The 4-5-1 is the perfect formation for counter-attacking football and instills a defensive mindset in any team. As such it is a particularly popular formation for defensive-minded managers and is universally used to defend a lead. The 4-5-1 is also incredibly flexible, providing a lot of different ways managers can employ the tactic. Nearly every … Continue reading 3 Ways To Play in a 4-5-1
Picking a starting lineup for a football match can be a difficult task for any manager. There are so many different considerations that must go into the decision of who starts any match. This can range from fitness levels to injuries to work ethic to commitment to your opposition to the way different players mesh … Continue reading Picking The Perfect Starting Lineup
9v9 is one of the most exciting stages in the development of young players as it's the first time they are truly able to understand positioning, formations and how to play to the strengths of their teammates. In The Mastermind's hometown province of Ontario, 9v9 starts at the U11 stage and ends at U13, when … Continue reading Best Formations for 9v9
Cristiano Ronaldo has never had a better start to an international tournament. The Portuguese legend left everything out on the pitch in Russia Friday night, securing his team a 3-3 draw with his 51st career hat-trick. However, Ronaldo was not the only one to set the stage alight on Friday. Here are three key performers … Continue reading Cristiano Ronaldo Steals The Show In Spain and Portugal’s 3-3 Draw
The 2018 World Cup in Russia is off the mark following a surprising 5-0 win for the host nation against Saudi Arabia. The opening fixture was a shocking display of talent from a Russian side that no-one was willing to give a chance at the start of the tournament and a shocking display of a … Continue reading Golovin Stars as Russia Beat Saudi Arabia 5-0
Key to any footballing side is a strong midfield. Of course with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva, Portugal have a number of attacking talents. Their defensive back-line is also well-constructed with veteran defender Pepe as well as attack-minded fullbacks in Cedric Soares and Raphael Guerreiro. But if Portugal can get the balance … Continue reading Why Portugal Must Build Their World Cup 2018 Squad Around Ruben Neves
World Cup 2018 is still months away. A lot can change in five months, but Gareth Southgate has to start looking now at who he should take to Russia in June. The 2017-18 Premier League season has seen the rise of players like Jesse Lingard, Harry Maguire and even the resurgence of Ashley Young, but … Continue reading Who England Should Take To World Cup 2018
It took twenty-three matches, but Pep Guardiola and Manchester City's stunning unbeaten run has finally come to an end at the hands of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool. It's a bit ironic that Guardiola's side were beaten by his old, rival manager Jurgen Klopp, the man who less ironically has more wins against him than any other … Continue reading Manchester City’s Unbeaten Run Ends; Liverpool’s Defensive Problems Persist
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