Futbol Masterminds – Lingard, Bundesliga Top Four Race & Racism in Football

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Podcast, Premier League, UEFA Champions League

Since arriving at West Ham, Jesse Lingard has revitalized his career and transformed the Hammers into one of the most dangerous attacking outfits in the Premier League. This week the Futbol Masterminds discuss whether or not he could start for Manchester United next season and why he's had so much success with David Moyes' team. The panel also discuss the Bundesliga top four race, Mane and Salah's 2021 relationship, and racism in football following this week's disappointing incident in the Europa League involving Glenn Kamara and Ondrej Kudela. Subscribe via Itunes and Spotify below!

Antonio Conte – Inter Milan – Tactical Analysis (2020-21 Edition)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Managers, Serie A, Team Analysis, World Football

Since Antonio Conte's arrival at Inter Milan, the Italian giants have transformed into the most effective side in all of Serie A. Other than disappointments in the UEFA Champions League and losing last season's Europa League final, Conte's start to life at San Siro has gotten off without a hitch. I Nerazzurri narrowly missed out on the title to Conte's old side Juventus last season by one single point, and this season they look favourites to finally dethrone the Old Lady from securing another crown. But the results and the performances are not the only impressive components about Antonio Conte's functional Inter Milan. The Italian manager's tactics have been remarkable as they have been throughout his career, and so many players have taken their games to new heights under the influence of the former Premier League winner. Here is a tactical analysis all about Antonio Conte's Inter Milan in 2020-21.

Previewing the international break (March 2021) – Netherlands, Germany and Canada

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

The first international break of 2021 kicks off an exciting spring/summer in the world of football with three major tournaments: the Euros, Copa America and Olympic Games -  taking place in a few months' time. All three tournaments were supposed to take place in 2020, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic they were pushed to 2021. Here we will highlight a few teams and storylines to keep an eye on this international break.

Thomas Tuchel – Chelsea – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis, UEFA Champions League, World Football

Although Chelsea can't quite seem to find the back of the net, very few managers in Premier League history have had a better start to life than Thomas Tuchel. The Blues have won nine of their thirteen matches under Tuchel's management in all competitions, keeping eleven clean sheets during that time. Some underlying issues are still evidently exposed as Tuchel works around his squad and attempts to find his best possible eleven, but the improvement from Frank Lampard is also evident for all to see. Tuchel's defensive tactics in particular have been outstanding, and much promise for the future remains if Chelsea can find their shooting boots and score more goals on a regular basis. Here is our latest Thomas Tuchel analysis, covering his first thirteen matches in charge at Stamford Bridge.

How to Defend like a Pro

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Centre Backs, Coach Education, Coaching, Defensive Midfield, Fullback, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Education, World Football

Over the past decade, the emphasis on attacking play in the beautiful game has grown and grown. Coaches and fans are increasingly more excited about the attacking moments of the game, rather than defensive moments. Defending has become an afterthought, and teams that set up to defend are often deemed "boring" and "dinosaurs" by fans around the world. But defending remains an integral component to the modern game, and often it can be seen that teams with the better defense structures (Atletico, Manchester City, etc.) often win more football matches.

Are Haaland & Mbappe the new Messi & Ronaldo? – Futbol Masterminds Podcast

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Match Analysis, Podcast, Premier League, Serie A, UEFA Champions League, World Football

As requested by virtually everyone, the Futbol Masterminds panel discuss whether or not Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have officially dethroned Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the quest to be the world's best. The panel also discuss the big moments from the North London derby, the La Liga title race and Chris Wilder's unfortunate sacking from Sheffield United. Follow @mastermindsite and our new Instagram @futbolmasterminds to submit your questions every weekend before the show.

Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Hertha Berlin – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, World Football

After a rough couple of months, Edin Terzic finally has Borussia Dortmund back on track, with the Black & Yellows now keeping three clean sheets in their last four Bundesliga matches. It was another routine performance for Dortmund on Saturday, with the club in cruise control for the entire match. Here is TheMastermindSite's tactical analysis of Borussia Dortmund's 2-0 win over Hertha Berlin on March 13, 2021.

How to make football graphics with Planet Training

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses

As football content creators, we want to create stunning images that resonate with our viewers and stand out on the page. One of the best websites that allows us to do so is Planet Training, a tool that is more typically used for coaches and club directors to design session plans and club curriculums. Here is a video all about how to make stunning graphics using Planet Training, whatever your purpose.