You might be wondering why I've written one article for the entirety of January so far. You might not have even noticed, or you might be here for the first time wondering why you should stay. Well, first, I'll take you back to my childhood.
Enzo Maresca – Leicester City – Tactical Analysis
It has been a season to remember for Leicester City inside the Championship. They've been one of the league's all-time top sides, and look fully prepared to hit the mark if they can keep hold of their star power leading into next season. Enzo Maresca and his team have done a brilliant job in assembling this squad, reinventing roles, and achieving buy-in from the players, and the same criteria will need to be met ahead of 2024-25.
Why centre-backs are becoming fullbacks: The tactical trend that defined 2023
It might be wrong to credit this tactical approach to Pep Guardiola. After all, the origin story to the 'fullback' is because the defender was fully back. However, in operating with a centre-back that steps up into midfield, Guardiola also created a construction within his team that regularly positioned centre-backs out wide. From then on, this approach has only become more popular. It's been the top tactical trend of 2023, and often one that's allowed the best teams in the world to thrive.
Coaching Newsletter #4 – Essential traits of a successful coach, mentor or leader
Truth be told, there are millions of checklist items that help to form a successful coach, mentor, or leader. But at the bare bones of it all, successful leadership ultimately comes down to a focus on social relationships.
Unai Emery – Aston Villa – Tactical Analysis (2023-24 Edition)
Just shy of the halfway mark inside the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, Unai Emery's Aston Villa have been the surprise package. In with a real shot of the top four, Emery's Villa are even within touching distance of the Premier League title chase, currently sitting a single point behind Arsenal in the lead. With that, we analyze what has made Unai Emery's Aston Villa so remarkable this season.
Game of Numbers #36 – Role Changes for Dejan Kulusevski & Konrad Laimer
One thing is for certain. Spurs have not been the same since injury to James Maddison. Spurs were flying high with no signs of slowing down at the start of the season. But injuries across the squad have since stunted their progress and made for a more difficult second half of the first half to this campaign. Micky van de Ven's been a miss at the back, but Maddison's creative influence has been that missing puzzle piece that's made for a lack of a finishing touch to Tottenham's endeavours. Perhaps not anymore, with Dejan Kulusevski showcasing his potential as a 'Creative Ten'. Here is Game of Numbers #36 - featuring role changes for Konrad Laimer and Dejan Kulusevski.
Mauricio Pochettino – Chelsea – Tactical Analysis
Despite all the hype surrounding Mauricio Pochettino's arrival at Stamford Bridge and a host of new young prospects to excite the fanbase, Chelsea have more or less continued where they left off last season. That is, providing an underwhelming start to the 2023-24 campaign, currently sitting in 12th place. With that, we analyze Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea, and suggest where they need to improve in order to get back into the race for European football next season.
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