The Most Popular Formations in MLS [Quick Take]

by Jeremy Barnes, posted in Formations, World Football

Similar to our prior overview of The Most Popular Formations in Europe’s Top 5 Leagues (2020-2021 season), we now look at the most popular formations in MLS during the 2021 season (up until the time of writing - early September 2021). With most sides over two-thirds of the way through the regular season, it’s prime time to find form and compete for a playoff spot. And while preparation for success is managed differently by all, settling on a formation (or at least a general style of play) is a great sign that a team has found its collective identity. As such, final tallies for the season will undoubtedly change, but here are the numbers as they stand... 

Rosters Reimagined! A Post-Transfer Market Tinkering of the EPL’s Big Six [Quick Take]

by Jeremy Barnes, posted in Formations, Premier League

The transfer window has closed and we’re left with a week of international football to wonder what money truly buys. So for kicks, let’s incorporate the new lads in alternative formations for the Premier League’s “Big Six” and see what cleverness or calamity results…

Futbol Masterminds Podcast – Reece James Sees Red, Arteta’s Arsenal Woes, and Ronaldo’s Return to the Prem

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, Premier League

After the Premier League's third week of action, the band is back together as Rhys and Kausty are joined by Dawar Aziz to discuss all things Chelsea vs. Liverpool and that awful Arsenal performance against Manchester City. The lads also give their opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Manchester United, and what it might mean for Mason Greenwood moving forward.

Bundesliga 2021-22 Matchday 3 – Tactical Review

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Match Analysis, Subscriber Exclusives

The Bundesliga continues to entertain as ever, with intriguing tactics as the managerial merry go round of last year settles down to a simmer. Matchday 3 saw Wolfsburg come out on top in a crucial match against Leipzig, Bayern smash Hertha Berlin, and a fast-paced five goal thriller between Freiburg and Stuttgart. Here is our tactical review of some of the key matches.

VfB Stuttgart 2-3 SC Freiburg – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Match Analysis

In one of the games of the Bundesliga season so far, SC Freiburg held onto their narrow lead over Vfb Stuttgart, grinding out an important result that sees them enter the top four - ahead of Borussia Dortmund. Here is our analysis of the match!

Dortmund grind out win, but remain terrible in transition – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Managers, Match Analysis

How can a team with so much verticality be so terrible in transition? Well, welcome to Signal Iduna Park - the home of Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund will always score goals, but they will always make life difficult themselves by simply being poor in transition, and poor from set-pieces. That's exactly how 1899 Hoffenheim got back into the game not once but twice, and how they could have put the game to bed themselves had Gregor Kobel not been in such fine form.

Futbol Masterminds Podcast – Arsenal’s Relegation Battle, Chelsea and City Title Contenders but West Ham Top

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, Premier League

The Premier League's opening weekend saw Manchester United smash Leeds into bits, Tottenham stun Manchester City, and Chelsea and Liverpool get off to flying starts, albeit against weaker opponents. The Futbol Masterminds are there to break it all down! 

The Mastermind Monthly Magazine – August 2021

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Subscriber Exclusives

Calling all subscribers to TheMastermindSite.com, our Monthly Magazine for AUGUST 2021 has now arrived.