Category: Player Education

Finding the next Virgil van Dijk – Tactical Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Centre Backs, Data Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

Van Dijk's return post-injury has been fairly remarkable, but he is starting to show signs of slowing down. He's no longer that same commanding presence that simply cannot be dribbled around. Liverpool meanwhile are suffering, with the Europa League now acting as their best shot at attaining European football next season. The Dutchman himself is now 31 years old, and often remains alongside another key figurehead of the same age in Joël Matip. With that, we attempt to assess the best candidates to replace Virgil Van Dijk at Liverpool, as Jurgen Klopp prepares for the future.

Game of Numbers #17 – Valentín Castellanos – Scanning to score four against Real Madrid

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Striker

Castellanos had one of the greatest games of his life, netting 4 goals against last season's Champions League victors. He became the first player in the 21st century to score four against Los Blancos in a league game, and did so with just 6 shots. With that, let's dissect how "Taty" Castellanos scanned for success in his heroic performance against one of the world's best sides.

Understanding BOTS & how to scan for quicker, correct decisions

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Education

Scanning goes far beyond what must coaches will shout out: "check your shoulder!". It needs to encompass a constant process of neck and eye movement, assessing ball, opposition, teammates and space.

The art of effective communication

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Education

Communication is one of the most important skills for young players to develop. It can sometimes be difficult for players to see past their own role on the pitch, but effective communication can propel the entire team forward and lead to a better team spirit. Here are some of the key words and phrases for players to remember in their quest to better their communication. 

Game of Numbers #15 – Jordan Pickford’s positioning masterclass

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Goalkeeper, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Player Education

Sometimes criticized across his Everton career, Jordan Pickford has enjoyed a formidable past couple of seasons for both club and country. The Toffees might be in serious threat of relegation this season and very well might have gone down last campaign if it had not been for their remarkable keeper. Despite the club's poor form, there's even a genuine argument for Pickford to be the goalkeeper of the season thus far. That argument came to life all the more in Everton's recent match against Manchester United, where Pickford was one of the standout players on the pitch despite his side being completely outclassed. Here are the finer details behind Pickford's stunning nine-save display against the Red Devils.

Consultation, Performance Analysis & 1-on-1 Coaching with Rhys

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

Across the past decade, I have worked with thousands of players and coaches across multiple sports and disciplines. I recognize the value of understanding the athlete/client from a holistic perspective and tailoring advice to their specific needs. I make a commitment toward positive reinforcement, research-backed insights, and making the experience FUN for those that work with me.

Game of Numbers #14 – Ilkay Gündoğan’s Movement Masterclass

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League

İlkay Gündoğan had a masterclass of a performance against Liverpool, playing a massive part in their commanding 4-1 win over their title challengers from last season. It was vintage Gündoğan at his best, and showcases City's potential to continue putting on top quality performances even without the presence of Erling Haaland. Here is Game of Numbers #14, illustrating Gundogan's movement masterclass!

How to move off the ball like a world class winger

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

In the modern era, wingers can be as vital to scoring goals and creating chances as any other position on the pitch. Elite superstars like Mohamed Salah and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have illustrated this to a tee this year, for both their goal scoring prowess and chance creation supremacy. But most young players aspiring to be the world's best struggle to see the finer details of exactly how the likes of Salah and Kvara find themselves in those scoring positions. With that, we break down how to move off the ball like a world class winger, with real examples from the likes mentioned above, in addition to Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Alex Morgan.