Explaining the Creative Ten – Player Role Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Recruitment & Scouting

When we say 'Creative Ten', I'm sure you immediately conjure up an image of a classical painter of a player, who wonderfully creates art with their passing and incisiveness in the final third. But as has been well documented over the past few years, that type of player does not tend to exist in the modern game. The Mesut Ozil's, David Silva's and Cesc Fabregas's of this world no longer tend to exist as they once did, or play in the same positions that they once held. Nowadays, 'number ten's' must not only be capable contributors in the final third, but highly active in pressing from the front, and contributing to rotations that spread the width of the pitch.

Breaking down the phases of the game

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Most Recent

Chances are, if you're getting into tactics and analysis, you've heard the word "phase" or "moment" to describe the events that transpire across a football match. But what are these so-called "phases"? As part of our Intro to Football Analysis course, we break it all down. This article will give you a sneak-preview into the course, set to be launched in Fall 2022. Here's everything you need to know about the various phases of the beautiful game, and how compartmentalizing the game in this manner can allow you to achieve greater success in your analysis.

Marco Silva – Fulham – Tactical Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Managers, Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis

Preceding one of the most dominant Championship seasons ever, Marco Silva's Fulham have shown plenty of promise on their yo-yo return to the Premier League. 106 goals in 46 matches was superior of any second-tier side since Manchester City in the 2001/02 season, but their offensive strengths had been heightened by their ex-Portuguese star, Fabio Carvalho. As he begins a new chapter at Anfield, the rest of Silva's side have reset, and look well-prepared for a high-tempo season in the top flight. Peculiarly, they've shown more defensive promise so far even with the explosive start to the season from their Serbian record-breaker, Aleksandar Mitrović.

Game of Numbers #4 – Counter Attacking to Score Goals

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Striker

In the quest to establish beautiful football, possession-based play often reigns supreme, with the bitter ugliness of grit and determination seen as a lower standard way of approaching the game. But when done right and done effectively, counter attacking football can be the deadliest approach to winning football matches. That notion came to prominence over the weekend, as both of last season's Premier League title contenders dropped points, and Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig crashed down the stairs at Union Berlin.

Explaining the Midfield Maestro – Player Role Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Recruitment & Scouting

As the ball-dominant magic-wand sorcerers in central midfield, 'Midfield Maestros' accomplish feats that few other players would be capable of showcasing to the world. They ooze class every time they touch the ball, always looking dangerous as they dribble, carry or skillfully dance their way around the opposition. But beyond technical precision and pizzazz, 'Midfield Maestros' might be some of the most tactically adept out there, possessing the awareness of space that very few have mastered. Here is our analysis of the Midfield Maestro.

Leeds United 3-0 Chelsea – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Premier League

Jesse Marsch's Leeds United have started the 2022-23 season in stuttering form, but few would have expected the Whites to come up with such an impressive victory against Thomas Tuchel's high-flying Chelsea. Leeds battered and bruised the Blues into oblivion on Sunday, pressing relentlessly with heart and intensity at every turn. Jesse Marsch has inspired this mindset since he entered the door, and their off-season recruitment has allowed for a seamless transition into the American's ideals to take center-stage in 2022-23. Here is our analysis of Leeds' miraculous victory over Chelsea.

Pellegrino Matarazzo – VfB Stuttgart – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, German Bundesliga, Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis

While they've endured a difficult start to the season, they've surpassed expectations in terms of tactical nous and game IQ since the start of 2022-23. Here is an analysis of Pellegrino Matarazzo's tactically intriguing VfB Stuttgart.

Calin Calaidjoglu – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Recruitment & Scouting

After catching the eye for Montreal Impact's Academy in 2018, the career of future Canadian international Calin Calaidjoglu has gone quietly under the radar. Currently plying his trade in his native Moldova, that much is understandable. But Calaidjoglu recently impressed in his side's UEFA Conference League tie against Slovenian side NS Mura, and has enjoyed a bright start to the 2022-23 season. While CPL clubs tend to recruit even younger players, the 21-year-old would have plenty to offer if a move were to be made back home. In this tactical analysis, we break down the strengths and weaknesses of Calin Calaidjoglu at the age of 21, and the CPL clubs that would most benefit from his playing style. Here is our analysis!