work with me. If you’re interested in learning more about my site or experiencing my coaching, feel free to reach out! 👊⚽

How Michael Carrick’s Manchester United could look in 2026-27

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

After a string of successive failings at Manchester United, Michael Carrick brought a breath of fresh air to the club at the start of the year. The Red Devils lost just two of their seventeen matches with Carrick in charge, winning twelve and drawing three. We'll never know what might have been possible had he been in charge from the start of last season. But now we'll get a chance to find out all that is possible in 2026-27. The next few weeks will now be Carrick's time to prepare the squad for all the continued harmony they witnessed from January to June. Integrating Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos will be important puzzle pieces in that quest. And as they do, Carrick just might found out whether or not he still needs to find a like-for-like replacement for Casemiro.

How Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea could look in 2026-27

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

Xabi Alonso enters Chelsea as one of the most reputable managers in the world, despite only being in the managerial scene for seven years. He also enters at a time when Chelsea desperately need someone to steady the ship. The Blues finished a measly 10th in the 2025-26 Premier League season, and lost the backing of some of their most influential stars. Although the Blues have spent over a £1 billion in the Todd Boehly era, they now have someone with a clear tactical identity that can work to get the best out of another summer of new recruits. The early indications are expensive, but positive. Here is how Alonso's Chelsea could look next season.

How Stephen Eustáquio controlled Canada’s 1-0 win over South Africa

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, World Cup 2026

After scoring the historic goal that secured Canada's place in the Round of 16, Stephen Eustáquio will receive all of the praise and plaudits. But Eustáquio wasn't just the game winner. The 29-year-old was the best player on the pitch even without his goal, shepherding Canada to victory through his organization and leadership in midfield. Here is how Stephen Eustáquio bossed Canada's 1-0 win over South Africa.

The stars leading Canada, Mexico, and the USA into the World Cup

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, World Cup 2026, World Football

The 2026 World Cup in North America has been electric so far, with each host nation playing with intention, heart, and physicality. Canada might have only found a point against Bosnia, but both Mexico and the U.S. enjoyed one of their best matches in World Cup history. Here are the standout performers from the opening round of fixtures for each host nation.

Lessons from Canada’s 2-0 win over Uzbekistan

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, World Cup 2026

World Cup 2026 is fast approaching, and as Canada plays host to the tournament for the first time in history, the men's team has never been more equipped for success. Jesse Marsch's Canada are still a work in progress. They will still take time this month to gel together, and harmonize. They showed that in the first half of their 2-0 win over Uzbekistan. But Canada have never had a more talented set of men's footballers ready to shine at a major tournament. Here is what we learned from Canada's 2-0 win over Uzbekistan.

How Bruno Fernandes assists so many goals

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League

Bruno Fernandes has been the best player in the Premier League this season, and has fully deserved his league-tying assist record. It now remains to be seen on the final matchday as to whether or not he will become the sole player to break the 20 assist barrier. Either way, Bruno deserves his 2025-26 PFA Player of the Season crown. Here is how Bruno assists so many goals.

Casemiro can’t stop scoring headed goals

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Defensive Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education

Manchester United's narrow 2-1 win over Brentford was met with another man of the match performance from Casemiro - who continues to prove his irreplaceability. The Brazilian midfielder scored his ninth goal of the season, moving him to second for goals by a midfielder in the Premier League this season. It was his eighth headed goal of the campaign, double that of any other player.

Tottenham didn’t win, but they finally showed they care

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, Team Analysis

De Zerbi's team now have five games to go, and they need to make them count. The only way to do that is to channel everything they showed in this match, and show that they truly care about staying up.