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.

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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)

Top 100 Footballers In The World 2018 (80-61)

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

Here is the second batch of the Top 100 Footballers of the Year for 2018 - numbers 80-61. Enjoy! For more on what goes into determining The Mastermind’s Top 100 of 2018 click here. For the first set (100-81) click here!  80. Gonzalo Higuain  Why Gonzalo Higuain left Juventus for AC Milan is still a bit fuzzy. … Continue reading Top 100 Footballers In The World 2018 (80-61)

Top 100 Footballers In The World 2018 (100-81)

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

Every time a World Cup rolls around, new stars seem to be born instantly. The 2018 World Cup in Russia was no different as players like Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, Ivan Perisic and Lucas Hernandez announced themselves on the world stage. That being said, the World Cup was only a very small portion of 2018. What really matters in determining the best footballers on the planet for the year is all about how a player performed primarily for their club in a variety of different league, cup and international cup competitions. How they fared for their country is secondary, while their overall reputation as one of the best in the world also plays a very important role. But without further ado, here is the first batch of the Top 100 Footballers of the Year for 2018 starting with numbers 100-81.

OFFICIAL: Top 100 Male Footballers of 2018

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

It is finally here! The Top 100 Footballers in the World for the calendar year of 2018, set to be revealed over the next week. 2018 gave us the happy surprises of Croatia and England at the World Cup although it was Deschamps' France that lifted the trophy; the dominance of Real Madrid in the … Continue reading OFFICIAL: Top 100 Male Footballers of 2018

Playing in a Midfield Three

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Coach Education, Coaching, Defensive Midfield, Formations, Masterclasses, UEFA Champions League, World Cup 2018, World Football

In the post 4-4-2 era, the 4-3-3 is one of the world's most popular formations. Not only is it attack-minded but it is inherently possession-based by providing an extra man in central midfield. That is one of the prime reasons why a midfield three has become the first choice of many managers around the world. … Continue reading Playing in a Midfield Three