Tag: Andreas Christensen

Xavi Hernandez – Barcelona – Tactical Analysis (2022-23)

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Most Recent, Team Analysis

Eyebrows were raised over the swift appointment of Barcelona legend Xavi, following Ronald Koeman’s departure in October 2021. Yet, fifteen months into the Spaniard’s tenure at Camp Nou, Xavi has reinvigorated the fanbase with beautiful possession-oriented football. Barca have picked up 59 points from twenty-two games so far in La Liga, and are running away with what would be the club’s first league title in four years. This, even despite the horrors off the pitch captivating the media’s attention. Here is our analysis of Xavi’s Barcelona in 2022-23.

Explaining the Sweeper – Player Role Analysis

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

The term 'Sweeper' has existed within the game for decades. The traditional usage encourages the contrasting relationship between one centre-back who steps out (the 'Stopper'), and one that sweeps in behind. The modern game has evolved in such a way where centre-backs typically perform both roles simultaneously, and it's rare to find clear-cut examples of 'Sweeper-Stopper' partnerships. In fact, I'd go as far to suggest that they typically exist more in back-threes in the modern game, with one clear-cut 'Stopper' angling higher than an obvious 'Sweeper' cleaning up the messes in behind. This Player Role Analysis is all about the modern day 'Sweepers', as we break down the tasks, functions and over-arching role of a 'Sweeper' in 2022.

Why Manuel Akanji is perfect for Chelsea

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Data Analysis, German Bundesliga, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

The 2021 January Transfer Window is officially one week in! And with that, we’re continuing to take a look at clubs with a bit of a blackhole in their team, that desperately needs to be covered before the end of next summer. We’re going to match that blackhole up with one player who could potentially fill that void if a move were to be made in January, by assessing and analyzing a player that is a perfect match for the team’s style of play. Today, it’s all about Borussia Dortmund's Manuel Akanji, and why he’d be a perfect fit for Chelsea.

UEFA Champions League Final -Manchester City 0-1 Chelsea – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, UEFA Champions League, World Football

What a game. After beating Manchester City twice already this season, Chelsea entered the 2021 UEFA Champions League final with a slight psychological advantage. They absolutely delivered on that promise, winning the match by a score of 1-0. Thomas Tuchel became only the second manager since Jurgen Klopp to beat Pep Guardiola three times in a row, leading his Chelsea team to the Champions League trophy in his first six months in charge. Here is our tactical analysis of the final.

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.

4 Ways Maurizio Sarri Can Save His Job

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Football

In all of Chelsea's recent struggles, much has been made about how Maurizio Sarri has failed to do exactly what the three men previous to him also failed to do: adequately manage the Chelsea dressing room. Although Conte, Mourinho and Andre Villas Boas all struggled to make a long-lasting impression on the Chelsea dressing room, … Continue reading 4 Ways Maurizio Sarri Can Save His Job