Category: Data Analysis

Why Dominik Szoboszlai is perfect for Liverpool

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Data Analysis, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

Without ever fully setting the Bundesliga on fire, Szoboszlai had two solid seasons at Leipzig, hitting a high of 6 goals and 8 assists in 31 matches last campaign, primarily playing as a '10'. Liverpool must be confident however that the Hungarian midfielder can make his mark at the centre of the park, perhaps even as they continue to push Trent Alexander-Arnold into midfield alongside Fabinho, thus creating more opportunity to have roaming attacking midfielders like Mac Allister and Szoboszlai ahead. With that, here is why Liverpool made their move for the Hungarian, and what he brings to the Reds.

The complexities of scouting & recruitment at the pro level

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Recruitment & Scouting

One month removed from the 2022-23 European season, all the attention continues to be on the transfer market. Transfers are the talk of the town across the globe at the moment, with each European club preparing to enjoy happier times next season, and handle all their ins and outs as efficiently as possible.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Diego Gutiérrez

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Defensive Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis

After being crowned the best defensive midfielder in the league in our CANPL Scouting Series last year, Diego Gutiérrez has transformed elements of his game to become one of the league's top box-to-box roamers. The Chilean midfielder has not only captained Valour through the start of the 2023 season, but has been pivotal to directing play and controlling much of the team's better moments throughout the season so far. Here is why Diego Gutiérrez is one of the best midfielders in the division.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Tyler Crawford

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

Vancouver FC haven't enjoyed the perfect start to life in the 2023 Canadian Premier League, but they have been one of the league's strongest promoters of young talent - epitomizing one of the key goals of the league. One of their most consistent performers at the heart of everything good has been 19-year-old Tyler Crawford, after just a single-season playing college soccer as a freshman for Michigan State. We break down the talent that is Tyler Crawford, and discuss whether he has the chops to continue progressing his career into future MLS stardom or beyond.

Replacing Declan Rice at West Ham United – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Defensive Midfield, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

The task of replacing Declan Rice is a near impossible task. While you could likely combine his traits in a trio of midfielders for that price, no one that West Ham United could convince to join the club will be able to make such a massive single-handed impact at the London Stadium. Nevertheless, we scoured through the data and footage of hundreds of players to find those most similar to Declan Rice, and those that could make up for some of what's now lost without his services. With that, here is our analysis on how West Ham United can replace Declan Rice.

Finding the next Antoine Griezmann – Tactical Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Attacking Midfield, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker

Without always achieving the acclaim, Antoine Griezmann has been one of the most influential stars of the past decade. From World Cup triumphs to lavish Barcelona moves to his time rolling in the mud of Diego Simeone's Atletico, Griezmann has made a career that many could only dream of achieving. As the Frenchman now enters the twilight of his career, we analyze the 32-year-old's game, and the next heirs to his throne. As France's all-time assister, his impact on the national side will be a massive miss over the next few years. But we aren't just looking for a Frenchman, but someone who can play in a similar mold for Diego Simeone's Atletico or achieve the same level of stardom as the French superstar.

Replacing Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

The British midfielder made his debut for the Black & Yellows as a 17-year-old, and went on to captain the team as a 19-year-old in a historic final season for him at the club. Borussia Dortmund are now not only losing one of the most talented footballers on the planet and their best player, but a real leader in the team even despite his youth. With that, we aim to find the next man who could step up to the plate at Borussia Dortmund in his stead.

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.