Category: World Football

Bruce Arena – New England Revolution – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Team Analysis, World Football

After a long, thirty-four game season, New England Revolution have won their first ever MLS Supporters' Shield. For anyone unfamiliar with the MLS' bizarre structures, that is the equivalent to winning a league title in any other league around the world. In the MLS, all it means is that New England have the best seed heading into the Playoffs, where they will hope to claim glory for good. But despite the insignificance of something that should be very significant, New England need to be commended for their incredible 2021 MLS season. The Revs lost just 5 of their 34 league games, scoring 65 goals in the process. Through it all they played some intriguing football, in a unique 4-3-1-2 system. Here is our tactical analysis of Bruce Arena's New England Revolution in 2021.

John Herdman – Canada – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Team Analysis, World Football

After years of barely even being on the football map, Canada are suddenly thriving and well under the new leadership of John Herdman. The Canadian Men's National Team have won 71% of their matches since Herdman took over, following up from his personal successes with the Women's team, where he helped the nation claim two Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016. His first mission as men's national team coach was to help the Canadians earn their first qualification to a World Cup since 1986, and they have now gone 13 matches unbeaten in qualifying, with 9 wins and 4 draws. With just a few games to go in the round robin, Canada look destined to qualify for their first major international tournament in thirty-five years. Here is an analysis of John Herdman's work with the Canadian Men's National Team.

What Newcastle fans can expect of Paulo Fonseca and his tactics

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis, World Football

After sacking Steve Bruce on October 19, it appears that Newcastle United are now inching closer to selecting their next manager. With Paulo Fonseca still, shockingly, out of a job following a successful year with Roma last year, Newcastle are taking heavy interest in bringing the highly touted manager into their ranks. So with that, we take a look at what Paulo Fonseca could bring to Newcastle and why the move could be exactly what Newcastle fans have been calling out for.

The Flag-Bearers of Football Formations – October 2021 – Quick Take

by Jeremy Barnes, posted in Formations, World Football

Although we all love the beautiful game, we may watch for different reasons. Some tune in as a family tradition. Others for personal or professional interest. And still others purely for the sake of entertainment. Here, today, I hope to add one more reason to your list if it’s there already: watch to learn. Specifically, to learn how a football club compiles individual contributions of skill, athleticism, intelligence, and desire, and stations those facets of the game for collective success. This is my working definition of football tactics inherent to formations. 

The Most Popular Formations in MLS [Quick Take]

by Jeremy Barnes, posted in Formations, World Football

Similar to our prior overview of The Most Popular Formations in Europe’s Top 5 Leagues (2020-2021 season), we now look at the most popular formations in MLS during the 2021 season (up until the time of writing - early September 2021). With most sides over two-thirds of the way through the regular season, it’s prime time to find form and compete for a playoff spot. And while preparation for success is managed differently by all, settling on a formation (or at least a general style of play) is a great sign that a team has found its collective identity. As such, final tallies for the season will undoubtedly change, but here are the numbers as they stand... 

Man City 5-0 Norwich – Tactical Analysis – How Jack Grealish Fits

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Formations, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, World Football

Manchester City demolished Norwich City this past weekend in the Premier League's second round of fixtures, with Jack Grealish grabbing his first goal for the club. Here is our analysis of the match, including a special look into how the former Villa captain fits into the squad.

Borussia Dortmund 5-2 Eintracht Frankfurt – Tactical Analysis – Marco Rose’s First Game

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Formations, German Bundesliga, Managers, Match Analysis, World Football

Borussia Dortmund got off to a flying start in their opening matchday fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt, with Oliver Glasner's side looking completely out of sorts. Marco Rose's men on the other hand completely took the game to Frankfurt, with Haaland, Reus and co. in full flow. Here is our tactical analysis of Dortmund's first match and all the wonders they accomplished.

Can Barcelona cope with life after Messi?

by TMS Staff, posted in World Football

The moment every Barcelona fan had been dreading for years has finally arrived. Lionel Messi has left the club as a free agent, unable to pen a new contract, which had apparently been agreed months ago. While there could be more than meets the eye regarding the current situation, the Catalan giants must now prepare for a new era without their most successful player ever.