Category: Wing-Back

Game of Numbers #36 – Role Changes for Dejan Kulusevski & Konrad Laimer

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Coach Education, Fullback, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Wing-Back, Winger

One thing is for certain. Spurs have not been the same since injury to James Maddison. Spurs were flying high with no signs of slowing down at the start of the season. But injuries across the squad have since stunted their progress and made for a more difficult second half of the first half to this campaign. Micky van de Ven's been a miss at the back, but Maddison's creative influence has been that missing puzzle piece that's made for a lack of a finishing touch to Tottenham's endeavours. Perhaps not anymore, with Dejan Kulusevski showcasing his potential as a 'Creative Ten'. Here is Game of Numbers #36 - featuring role changes for Konrad Laimer and Dejan Kulusevski.

How I analyze fullbacks for pro clubs with Role Continuity

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

In 2022, I established my 'Role Continuity Evaluation System', on the basis that players should be assessed by the metrics and traits important to their specific role on the pitch. Through this understanding, players are then classified into what is now 20 different roles, and assessed accordingly to see how they stack up to other players fulfilling the same player type. Here is an explanation of my scouting & analysis system, why I've coined it 'Role Continuity', and how I use the system to analyze fullbacks.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Zachary Fernandez

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Fullback, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Wing-Back

Under the increased attacking license given to him by Patrice Gheisar, Zachary Fernandez has excelled this season as an up-and-down wing-back capable of creating chances for fun. Here is why the 21-year-old Canadian full-back should be on your radar.

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.

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.

Dribbling masterclass ft. Kane Ritchie-Hosler

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Subscriber Exclusives, Wing-Back

Kane Ritchie-Hosler is a 20-year-old Englishman, who played this season in Scotland's third tier, on loan from Rangers B. His daring intensity to constantly take players on is reminiscent of youthful energy that can separate the 20-year-old from someone ten years older. However, not only does Ritchie-Hosler dazzle when you give him the ball, he excels when making optimal decisions both on and off the ball. He knows when to burst forward, when to turn, and when to play the simpler, safer options available. This is the key to any player existing within Ritchie-Hosler's 'dynamic dribbling' mold.

Game of Numbers #19 – How to cross like Pervis Estupiñán

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Fullback, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Wing-Back

Crucially for his role as a 'Wing-Back', Pervis Estupiñán is one of the best crossers of the ball in the division. That has translated in over 3 crosses and 1.6 key passes per 90 in league play. It's the awareness of when to keep the ball on the grass or when to raise the ball in the air that comes as such an underrated skill, and one that often allows the Ecuadorian to set his teammates up for a real chance of scoring.