Category: Central Midfield

Why Edson Álvarez is perfect for West Ham United

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

It might be desperately close to the start of the season, but West Ham United have finally signed their Declan Rice replacement at the base of their midfield. In my in-depth analysis of who the Hammers should sign, I ranked Álvarez second to Florentino Luís, as an absolute must-sign. For the fee they accumulated for Rice, I made the claim that they should sign both players, especially given the Mexican's exceptional awareness on the defensive end, whilst complimenting much of Rice's on-the-ball dominance. Here is why West Ham United made the right call in signing Álvarez, and why the £33 million signing should be a steal.

Why Declan Rice is the complete package for Arsenal

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

Declan Rice is more than worth the money. He will be critical for the Gunners next season as they look to challenge for the title, and could even go on to show everyone why he's one of the best Premier League players we've ever seen. Here is why Declan Rice is the perfect package for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Eryk Kobza

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Central Midfield, Centre Backs, Defensive Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Subscriber Exclusives

Struggling to find the right options inside their midfield at the start of the season, U SPORTS draft-pick Eryk Kobza was given the nod to play alongside Jesse Daley, and the club haven't looked back since. At the age of 21, Kobza's made himself an extremely useful option for Cavalry, doubling as a centre-back and defensive midfielder, swapping roles nearly every other game. Here is why Eryk Kobza should be on your radar.

Why İlkay Gündoğan is perfect for Barcelona

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

After a UEFA Champions League winning campaign, a considerable loss for Guardiola’s Man City becomes a remarkable gain for Xavi’s Barcelona. İlkay Gündoğan had been a stalwart in the treble winners’ eleven for the past season, and for good reason. He’s one of the most technically and tactically gifted footballers on the planet, and became a surprise threat in front of goal in his final three seasons at the club.

Why Mateo Kovačić is perfect for Manchester City

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Team Analysis

After five fairly stellar and underappreciated years at Chelsea, Mateo Kovačić has left the club and signed with Manchester’s most recent treble winners. New ownership at Stamford Bridge led to a drastic rebuild from their 2021 Champions League winning squad, and the time came for one of their most consistent performers over the years to exit the building. Manchester City took full advantage, making him an apt replacement for the loss of Ilkay Gündoğan and the potential loss of silky smooth Bernardo Silva.

Stina Blackstenius – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Women's Football

After a semi-final finish at the Euros in 2022 and a silver medal at the Olympics in 2020, Sweden will again be one of the favourites for the 2023 World Cup. Many of their stars are now into the twilight of their careers, but one who remains in their prime is Stina Blackstenius, their power-house centre-forward capable of banging in the goals. Here is a brief analysis of Blackstenius, and why she will be integral to Sweden's success in 2023.

Grace Geyoro – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Women's Football

In spite of their semi-final finish, France still showed enough promise in 2022 to make them one of the favourites heading into the 2023 Women's World Cup. The one area of the field in which they've lost some of their key figureheads in recent years is in central midfield, which should make it all the more imperative for Grace Geyoro to play an important role once more. Here is what Geyoro brings to France, and why she's one of the best midfielders on the planet.

Women’s World Cup 2023 Preview – Jessie Fleming & Ashley Lawrence

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Fullback, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Wing-Back, Winger, Women's Football

Canada are by no means one of the favourites heading into the World Cup despite their success at the Olympics, and key players like Ashley Lawrence and Jessie Fleming will endeavour to change that narrative around. Here is why new Chelsea teammates Lawrence and Fleming will be critical to Canada's success this summer.