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 to beat a low-block like Antonio Conte’s Spurs

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Managers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Premier League, Team Analysis

Antonio Conte's Spurs, as expected, have gotten off to a flying start. Conte's team have gone unbeaten in their eight Premier League matches so far, playing some fantastic, easy on the eye football in the process. The variety in their attacking play has helped the team to 14 goals in 8 matches, with just 5 conceded in the process. In our recent analysis of Conte's team, we posited that the team only had one key dilemma to solve - what to do against low-blocks who want to sit very deep against them. As opposition teams sort Tottenham out, Conte's quest to combat the low-block appears to be growing all the more difficult by the match. They failed to claim victory against 10-man Southampton earlier in the week, and yesterday had to wait until stoppage time for Davinson Sanchez's winner. So with that, we take a quick look at how teams like Antonio Conte's can disrupt a low-block and generate scoring chances, taking examples from Spurs' own 1-0 victory against Watford at the weekend.

Why Nathaniel Phillips is perfect for West Ham United

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, World Football

The 2021 January Transfer Window is officially open! And with that, we’re going to be taking a look at clubs with a bit of a blackhole in their team, that desperately needs to be covered before the end of next summer. We’re going to match that blackhole up with one player who could potentially fill that void if a move were to be made in January, by assessing and analyzing a player that is a perfect match for the team’s style of play. Today, it’s all about Liverpool's Nat Phillips, and why he’d be a perfect fit for West Ham United.

Why Jonathan David is perfect for Arsenal

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker, World Football

Arsenal need a new striker. With Aubameyang out of favour and Lacazette out of contract, that much is clear. But the man that comes into the club next needs to not only be a player who can score goals, but someone who possesses the characteristics of Arteta's style of play. That player needs to be capable of pressing high, linking up with others in possession, and playing on the break. So as Arsenal prepare their search for a new striker, we suggest they take a seriously look at Jonathan David.

Top 100 Male Footballers 2021 Edition (20-1)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

It's time for the finale! Two weeks ago today, we launched our voting polls for the best player in each position across the calendar year. It’s all part of our annual Top 100 Footballers list, where this year, you get to have your say. In just one week, we had hundreds of votes in each category, helping us develop a comprehensive list of the very best footballers on planet earth this year. Here is our Top 100 Footballers of 2021, as voted by you, ending our countdown with numbers 20-1.

Graham Potter – Brighton & Hove Albion – Tactical Analysis (2021-22)

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

One of the most tactically complex teams in world football, no other team could change formation and personnel to the extent that Graham Potter's Brighton do without suffering any consequences. Through all the constant change, it's miraculous to think his team have boasted some of the best possession in the league, and one of the soundest defensive structures. The calls continue to come for Potter to move up a level and take on a new challenge, but for now, the British manager has kept Brighton in the top half of the table for the vast majority of the 2021-22 season. Here is our tactical analysis of Graham Potter's incredible Brighton & Hove Albion.

Top 100 Male Footballers 2021 Edition (40-21)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

The end of the year is nearly here! And that means it's time for our annual Top 100 Footballers list to kick off. This year, you had your say in our voting polls, and this is where you landed. Here is numbers 40-21 in the Top 100 Footballers in the World.

Antonio Conte – Tottenham Hotspur – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis, World Football

It is now two months since Antonio Conte put pen to paper with Tottenham Hotspur, and the signs of improvement are clear. Spurs sit fourth in the table as things stand, in with a real shout of reclaiming Champions League football after three seasons away. Meanwhile, just about every player has upped their game under the influence of the Italian, most importantly, Harry Kane - who is finally firing in front of goal again. So as Conte gets accustomed to his role and his newly inherited squad, we take a look at the Italian's tactics with Tottenham so far in 2021-22.

Top 100 Male Footballers 2021 Edition (60-41)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

The end of the year is nearly here! And that means it's time for our annual Top 100 Footballers list to kick off. This year, you had your say in our voting polls, and this is where you landed. Here is numbers 60-41 in the Top 100 Footballers in the World.