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! 👊⚽

Patrick Vieira – Crystal Palace – Tactical Analysis

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

After Roy Hodgson's retirement from the game, many thought Crystal Palace were doomed for relegation. However, with a couple of new signings and a more energetic, attack-minded style of play, Patrick Vieira has taken Palace to new heights. While they sit just tenth place in the table, Vieira's Eagles have now gone unbeaten in their last six matches, including a massive 2-0 win to set title-contenders Manchester City back a peg. Even in matches they've lost the season, the signs of what's to come from Palace in the future are promising. So with that, here is a tactical analysis of Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace.

West Ham United 3-2 Liverpool – Tactical Analysis – How Moyes’ Men Claimed Victory

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

Following a fantastic 2020-21 campaign, few expected West Ham's form to carry over into the 2021-22 campaign to the same extraordinary extent. But David Moyes' men have gone from strength to strength this season, playing some of their best football in decades. The Hammers are now all the way up into third place, ahead of Liverpool, after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Reds this weekend. Here is our analysis of the match!

What Antonio Conte will bring to Tottenham Hotspur – Tactical Analysis

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

In one of the most surprising moves of the season, Antonio Conte has officially been named as the new Totttenham Hotspur boss. The Italian manager has a proven track record for success, winning league titles in each of his last three managerial roles - at Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan. Conte will now be hoping to carry over his undeniable success to Tottenham, which dares to be his toughest challenge yet. Here is a quick tactical analysis of what Conte could bring to Spurs in 2021-22.

Tottenham 0-3 Manchester United – Tactical Analysis – Ole’s New Formation

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

After an entire week of calls for his head, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer put together a United masterclass, with the Red Devils smashing Nuno's Spurs by a scoreline of 3-0. The former United legend exemplified innovation by implementing a 3-4-1-2 formation, getting the best out of the likes of Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes, and completely undoing Tottenham's 4-2-3-1 bra in the process. Here is our tactical analysis of the match.

Developing a growth mindset…

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Education, Sport Psychology

In the movie of my life, I always portray myself as some hopeless art loser the moment I thrust myself into an art project. The reality of the situation is that I’m actually totally fine at drawing, painting…even dare I say…colouring…especially when given the right tools or the right level of instruction. In fact, if I had ever stepped out of my hopeless art loser shell and took say…a painting class, I likely would have developed useful knowledge, skills and maybe even new attitudes, that could have transformed my entire art mindset for life. Our abilities are not fixed in time, and can change with practice and help. So it’s important to approach any challenges or perceived inabilities with a growth mindset, and positive self-talk. That’s why in this article I’m going to be giving you tips and tricks to establishing a growth mindset. And cut the scene.

Fox in the Box – October 2021

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, Premier League, Subscriber Exclusives

It's time for our Monthly Magazine of October 2021! We are officially revamping the magazine under a new alias - Fox in the Box. Subscribe to our monthly subscription for $1.00 per month or login to your account, to view the magazine.

Bundesliga 2021-22 Matchday 9 – Tactical Review

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Match Analysis

The Bundesliga continues to entertain as ever, with intriguing tactics, goals galore, and surprising results. Matchday 9 saw Freiburg surprise the out of form Wolfsburg, Bochum push Frankfurt closer to the drop, and Bayern continue their unbelievable run of goal-scoring form. Here is our tactical analysis of some of the key matches.

Pep Guardiola – Manchester City – Tactical Analysis (2021-22 Edition)

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

The start of the 2021-22 Premier League season hasn't been perfect for Manchester City, but they are still playing fantastic football, en route to putting up a mighty title challenge for another season. Throughout the start of the 2021-22 season, Pep Guardiola has continued to innovate his Manchester City team, deploying new tactics never seen before during his five year spell at the club. Here is a brand new Pep Guardiola - Manchester City - Tactical Analysis, for the 2021-22 season.