Category: Central Midfield

Women’s World Cup 2023 Preview – Rose Lavelle & Ashley Sanchez

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

One of the storylines heading into the Women's World Cup this year for the United States centers around the fitness of one of their prime starlets - Rose Lavelle. Lavelle stole the show with her Bronze Ball back in 2019 as the U.S. lifted the trophy, and has been a key function for both Reign and her nation since. Luckily for the States, they seem to have a carbon copy in the form of Ashley Sanchez of the Washington Spirit. Although Sanchez lacks the same experience and Bronze Ball potential, she just so happens to be a remarkably similar player set to shine at this summer's tournament.

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.

Why Alexis Mac Allister is perfect for Liverpool

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

Hands down, Alexis Mac Allister has been one of the Premier League's most improved players from this season to last. For his seamless transition into a 'DLP' role at Brighton, where he played a critical role in the team's sixth place success, I even had the Argentinean midfielder in my 'Team of the Season'. To get this player for £35 million in today's obscene money market would be one of the steals of the past few years. In this article, I'll break down exactly what makes Alexis Mac Allister such a perfect signing for Liverpool.

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 #20 – Konrad Laimer’s box to box engine

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Game of Numbers, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis

Leipzig might have just decided the title race. Leading the charge for Die Roten Bullen was their midfield engine Konrad Laimer, who bossed the game against Bayern through his effervescent energy. Laimer never stopped running all game long, and played a massive part in the stunning victory. With that, here is Game of Numbers #20, with Konrad Laimer at the forefront.

The best role changes of 2022-23 in the Premier League

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Coaching, Defensive Midfield, Fullback, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker

There is nothing that fascinates me more about tactical team construction than how managers change the job titles of certain players to achieve certain results. That may be to combat a strength of an opposition, to bring out a strength in their own team set-up, to bring the best out of a player at their disposal, or even simply to fill a hole. I created an entire series around this premise called 'Game of Numbers', analyzing the various roles that individual players take up to help their teams achieve success. With that, I highlight some of the best positional tweaks this campaign, detailing how managers were able to get the best out of each player.

Game of Numbers #18 – Trent Alexander-Arnold in central areas

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

Over the past few weeks, Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool have been gaining not only traction in the league, but scrutinized attention over some new principles of play. That "new" principle involves the use of Trent Alexander-Arnold where all of us always knew he could excel, in central areas. I wanted to throw my hat into the mix, partially because there's an argument to make that this is not all that new.

Why Wellington Phoenix signed Mohamed Al-Taay – Player Analysis

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

Ahead of the 2023-24 season, Wellington Phoenix's squad is looking bleak. But they are making active steps in the transfer market to improve upon their 6th place finish from 2022-23. New midfielders remain one of the first agenda items after the departures of first-team regulars Clayton Lewis and Steven Ugarkovic. In Mohamed Al-Taay, they've uncovered a 22-year-old gem who can tick all the boxes they need to become a more assertive side in the A-League. Here is what Al-Taay will bring to Wellington Phoenix, as we break down the defensive midfielder's game.