Category: World Football

Tactical Thinker: How to stop the long-ball specialist…

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Most Recent, World Football

In all the discussion about tiki taka, possession-based, beautiful football, long passes often get a bad reputation. However, long passes can be extremely effective, and the best teams in the world know how to intermix both short and long passes into their build-up, in order to effectively break down the opposition. The likes of Ederson at Man City, Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich and Mats Hummels at Borussia Dortmund frequently utilize long passes to unlock the opposition's defense, giving their team a different edge from all the possession-based football. While these players may not be your traditional 'number 10' playmakers, they play a vital role in creating chances for their team and kickstarting attacks. So with that, today we ask the next question in our Tactical Thinker series. How do you stop the long-ball specialist?

Why I love to watch football

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, World Football

Two weeks ago, we posed a question in our first ever Tactical Thinker - "Why do you love to watch football?" We accumulated several responses that we can't wait to divulge to you, but first, I wanted to express why I love the beautiful game, and why I've harnessed my love for the game to create one of the top tactics and analysis sites around.

Facundo Torres – Orlando City – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Winger, World Football

With an intense swagger and silky smooth mannerisms on the ball, Facundo Torres had a brilliant debut day for The Lions, playing his part in their 2-0 victory. So with that, today I take a look at what Facundo Torres offers Orlando, and why he could be a transformative player to take his team to the next level.

Juan Reynoso – Cruz Azul – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Team Analysis, World Football

In the massive amounts of football I've watched over the past two months, it seems almost crazy to say that I've witnessed more of Cruz Azul than just about any other team...having not watched them any time in the last few years before the start of 2022. I started watching the iconic Mexican team in preparation for Forge FC's CONCACAF Champions League double-header against them in February, and now I can't stop. With so much free flowing football, positional rotation and frantic, energetic vibrancy to their play, Cruz are one of the most exciting teams around. So with that, today I bring you my tactical analysis of Juan Reynoso's Cruz Azul in 2022.

Erik Ten Hag – Ajax Tactics – Ebook

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Managers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Subscriber Exclusives, Team Analysis, World Football

Ever since Ajax's stunning run to the UEFA Champions League semi-final back in 2019, Erik Ten Hag has been linked to every managerial vacancy imaginable. To this day, rumours persist around Ten Hag's future, and his potential fit to take over at a club to the level of Manchester United. So with that, we bring to you today our Erik Ten Hag - Ajax Tactics Ebook - free to all of our premium subscribers.

Cruz Azul 3-1 Forge FC – Match Analysis

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

Forge FC might be out of the CONCACAF Champions League for now, but the club can be proud to have even gotten to this point, and to have put up such a strong showing across the two legs. For a club founded less than four years ago to go toe to toe with one of … Continue reading Cruz Azul 3-1 Forge FC – Match Analysis

Why Dortmund should persist with the 3-4-2-1 – BVB 6-0 Gladbach – Match Analysis

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

The main task of any manager in the modern tactical era is to implement a tactical system and style of play that simultaneously suits their own taste, while getting the best out of their best players, if not the entire squad. Marco Rose has rarely accomplished that feat this season, and would be wise to stick with the back-three in the future. Here is why Dortmund should persist with the 3-4-2-1 in the future, following their 6-0 win over Gladbach on Matchday 23.

Joelinton – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, World Football

Often seen as the emblem of an overpriced transfer that failed to deliver, Joelinton has seen a complete transformation in position, role, and status under new Newcastle boss Eddie Howe. The former Bournemouth coach has harnessed the Brazilian’s tireless work rate by moving him from forward to central midfield, where he's performed brilliantly as a box to box midfielder. So with that, we decided to take a look at how Joelinton has transformed into one of Newcastle's most important players in the blink of an eye. Here is our latest Player Analysis.