Over and over again, young players around the world receive the ball from a passing player, square on, with their back turned to goal. This limits a player's ability to pass the ball forwards and keep play moving. Instead of receiving the ball square on, players must maintain an open body shape, aka receiving the … Continue reading The Importance of Receiving the Ball on the Half-Turn
Analyzing Jorginho’s Role at Chelsea
Jorginho is one of the most unique midfielders in the modern game. The Brazilian-born midfielder is not your traditional N'Golo Kante-esque ball-winner nor is he anywhere near as mobile as the Frenchman. But his tactical/spatial awareness, footballing intelligence and superb on-the-ball presence help to make him one of the very best defensive midfielders around. He's incredibly vocal on the field, guiding his teammates through every pass and when he receives the ball for himself, he always seems to know exactly the right pass to make in a split-second decision. Jorginho is arguably the closest thing the footballing world has seen to a Sergio Busquets in years and Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea is the perfect place for the 26-year-old to showcase his talent. Here is how Jorginho has been integral to Chelsea's unbeaten start to the 2018-19 Premier League season.
3 Ways To Play in a 4-5-1
The 4-5-1 is the perfect formation for counter-attacking football and instills a defensive mindset in any team. As such it is a particularly popular formation for defensive-minded managers and is universally used to defend a lead. The 4-5-1 is also incredibly flexible, providing a lot of different ways managers can employ the tactic. Nearly every … Continue reading 3 Ways To Play in a 4-5-1
Picking The Perfect Starting Lineup
Picking a starting lineup for a football match can be a difficult task for any manager. There are so many different considerations that must go into the decision of who starts any match. This can range from fitness levels to injuries to work ethic to commitment to your opposition to the way different players mesh … Continue reading Picking The Perfect Starting Lineup
Best Formations for 9v9
9v9 is one of the most exciting stages in the development of young players as it's the first time they are truly able to understand positioning, formations and how to play to the strengths of their teammates. In The Mastermind's hometown province of Ontario, 9v9 starts at the U11 stage and ends at U13, when … Continue reading Best Formations for 9v9
Cristiano Ronaldo Steals The Show In Spain and Portugal’s 3-3 Draw
Cristiano Ronaldo has never had a better start to an international tournament. The Portuguese legend left everything out on the pitch in Russia Friday night, securing his team a 3-3 draw with his 51st career hat-trick. However, Ronaldo was not the only one to set the stage alight on Friday. Here are three key performers … Continue reading Cristiano Ronaldo Steals The Show In Spain and Portugal’s 3-3 Draw
Golovin Stars as Russia Beat Saudi Arabia 5-0
The 2018 World Cup in Russia is off the mark following a surprising 5-0 win for the host nation against Saudi Arabia. The opening fixture was a shocking display of talent from a Russian side that no-one was willing to give a chance at the start of the tournament and a shocking display of a … Continue reading Golovin Stars as Russia Beat Saudi Arabia 5-0
Why Portugal Must Build Their World Cup 2018 Squad Around Ruben Neves
Key to any footballing side is a strong midfield. Of course with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva, Portugal have a number of attacking talents. Their defensive back-line is also well-constructed with veteran defender Pepe as well as attack-minded fullbacks in Cedric Soares and Raphael Guerreiro. But if Portugal can get the balance … Continue reading Why Portugal Must Build Their World Cup 2018 Squad Around Ruben Neves
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