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! 👊⚽

Italy – Euro 2020 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses

After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, Italy have now gone 30 matches unbeaten under the influence of former Premier League title winner Roberto Mancini. The Italian manager has reinstalled the faith of the nation at this summer's Euros, playing an exciting brand of possession-based football. After taking 9 points, scoring 7 goals and conceding 0 in their opening three group stage matches, Italy now look like genuine favourites for the crown. Here is our tactical analysis of Roberto Mancini's Italy after three matches at this summer's Euros.

Futbol Masterminds – Euro 2020 – Italy and France the Favourites?

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, World Football

Rhys is joined by a brand new set of panelists to discuss the events from the Euros between June 14th and 16th, including Italy's dominance at the tournament so far, France's commanding victory over Germany, Ronaldo's record breaking goal haul and much, much more. Follow @futbolmasterminds on Instagram to see more of the show and subscribe via Itunes and Spotify!

France 1-0 Germany – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, World Football

In a match full of energy and fire, one that felt almost like a semi-final, France came out on top with relative ease over a fruitless Germany team. Didier Deschamps men secured a 1-0 victory at the unfortunate hands (or feet) of Mats Hummels banging the ball into the back of his own net, allowing the world champions to jump up into second in the group. Here is our tactical analysis of the match!

Futbol Masterminds – Euro 2020’s Opening Weekend

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, World Football

The Euros have officially kicked off! This week the Futbol Masterminds break down everything going on in the Euros so far, with a special look at the first seven matches of the tournament taking place between June 11th and June 13th. Follow @futbolmasterminds on Instagram to see more of the show and subscribe via Itunes and Spotify!

Why Austria’s versatility makes them a threat at Euro 2020

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, World Football

Austria's ability to achieve reasonable success at Euro 2020. The Austrians did not disappoint in meeting that expectation in their first match against North Macedonia, easing to a 3-1 win. What made Austria's victory so incredibly impressive, is that they did it through players operating in unexpected roles, substitutes coming off the bench, and a variety of mechanisms for creating chances.

Wales 1-1 Switzerland – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, World Football

After Italy's strong victory over Turkey on the opening day of Euro 2020, the pressure was on Wales and Switzerland to match Italy stride for stride and put greater distance between themselves and the Turks. Switzerland dominated the game both through their possession and overall approach, but Wales snatched a surprise goal to level the score at 1-1. Here is our tactical analysis of the match.

Turkey 0-3 Italy – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, World Football

Euro 2020 has officially kicked off, with Italy smashing Turkey to pieces in the second half of the opening fixture. The match was a fairly dull affair in the first half, with Turkey defending resolutely, and Italy only got going once they abandoned their attempts to have all of the possession. By relinquishing more control over to Turkey, Mancini's team ultimately gained more control in the final third and were able to unbalance Turkey's defensive structures to win the match comfortably 3-0. Here is our tactical analysis of the match.

Spin The Ball – Mount Rushmore of Managers, Underrated Players & U-23 Talents

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, World Football

Have you ever wanted a football podcast guided towards discussing topics set by you - the listener? Welcome to Spin The Ball! On episode number two of the show, Rhys is joined by Adam Palermo of TheMastermindSite and Bundesliga Daily to select the 'Mount Rushmore' (top four) of various footballing categories. Topics include Best Managers, Underrated Players, U-23 Players Most Likely To Win The Ballon D'Or and Academy Products to Break into Their First Team in the Last Five Years. After ranking all of the Mount Rushmores, Rhys and Adam discuss your ideas submitted this week and spin the ball to decide what's coming up next week. You can submit ideas for the show @mastermindsite on social media or via the links below.