Coaching Lessons From a Video Game – FIFA 19

One of the biggest dangers in the world of coaching in youth sports today is the concept of "joy-sticking" - whereby coaches control every act their players do and do not give their athletes freedom to be autonomous in their decisions. What is described in this article may be controversial as it is a literal form of "joy-sticking". However, this article presents the various ways that playing EA Sports' FIFA video game can be useful in analyzing your players, tactics and playing style, especially if coaches are mindful that what they do on the game may not translate into the real world. Although it is only a video game and a literal form of joy-sticking, every coach can benefit in a lot of ways from creating and playing with their team on FIFA 19. 

Best Formations for 11v11

In the ever-changing world of football, dozens of formations are being used on a day to day basis around the globe. Choosing the right formation can affect the balance of the game, while the decision of which formation to play can also be instrumental in getting the best out of the players a manager has … Continue reading Best Formations for 11v11

4 Ways Maurizio Sarri Can Save His Job

In all of Chelsea's recent struggles, much has been made about how Maurizio Sarri has failed to do exactly what the three men previous to him also failed to do: adequately manage the Chelsea dressing room. Although Conte, Mourinho and Andre Villas Boas all struggled to make a long-lasting impression on the Chelsea dressing room, … Continue reading 4 Ways Maurizio Sarri Can Save His Job

Dortmund vs. Bayern, The Most Intriguing Bundesliga Title Race in Years

Borussia Dortmund have been flying high in 2018-19, losing just one Bundesliga match so far this season. Their impressive form under Lucien Favre has set up an intriguing battle for the title, especially given Bayern Munich's six season title-winning streak. Niko Kovac's Bayern Munich have had a roller coaster of a campaign so far, but … Continue reading Dortmund vs. Bayern, The Most Intriguing Bundesliga Title Race in Years

Doucoure, Weigl and Gueye? Why are PSG after a new defensive midfielder?

It seems that one of the only stories to follow this winter in the January transfer window is the ongoing saga at PSG involving a new defensive midfielder. With the likes of Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti and Adrien Rabiot, defensive midfield has never been a problem area for Les Rouge-et-Bleu in recent years. However, all of … Continue reading Doucoure, Weigl and Gueye? Why are PSG after a new defensive midfielder?

Who Just Missed The Cut of The Mastermind Top 100 2018

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)

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!

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

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)