Category: Most Recent

Tactical Thinker: How to stop the long-ball specialist…

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Most Recent, World Football

In all the discussion about tiki taka, possession-based, beautiful football, long passes often get a bad reputation. However, long passes can be extremely effective, and the best teams in the world know how to intermix both short and long passes into their build-up, in order to effectively break down the opposition. The likes of Ederson at Man City, Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich and Mats Hummels at Borussia Dortmund frequently utilize long passes to unlock the opposition's defense, giving their team a different edge from all the possession-based football. While these players may not be your traditional 'number 10' playmakers, they play a vital role in creating chances for their team and kickstarting attacks. So with that, today we ask the next question in our Tactical Thinker series. How do you stop the long-ball specialist?

Why I love to watch football

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, World Football

Two weeks ago, we posed a question in our first ever Tactical Thinker - "Why do you love to watch football?" We accumulated several responses that we can't wait to divulge to you, but first, I wanted to express why I love the beautiful game, and why I've harnessed my love for the game to create one of the top tactics and analysis sites around.

Game Model Example: 4-2-3-1

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Formations, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Subscriber Exclusives

This game model example showcases what Rhyspect FC looks to do in each third of the pitch in all three defensive phases, and all three attacking phases in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The game model also provides a look into style of play and important ideologies, set-pieces, transitions, ideal player types, and desired player traits. To see a preview of the game model, click the download preview button below. To purchase the game model, click the 'Purchase' button below.

Oliver Glasner – Eintracht Frankfurt – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, German Bundesliga, Managers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Team Analysis

Like many of the managers to take place in last season's managerial merry go round ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, Oliver Glasner had a slow start to life at Eintracht Frankfurt. It took the team eight games to claim their first victory, and even that was a stale 1-0 win over Royal Antwerp in the … Continue reading Oliver Glasner – Eintracht Frankfurt – Tactical Analysis

Why Dejan Kulusevski is perfect for Tottenham

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Winger

While fans had expectations that a new central midfielder would enter the revolving door, a brand new wing wizard came as a bit of an eyebrow-raiser. Since that day, Dejan Kulusevski has been a revelation at Spurs, completely knocking the in-form Lucas Moura out of the lineup in two shakes of a lamb's tail. So with that, here is our latest Player Analysis, and an in-depth examination as to why Dejan Kulusevski is perfect for Antonio Conte's Spurs.

Tactical Thinker: Why do you love to watch football?

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent

At TheMastermindSite.com, we love to hear from you - our readers. That's why every week we're going to be asking you to share your thoughts on a specific topic. At the end of the week, we'll compile your answers into an article, helping us all learn more about the game from knowledgeable others. This week's question is an easy one to get warmed up - why do you love to watch football? What is it about football, over any other sport, that makes you want to tune in week in and week out. Share your thoughts via the form below!

Facundo Torres – Orlando City – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Winger, World Football

With an intense swagger and silky smooth mannerisms on the ball, Facundo Torres had a brilliant debut day for The Lions, playing his part in their 2-0 victory. So with that, today I take a look at what Facundo Torres offers Orlando, and why he could be a transformative player to take his team to the next level.

What Jesse Marsch will bring to Leeds United

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

On a surface level, you may look at Marsch - a man who loves a high pressing system - and think to yourself that Leeds is a match made in heaven for 48-year-old (yes, we know he looks much younger). In reality, the jump from Bielsa to Marsch is a big one, going from an intense man-marking press, to a press that centers around the ball. So with that, today, we analyze what Jesse Marsch will bring to Leeds United, and whether or not the Lillywhites are prepared for the leap.