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! 👊⚽

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.

Why Gabriel Jesus is perfect for Arsenal

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

Gabriel Jesus arrives at Arsenal Football Club as the complete package, capable of fulfilling a number of different roles and tasks. Not only is the Brazilian a competent creator and scorer of great goals, he is also a highly active contributor both in and out of possession. Jesus catches the eye in not only 1v1 situations where he can use his pace and power to explode away from defenders, but in stellar perceptions of space to find pockets to receive and work his way around defensive blocks.

Game Model Example: 3-5-2

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

Struggling to know where to start when it comes to creating your own game model? Well look no further than TheMastermindSite.com, where we're bringing you game model examples in each of the game's most popular formations. These game model examples are exactly as the name suggests - resources for you to rock on and create your own game model. This specific 3-5-2 game model showcases the style of play and key player characteristics that Rhyspect FC would emphasize in each phase of the game. To see a preview of the game model, click the download preview button below. To purchase the game model, click the 'Purchase' button below.

Where should Premier League clubs sign players?

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Most Recent, Premier League, World Football

Ahead of the start of the 2022-23 season, we endeavoured to answer the question - where should Premier League clubs sign players? In the process of doing our Premier League Transfer Tax study, we've identified a series of trends that existed within Premier League clubs last season, that can help to inform the business of teams moving forward - including questions of where to sign players. Here is our final piece to this four-part puzzle.

Why the technical, tactical, physical and psychological sides of football are deeply intertwined

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Most Recent, NWSL, Premier League, Sport Psychology

The game is deeply rooted in all five aspects of the common coaching model, and in fact, every decision a player makes boils down to all five elements simultaneously. Here's why the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of football are all deeply intertwined.

Analyzing Borussia Dortmund’s summer signings

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Most Recent, Player Analysis

Borussia Dortmund have been busy in the 2022 Summer Transfer Window as per usual, securing the services of four top-tier players as they build their squad toward a 2022-23 title challenge. Without any uncertainty for the future, the inevitable sale of Haaland was completed swiftly, with the club backing up their sale by bringing in one of the game's brightest talents in Karim Adeyemi. If rumours are to be believed, another top-tier striker may even be on his way. So under the management of Edin Terzic with their summer business almost done, Dortmund fans can feel optimistic about the state of their squad heading into next season. With that, we analyze each of the club's first-team signings, and the man that may be on his way over in the coming weeks. Here is our analysis.