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! 👊⚽

Why William Akio caught the eye of Ross County – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Winger

It's been a strange couple of months for Canadian soccer players, almost absurdly unusual in the number of players making their way abroad. Akio is the next in line to join a European club, even in light of one of the greatest misses the game has ever seen. But as Ross County put it, Akio has so much pace and dynamism to offer, and so much more about him than all the discussion around his miss at the moment. So with that, here is our analysis as to why William Akio caught the eye of Ross County.

Why Oleksandr Zinchenko is perfect for Arsenal

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Fullback, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Wing-Back

Arsenal's transfer business this summer has been shrewd and accomplished, and now after signing both Zinchenko and Jesus from the Sky Blues, Arsenal could very well be on their way toward building back toward Premier League title acclaim. Here is our analysis of why Zinchenko is perfect for Arsenal, and why the signing may be the start of something special for the Gunners in 2022-23.

Finding the next Jorginho – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Defensive Midfield, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Serie A

Throughout his prestigious career, Jorginho has forever been criminally underrated. When moving to Chelsea under the influence of Maurizio Sarri, Jorginho repeatedly became the subject of media conversation over his role in not providing the same defensive gusto as N'Golo Kante, even though he was never meant to. The conversation sparked a new role for Kante that he still plays in to this day, where the Italian midfielder continues to operate as a quintessential 'Deep-Lying Playmaker' (DLP) for the team. Not only that, but it helped to reshape and restructure the conversation about defensive midfielders in the modern game, and the importance of finding players that fit together within a functional midfield unit. Chelsea have done a lot right over the past few years, but the balance they've struck in midfield between Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic has been one of the key highlights.

Coaching the 3-1-3-1 (9v9)

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

When deployed correctly, the 3-1-3-1 can be one of the most fluid, flexible and fantastic 9v9 formations. Like anything in the beautiful game, team tactics, style of play and intricacies can only evolve within the realms of a team's own unique characteristics (including players involved, level of opposition, coaching preferences, and more). But if I had my pick of the litter within my squad, this is how I would deploy the 3-1-3-1 formation at the 9v9 level.

Explaining the Sweeper – Player Role Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Coach Education, Data Analysis, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

The term 'Sweeper' has existed within the game for decades. The traditional usage encourages the contrasting relationship between one centre-back who steps out (the 'Stopper'), and one that sweeps in behind. The modern game has evolved in such a way where centre-backs typically perform both roles simultaneously, and it's rare to find clear-cut examples of 'Sweeper-Stopper' partnerships. In fact, I'd go as far to suggest that they typically exist more in back-threes in the modern game, with one clear-cut 'Stopper' angling higher than an obvious 'Sweeper' cleaning up the messes in behind. This Player Role Analysis is all about the modern day 'Sweepers', as we break down the tasks, functions and over-arching role of a 'Sweeper' in 2022.

Explaining the Stopper – Player Role Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Coach Education, Data Analysis, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

Over the past few decades, centre-backs have only grown in importance to attacking phases and playing out from the back, becoming some of the preeminent quarterbacks for their clubs. But the 'Stopper' is still alive and well, providing an 'old-school', throwback approach to defending that relishes the physical side of the game. Every team must find the balance in their defensive unit, and sometimes that may mean deploying a rock-solid, proactive defender that can win possession higher up the pitch. It's not the prettiest of roles, but when played correctly, 'Stoppers' can be absolutely imperative to a team's success.

Aribim Pepple – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Striker

Cavalry FC started the season without a bang. They went winless in their first three matches, scoring just two goals, as Joe Mason and Myer Bevan failed to fully live up to the hype up front. After a change in system from 3-4-3 to 4-2-3-1, Tommy Wheeldon Jr.’s team started to see more stuttering success, and the team achieved greater fluidity across the board. At exactly the right moment, Wheeldon Jr. introduced Aribim Pepple into the lineup, and soon afterward, Cavarly hit top gear. The 19-year-old has been in incredible form in the past month, scoring 6 goals in 7 matches en route to being named the CPL’s Player of the Month for June. His stuttering form in front of goal has even reportedly earned himself a move to England, the details of which are still being finalized. Here is our analysis of Pepple and his impending move.

Bethany Balcer – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent, NWSL, Player Analysis, Striker, Women's Football

Out of all the 'Target Women' around, Bethany Balcer might be one of the very best in the modern game. Frequently used as an outlet for progressive passes, Balcer's back-to-goal incisiveness remains a threatening endeavour for her team, and one that is frequently useful in advancing OL Reign up the pitch. But now, after the arrival of Jordyn Huitema, Balcer's even upped her scoring game, ensuring Huitema has very little room to work with in stealing a spot in the squad at the start of her Reign career. Here is an analysis of Bethany Balcer's exceptional hold-up play, and the vast array of traits that make her one of the best forwards in the NWSL.