Category: Coach Education

The big questions for Canada ahead of the World Cup

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Team Analysis

Jesse Marsch might have been hoping for more from his team against Iceland and Tunisia, but they put up a decent fight in both matches, and gave plenty of fringe players a chance to stake their claim for the World Cup. This team have been hit by so many injuries over the past few months and that will leave a ton of questions for Marsch to answer within his squad composition for the summer tournament. After consecutive draws with Iceland and Tunisia, here are the looming questions still needing to be answered before the summer.

Ali Ahmed: The £1.4 million steal powering Norwich’s revival

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Recruitment & Scouting, Winger

Norwich might not be in the hunt for Premier League football next season, but they are slowly rebuilding their squad back to one that can challenge toward the top of the Championship. And in Ali Ahmed, they didn’t just sign a useful squad player. They may have found their next star.

Sebastian Berhalter has become the Whitecaps’ most important player

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis

With his all-around quality, it's abundantly clear. Sebastian Berhalter is the Whitecaps' most important player right now. His performance against Portland was one of the finest individual performances of any player so far this season, and continues to help cement the 'Caps as one of the most cutthroat teams in the league.

Michael Carrick has given Manchester United their joy back

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

At the time of Ruben Amorim's shock sacking, Manchester United sat sixth in the table. There were signs of hope and progress, but also much in the way of disappointment and misalignment. Since Carrick entered the frame at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have won four in a row, closing the gap on City in second to just three points. This is a United team that are not only playing with simultaneous swagger and stability. But a team that is rooted in togetherness. Even beyond the results, this is the most impressive thing that Carrick and his coaching team have done since coming into the fold at United. They've created a team that are incredibly organized and tough to beat, fluid and exciting on the attacking end, and together in everything they do.

Why Hugo Ekitiké has worked when so many big money signings have flopped

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker

Every summer, Premier League clubs spend £80m–£100m chasing the next superstar forward. Every season, the league humbles them. But Hugo Ekitiké has been the exception. Ten goals, instant adaptation, and a playing style that personifies Liverpool's identity. Here is why he’s worked when so many other big-money signings have stalled.

United’s attacking depth the difference against Arsenal

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Premier League, Team Analysis

Manchester United may have been second-best for long stretches against Arsenal, but the match ultimately exposed a growing truth about Carrick's team: they can score from anywhere, at any moment, through anyone. While Arsenal controlled the possession, United’s depth in attack - spread across the squad rather than one star, proved decisive. In a season defined by inconsistency, this ability to flip a match on its head in seconds might be their most valuable weapon in the race for Champions League football.

Manchester City’s dominance is being challenged — and this time it feels different

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Team Analysis

Manchester City have won eight of the past twelve Premier League titles. They've been the dominating force in the league, and the drivers behind many modern tactical innovations. But they are no longer an unstoppable force. With some questionable decisions in the transfer market, this golden era at City has essentially evaporated. They now find themselves seven points adrift, with looming question marks over what's next for many of their once invincible stars. Here is why Manchester City's dominance in the Premier League might finally be over, once and for all.

Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City – Match Analysis – Carrick’s first in charge

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Premier League

Manchester United cannot compete with the likes of City, Chelsea or Arsenal by playing a possession-based game. Not at present moment. But they can compete with any team in the league by playing on the counter, and racing forward at high speeds. If United were going to win against City today, it was always going to come this way. And against so much of the criticism about United, Carrick didn't try to do anything extraordinary. He just set up a team that would be difficult to break down, full of leadership, and full of attacking intensity on the break. And as a result of that approach, it could have been 4 or 5-0. It could have been that bad for the Citizens. United were that vivacious on the attack. Here is my analysis of United's 2-0 win over City in the Manchester derby.