Category: Canadian Premier League

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Matteo de Brienne

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Data Analysis, Fullback, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Wing-Back

Matteo de Brienne arrived onto the scene of the Canadian Premier League just last year, coming to life toward the end of the campaign to score one of the most outrageous hits. The young Canadian would have expected to have more of a role to play this season, but I don't think anyone expected such a drastic transformation in that role. The 22-year-old has not missed a minute of action so far this campaign, playing every single match as the team's left-back, a role he never played in 2021. Here is our analysis of Matteo de Brienne's wonderful left-back transformation.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Ayman Sellouf

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Winger

One of the most impressive players this season has been Dutchman Ayman Sellouf, entering the B.C. scene from Jong FC Utrecht, as the dynamic dribbling equivalent to Marco Bustos. Sellouf has completely lived up to his promise so far in 2023, already scoring more than Bustos managed in 2022, and acting as arguably the best player in the league to start the campaign. We analyze Ayman Sellouf's potential for greatness this season and beyond, making the case for why this could be a short-lived stint inside Canada's top flight.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Klaidi Cela

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Centre Backs, Masterclasses, Player Analysis

Valour only picked Klaidi Cela up in early April as a result of injuries to two of their centre-backs, but this appears to be a great signing, and one that has given the young Canadian all the confidence he needs to perform on the big stage. Here is our analysis of Klaidi Cela.

Game of Numbers #16 – Riley Ferrazzo as an ‘Inverted Fullback’

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Fullback, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis

HFX Wanderers looked a completely different side on Matchday 1 against last season’s first-place finishers, with a genuine intentionality behind their team tactics and set-up. The interesting thing to now keep on the radar will be whether the tactics they used on opening day were created to mitigate Atletico Ottawa’s own innovations, or whether they intend on utilizing the same ideologies in their matches moving forward. Either way, Halifax enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, through much in the way of innovation and pizzazz. Here is Game of Numbers Issue No. 16 - all about how Gheisar achieved balance in his side via the use of Riley Ferrazzo as an 'Inverted Fullback'.

Finding a goalkeeper for Forge FC

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Data Analysis, Goalkeeper, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

Out of all the CPL clubs, Forge FC have enjoyed the quietest off-season. It feels as though that's for good reason, having just won the CPL Playoffs for the third time in the league's four season existence. It might be the sign of a settled squad and players having no inclinations toward seeking pastures new. But for the Canadian Premier League, this is uncharacteristic. With the season just under two months away from kicking off, Forge are without a back-up keeper, or anyone to challenge the Canadian for a place.

The successful throw-in playbook (ft. Forge FC)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Sport Psychology

CPL Winners Forge FC ranked second in successful throw-ins across the 2022 season - at 90.9%. They exceled through movement off the ball to create space, and a series of meticulous routines to unbalance the opposition. Here is how they achieved success.

Initial thoughts on a professional women’s league in Canada

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Women's Football, World Football

Last night, news circulated that the long wait for a women's professional league in Canada may soon be on its way. News has circulated in the past that some traction may be developing in this area, but never with the evident backing of people like Christine Sinclair and Diana Matheson, or clubs like the Vancouver Whitecaps and Calgary Foothills. We're still a few years away from the proposed 2025 start date, but it appears as though we can officially cheer for joy that a women's league in Canada will be on its way.

Alessandro Hojabrpour – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Defensive Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis

Alessandro Hojabrpour has been one of the standout performers of the past two seasons in the Canadian Premier League. Playing in an understated defensive midfield role where he's required to proactively participate in all phases of the game, Hojabpour has also been a name that has gone relatively unnoticed when compared to some of his CPL peers. At 22 years of age, with the maturity of someone in their mid-twenties, Hojabrpour should be on the radar of every single MLS club, and soon enough on the radar of our national team. Here is my analysis of the remarkabilities to Alessandro Hojabrpour in 2022, and why he's one of the best midfielders that Canada has to offer.