Tag: Anchor

How I analyze defensive midfielders for pro clubs with Role Continuity

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Data Analysis, Defensive Midfield, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

In 2022, I established my 'Role Continuity Evaluation System', on the basis that players should be assessed by the metrics and traits important to their specific role on the pitch. Through this understanding, players are then classified into what is now 20 different roles, and assessed accordingly to see how they stack up to other players fulfilling the same player type. Here is an explanation of my scouting & analysis system, why I've coined it 'Role Continuity', and how I use the system to analyze defensive midfielders.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Eryk Kobza

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Central Midfield, Centre Backs, Defensive Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Subscriber Exclusives

Struggling to find the right options inside their midfield at the start of the season, U SPORTS draft-pick Eryk Kobza was given the nod to play alongside Jesse Daley, and the club haven't looked back since. At the age of 21, Kobza's made himself an extremely useful option for Cavalry, doubling as a centre-back and defensive midfielder, swapping roles nearly every other game. Here is why Eryk Kobza should be on your radar.

Game of Numbers #22 – Rodri’s Champions League redemption story

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Defensive Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, UEFA Champions League

Rodri never needed to redeem himself, but Pep Guardiola likely did after leaving his prized defensive midfielder out of the Champions League final against Chelsea two seasons ago. The Spanish midfielder has been immaculate this campaign, helping to dictate much of City's stellar possession and defensive solidity. Easily the best defensive midfielder in the world at the moment, Rodri has been integral to City's success all season long at the heart of their midfield. It was a perfect ending to the fairytale for the Spaniard to cap off a wonderful season with that decisive Champions League final goal, but his performance was about so much more. Here is the final Game of Numbers for the European 2022-23 season.

Alessandro Hojabrpour – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Defensive Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis

Alessandro Hojabrpour has been one of the standout performers of the past two seasons in the Canadian Premier League. Playing in an understated defensive midfield role where he's required to proactively participate in all phases of the game, Hojabpour has also been a name that has gone relatively unnoticed when compared to some of his CPL peers. At 22 years of age, with the maturity of someone in their mid-twenties, Hojabrpour should be on the radar of every single MLS club, and soon enough on the radar of our national team. Here is my analysis of the remarkabilities to Alessandro Hojabrpour in 2022, and why he's one of the best midfielders that Canada has to offer.

Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Centre Backs, Defensive Midfield, Most Recent, Player Analysis, World Football

On Sunday July 31, 2022, Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson became the first non-Canadian player to make 100 appearances in the Canadian Premier League. As an integral member to the league's best side, Jönsson has arguably been the player of the season so far in the 2022 season, featuring in all but one match. What's more - he's played admirably in not one but two positions this season, splitting his playing time between the right-side of centre-back and defensive midfield. Here is an analysis of one of the CANPL's best players - 26-year-old Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson.

Explaining the Deep-Lying Playmaker – Player Role Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Defensive Midfield, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

The 'Deep-Lying Playmaker' is one of the already attributed player types that we have adopted within our system. Also known by its Italian name 'Regista', the 'DLP' is tasked with setting the tempo of the match from build up to progression, all the way to creation. They sit in front of the defensive line as an 'Anchor', but hold a more offensive, progressive and possession-oriented role than the other two 'number 6' types within our 'Anchor' persona. Their role is in both helping create space between the lines, and then breaking lines, recycling play, or even changing the point of attack upon receiving the ball, so that their team can advance up the pitch, beat an opposition's press and seek spaces closer to goal.