Barcelona have started the season off unbeaten, but it hasn't been the two most convincing performances from Xavi Hernandez's team, as they continue to adjust to the array of midfield talent they have at their disposal. Here is Game of Numbers #25, starting with Barcelona's use of Frenkie de Jong as a centre-back.
Despite his versatility to play across the pitch, the former TFC academy product started just 16 matches in 2022. But flashes of brilliance were there for all to see, constantly taking the game to the opposition through his dynamic dribbling and tactical intelligence. This season, Patrice Gheisar has fully trusted Daniels to be the star player in his attack, ensuring that he can give the ball-playing wizard a free role off the right of his 4-2-3-1. This has allowed Daniels to flourish, where he's been one of the undeniable stars of the season in 2023. Here is what makes the 24-year-old one of the top prospects coming out of the Canadian Premier League this season.
Following a move from Pacific to Atletico Ottawa ahead of the 2022 season, Ollie Bassett has been regarded by many to be one of the Canadian Premier League's most prized assets. His stunning 2022 campaign ended with 11 goal contributions to his name in 30 appearances from central midfield; not to mention a league title, and the division's MVP award. This season, Bassett's been just as influential, already matching his 8 goal, 3 assist tally from 2022 in fewer appearances.
Manchester City might have won the UEFA Super Cup, but it was not the most convincing of victories from the Citizens. The match against Sevilla served as one of the first examples I've seen of Guardiola going against his typical brilliance in adapting to the moment and his players available, and sticking to a system instead. Here's an analysis of why Manchester City set up in a way that was less than optimal against Sevilla.
Data is essential to the performance-based analysis that we strive for at TheMastermindSite.com, looking to enhance the quality of our articles and insights; whilst backing up the eye test with further support. Many sites have helped with this quest over the years, each providing different avenues of support. However, if one data site could provide all of the features needed wrapped up in one, it would make the process smoother. With that, I assess why Wyscout has become the #1 resource that I use in my analyses and articles, and how the site could improve to ensure they stay ahead of the free data sites available.
This summer's Women's World Cup has been full of drama and entertainment, with several big hitters going out early, and under-established sides making deep runs into the competition. Tournament hosts Australia have certainly made their mark, and the competition on the other side of the bracket with the likes of Sweden, Netherlands and Spain has never been at a higher level. Ahead of the final, we select our Team of the Tournament for the 2023 Women's World Cup!
With the likes of Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey, and Ona Batlle back in the fold following the dispute, Spain have been firmly on fire at the World Cup. They've lost just one game in their possession-heavy flamboyance, a 4-0 loss to the counter-attacking genius of Japan in the group stage. Since then, Vilda's team have been untouchable, and now prepare for a World Cup Final. Here is a tactical analysis of Spain at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Much has been made this summer about Real Madrid's lack of a natural Karim Benzema replacement up front, and the downgrade of Joselu entering that position for Los Blancos instead. But sometimes, you don't need to replace a player in the transfer market with a like-for-like switch. Sometimes, all you need to do is tweak the shape of the team. This is what Real Madrid have done in finding a solution for their Benzema dilemma. In the process, they've also presented a solution to the conundrum regarding how to fit all their fantastic pieces in midfield together.
TheMastermindSite 