Category: Premier League

Analyzing Aston Villa’s transfer window so far

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Managers, Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis

Steven Gerrard's recruitment team have been extremely busy in the first few months under his leadership. From being one of the greatest footballers of his generation and a man with an ever-growing reputation, Gerrard provides a massive pull-power, securing the services of Philippe Coutinho in his first month at the club. Now preceding an underwhelming 14th place finish in the league last season, the Villains have pinpointed the exact areas of the side that need improving. We've already seen the permanent additions of Philippe Coutinho, Robin Olsen, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos, taking the rest of the Premier League by storm. The window only officially opened for business on June 10th, but the early business from Gerrard's men arrows toward an exhilarating season in store for Villa Park's supporters.

Undervalued Premier League Talents: Jean-Philippe Mateta

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker

An encouraging season for Palace fans ended in a 12th place finish, with more work to be done in Patrick Vieira's progression with the team from the days of Roy Hodgson. When the season began, Palace had a host of new faces bringing much in the way of fan fare, from Michael Olise to Odsonne Edouard. Both had their moments in the limelight and achieved acclaim for their performances. But one man who went quietly under the radar in his second season with the Eagles was Jean-Philippe Mateta, who became an important starter for the team toward the second half of the campaign.

Tactical Thinker: Relegated stars that should stay in the Premier League next season

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League

Norwich and Watford made 2021-22 a notoriously bad season for the Premier League's bottom two clubs. Luckily, the fight away from the final relegation spot ended full of entertainment and intrigue, with Everton, Leeds and Burnley battling it out to stay alive. Ultimately, the Clarets would succumb to relegation on the final day, even despite a late push under new management. Now with Burnley, Norwich and Watford heading down to the Championship, we asked you to conjure up the names of the players you think should stay in the Premier League in 2022-23. We received a multitude of responses from our readership, and these were the most common names to hit the board, and the clubs that could be best suited for their signatures.

Undervalued Premier League Talents: Leandro Trossard

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker, Wing-Back, Winger

Despite finishing ninth place in the table, very few players from Brighton & Hove Albion achieved their deserved acclaim this season. Someone like Leandro Trossard went quietly under the radar, despite contributing to 11 of their 42 goals in his 34 appearances. Trossard's market value has only risen to 17 million as per Transfermarkt. But as a full Belgian international who can play either as a wide man, wing-back or second striker, Trossard would prove to be an excellent pick-up for any Premier League club, especially ones looking to add an edge to their Champions League dreams.

Explaining the Inverted Fullback – Player Role Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Fullback, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

Fullbacks are not always the flashiest of players, nor do they garner the greatest attention, even despite their importance to creating and generating chances in the modern game. That is precisely why a system like our Role Continuity Evaluation System works on so many levels, as we are able to adequately assess the important characteristics to a player's performance, while minimizing the scrutinization over less important facets of the player's game. Within the system, we break down full-backs into three broad categories: 'Wide Warriors', 'Wing-Backs', and the topic of today's article - the 'Inverted Fullback'. So with that, we explain the tasks, functions and role of an 'Inverted Fullback' and outline some of the very best in the position in 2022.

Undervalued Premier League Talents: Christian Eriksen

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League

On Saturday February 26th, the Premier League witnessed one of its most harmonic cheers, heard all across the globe. The day marked the remarkable return of Danish superstar Christian Eriksen, making his debut for Brentford after suffering a heart attack during Euro 2020 for his native Denmark. For Bees fans, it was a momentous occasion. But Eriksen played it cool, almost as though it was just another day at the office.

Undervalued Premier League Talents: Teemu Pukki

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker

Although Teemu Pukki has succumbed to relegation for the second time with Norwich City, he remains one of the most fascinating and complete centre-forwards on the planet. Full of exceptional movement, intelligent pressing, and a natural eye for goal, Pukki scored 11 times in both of his two Premier League campaigns for the worst team in the league. Now at the age of 32, Teemu Pukki is unlikely to return to the Premier League. That said, his price tag according to Transfermarkt sits at just €5 million, which would be an absolute steal for a player who's hit double figures in both of his Premier League seasons. With that, we discuss and analyze the remarkabilities of Teemu Pukki, and the potential suitors for the Finnish forward if he were to seek pastures new this summer.

Undervalued Premier League Talents: James Tarkowski

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League

Although he's not currently in the Premier League, James Tarkowski remains one of the best value-buys the league has to offer, and should be destined for a move back into the big time. Here is what makes Tarkowski so remarkable, why every Premier League club should be taking interest, and which clubs rank as the best suitors for the 29-year-old.