Category: Team Analysis

Thomas Frank – Brentford – Tactical Analysis (2023-24)

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

Thomas Frank's Bees are attacking their third season in the Premier League and despite the common pre-season misperception that they would be scrambling for survival, Brentford are again defying expectations. Six points in six games doesn't do their performances justice, having lost just twice so far. They may not be the most beautiful possession-based side in the world but the marginal gains targeted by Frank and his staff is why their overall game far exceeds the majority of English competitors. There may just be another top half finish in store for the Bees. Here is our 2023-24 analysis of Brentford under Thomas Frank, brought to you by Charlie Ellis.

Tommy Wheeldon Jr. – Cavalry FC – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis

Cavalry FC have been the most exciting team to watch in 2023, following up from a wonderful winter of off-season recruitment. The Cavs remain at the top of the table as the 2023 season comes to a close, and after their win against HFX this week, are the first team to claim a spot in the 2023 Playoffs. Here is our tactical analysis of Tommy Wheeldon Jr.'s Cavalry FC in 2023.

Ange Postecoglou – Tottenham Hotspur – Tactical Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Managers, Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis

Spurs fans have endured a disorderly four years since Mauricio Pochettino's exit, but some stability may finally have come in the form of Australia's most prized coach, Ange Postecoglou. The Postecoglou era is in full flow just one month into the Premier League season as Spurs have claimed ten points from a possible twelve.

Xabi Alonso – Bayer Leverkusen – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis

Bayer Leverkusen have started the season hitting all the right notes, currently sitting top of the table ahead of their clash with Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso's men have won all three of their games thus far, scoring 3.7 goals per game to start the campaign. Playing exciting, attractive football full of energy, pressing and close-connection possession, Xabi's team are destined for a big season in the Bundesliga. Here is our tactical analysis of Leverkusen so far in 2023-24.

FC Cincinnati – Tactical Analysis – 2023

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Subscriber Exclusives, Team Analysis

As Lionel Messi has grabbed all the headlines this summer, FC Cincinnati have quietly gone under the radar again. Pat Noonan's Cincinnati currently have eleven points on the next best team in the East, and ten on the next best team overall in the entire MLS. Despite their league-leading status, they've kept fewer than 50% of the possession this season. So what have they done so well this campaign? Here is a tactical analysis of Pat Noonan's Cincinnati in 2023.

Spain – Women’s World Cup 2023 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Team Analysis, Women's Football

With the likes of Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey, and Ona Batlle back in the fold following the dispute, Spain have been firmly on fire at the World Cup. They've lost just one game in their possession-heavy flamboyance, a 4-0 loss to the counter-attacking genius of Japan in the group stage. Since then, Vilda's team have been untouchable, and now prepare for a World Cup Final. Here is a tactical analysis of Spain at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Game of Numbers #24 – Bellingham at the top of the diamond

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Team Analysis

Much has been made this summer about Real Madrid's lack of a natural Karim Benzema replacement up front, and the downgrade of Joselu entering that position for Los Blancos instead. But sometimes, you don't need to replace a player in the transfer market with a like-for-like switch. Sometimes, all you need to do is tweak the shape of the team. This is what Real Madrid have done in finding a solution for their Benzema dilemma. In the process, they've also presented a solution to the conundrum regarding how to fit all their fantastic pieces in midfield together.

Why Harry Kane is perfect for Bayern Munich

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker, Team Analysis

The Harry Kane saga has been the longest-standing sagas of all transfer happenings over the past few seasons. This week, it might finally come to an end with Bayern Munich putting down a bid that Tottenham would be crazy to turn down. It might be a hefty, club record-breaking fee, but Harry Kane perfectly fits the way that Thomas Tuchel wants to play. With that, here is what Kane will bring to Bayern, and why the club were so persistent in securing his signature.