Category: World Cup 2018

The myth of Nick Pope’s ‘poor’ distribution

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Goalkeeper, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, World Cup 2018, World Cup 2022, World Football

Leading up to both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 (which famously took place in 2021), a common commentary surrounded Nick Pope, and the potential reasons for Southgate's favouritsm toward Jordan Pickford. "Pope's distribution isn't as good," was said on repeat, almost as though all the pundits of the English game together as one big monster blob out to slight Nick Pope and find justifications for something that few were willing to admit made little sense. Despite Nick Pope's heroics at Burnley for the past five years, and the potential that he will keep them in the Premier League almost single-handedly for another season, Pickford remains England's firm number one.

5 Players Manchester United Should Sign In The Off-Season

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis, UEFA Champions League, World Cup 2018, World Football

Although the past few weeks has seen a slight dip in form, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit the ground running with Manchester United in 2019. After taking over for Jose Mourinho at the end of December, Solskjaer has won 15 of his 22 matches, which equates to a win percentage of nearly 70%. But in nearly every position on the pitch, it is very evident that upgrades are needed. It is unquestionable that Manchester United need to freshen up their squad in the summer and they should look no further than these five players in order to do that. 

Who Just Missed The Cut of The Mastermind Top 100 2018

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Cup 2018, World Football

Numbers 110-101 were so close to making The Mastermind Top 100 in 2018 but ultimately missed out. Read on to see who makes the cut.

Top 100 Footballers 2018 (20-1)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Cup 2018, World Football

The final list of the Top 100 Footballers of 2018 numbers 20-1 - featuring World Cup winner N'Golo Kante, Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric and a battle between Ronaldo and Messi for first prize!

Why Criticism Of Neymar’s “Diving Antics” Have Been Over-Exaggerated in 2018

by Rhys Desmond, posted in UEFA Champions League, World Cup 2018

2018 has been a year in which Neymar has received a heavy amount of criticism and most of it has completely ignored how well the Brazilian forward has actually played throughout the year. The majority of criticism revolving around Neymar this year has arisen due to his over-exaggerations to being fouled and targeted at the … Continue reading Why Criticism Of Neymar’s “Diving Antics” Have Been Over-Exaggerated in 2018

Top 100 Footballers In The World 2018 (40-21)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Cup 2018

Top 100 Footballers of 2018 numbers 40-21 - featuring Paulo Dybala, Paul Pogba, Toni Kroos and more!

Top 100 Footballers In The World 2018 (60-41)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Cup 2018, World Football

For more on what goes into determining The Mastermind’s Top 100 of 2018 click here. For (100-81) click here! For (80-61) click here! Enjoy! 60. Thibaut Courtois  Thibaut Courtois was fantastic at the 2018 World Cup and probably the best goalkeeper at the tournament. FIFA thought so anyway, and awarded him the Golden Glove and a spot on the … Continue reading Top 100 Footballers In The World 2018 (60-41)