Author: Rhys Desmond

Sports journalist and football analysis writer ⚽. High-performance coach working with soccer & running pros 🏃🏔️.

Spin The Ball – Would I Lie To You – Soccer with Priests, Dislocated Kneecaps and Hamburgers at Practice

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, World Football

Spin The Ball is back! And back with a bang, as Rhys and the panel get together to play the British game show Would I Lie To You? football styled. Each panelist comes up with two football stories from their past, one truth and one lie, as the others attempt to guess which is which. Stories include Declan's experience playing soccer with priests in Rome, Victor's dislocated kneecap, Rhys' hamburger infused 1on1 session and Alex's interesting encounter with a global star. Subscribe to the show via itunes and spotify and follow on Twitter @mastermindsite. Submit ideas for the show using the links below or at themastermindsite.com.

England – Euro 2020 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, World Football

Having progressed to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, many picked England as favourites to steal the crown at this summer's Euros. Now heading into the Quarter Finals of the tournament, Gareth Southgate's team remain unbeaten, without having conceded a single goal. Here is our tactical analysis of England at the Euros so far, and their chances of winning it all.

Belgium – Euro 2020 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

Having been placed in a group with Denmark, Russia and Finland, Belgium were certainly expected to top Group B. Roberto Martinez's side did not disappoint in the group stages, winning all three of their matches and conceding just 1 goal. Here is our tactical analysis of Belgium at Euro 2020 so far.

Sweden – Euro 2020 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

Nobody gave Sweden a chance at this summer's Euros prior to the tournament beginning, and even now after topping their group they will likely continue to be underestimated. But the Swedes have been more than defensively solid enough to demonstrate that they could have what it takes to challenge even Europe's elite at this tournament. Here is our tactical analysis of Sweden at Euro 2020.

Futbol Masterminds – Italy, Netherlands and Belgium finish top

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, World Football

After the conclusion of Groups A, B, and C, Rhys and Russell go through the alphabet to discuss all the events from the week that was at the Euros. Russell has some bold predictions as always - this time switching allegiances as to who he thinks is ready to win the tournament, and breaking down why Spain and England have been so poor. Rhys meanwhile breaks down the tactics of why Italy and Netherlands have been so successful so far, and what Belgium needs to figure out moving forward.

Netherlands – Euro 2020 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, World Football

Netherlands came into Euro 2020 as clear Group C favourites, and they did not disappoint by any stretch of the imagination, winning all three of their matches. Frank de Boer's team have been tactically fluid, outstanding both in and out of possession and have genuinely looked like one of the most exciting teams at the tournament. So with the knockout stages just a few days away, we take a look at Netherlands' tactics at the tournament so far.

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!