Category: Premier League

Futbol Masterminds – Messi, Grealish, Kane, & a Whole Premier League Preview!

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, Premier League

Lionel Messi wants OUT of Barcelona again. But we're not convinced he's actually leaving again. Meanwhile, Manchester City have splashed the cash on Jack Grealish and might do so again to sign Harry Kane. If they do, is the title race done and dusted before it even begins? Rhys doesn't think so, and thinks another Premier League challenger could be set to go neck and neck with the Citizens this season. Then the lads break down the top four race, relegation battle and why Tottenham, Arsenal, and Everton are still stuck in no-mans-land. Follow the show @futbolmasterminds and subscribe via Itunes and Spotify! 

Will Jadon Sancho Inspire New Life at Old Trafford? – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, Subscriber Exclusives, Winger, World Football

The signing of Jadon Sancho brings a world class winger to Old Trafford, and one with the longevity still left in his career to become an all-time United great. Raphael Varane and Ruben Neves are also reportedly inching for a move to Solskjaer’s team, which would bring two more top quality players into the mix and give United more strength in depth. So ahead of the 2021-22 season, we take a look at how Manchester United could potentially challenge for the Premier League title, with a special focus on Jadon Sancho and how he’ll fit into the team.

What Nuno Espirito Santo will bring to Tottenham Hotspur – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

After months of searching for the perfect manager, Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspur ultimately settled for former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo - who left his post at the end of the 2020-21 season. The Portuguese's departure from Wolves was a slight surprise, having led them to the Premier League to begin with, followed by two back to back 7th place finishes in 2018-19 and 2019-20. But Levy snatched up the opportunity to take on another Portuguese manager, and he will be hoping Nuno fares better than his predecessor - Jose Mourinho. Here we analyze Nuno's potential tactics at Tottenham, and the chances of the manager and club working harmoniously together as one.

England – Euro 2020 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, World Football

Having progressed to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, many picked England as favourites to steal the crown at this summer's Euros. Now heading into the Quarter Finals of the tournament, Gareth Southgate's team remain unbeaten, without having conceded a single goal. Here is our tactical analysis of England at the Euros so far, and their chances of winning it all.

Should Klopp consider a back-three in 2021-22?

by TMS Staff, posted in Premier League

For much of Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield reign, Liverpool have favored a 4-3-3 shape. In this system, the Reds have enjoyed defensive solidity, offensive prowess and become one of the most dominant forces in world football. The results speak for themselves regarding the effectiveness of this shape, with the well-rounded formation taking Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League success. While the Reds weren’t always ruthless in their title-winning season, few can deny that they were efficient. But is it time for Klopp to freshen things up? Well, he may have the chance to try something new in 2021-22.     

What Spurs fans can expect of Paulo Fonseca and his tactics

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Premier League, Serie A, World Football

After months of speculation, it appears that Tottenham Hotspur are now inching closer to selecting their next manager. With Paulo Fonseca out of a job this summer and replaced by former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho at AS Roma, Daniel Levy and co. are seriously considering a bizarre move for the Portuguese manager. So with that, we take a look at what Paulo Fonseca could bring to Tottenham Hotspur and why the move may or may not be all that bizarre, tactically speaking.

From battling Championship relegation to Champions League winner: The extraordinary rise of Reece James

by TMS Staff, posted in Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Football

There were moments during Chelsea's Champions League final win when you couldn't quite believe how well Reece James was coping with the pressure of the occasion. Of course, even before kick-off in Porto, everyone knew how much quality the Redbridge-born right-back possessed, but his performance over the course of 90 minutes was genuinely enough to take your breath away. Indeed, that sharp intake of breath when City found space around the box was replaced by a sigh of relief after James almost single-handedly thwarted every attack. 

Euro 2020 – England – Tactical Preview

by TMS Staff, posted in Premier League, World Football

England have not won a major international tournament since 1966. With the likes of Harry Kane, Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and Declan Rice in full flow for the Three Lions at this summer's tournament, hopes are high that this could be the year England claim another tournament triumph to add to their trophy cabinet. Our friends over at The Tactics Show break down England's tactics, and how they might be able to prove everyone right by winning this summer's European Championships.