Tag: Box to Box Midfielder

Game of Numbers #35 – Anthony Gordon’s embodiment of the Newcastle way

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Winger

Newcastle United have been defined in the Eddie Howe era by energy and intensity, including an all-out press, and fervid counter attacking immediately upon regaining possession. Anthony Gordon perfectly embodies the Newcastle way under Eddie Howe, and has been one of the surprise stars of the 2023-24 season. Many scoffed at Chelsea's interest in the former Everton youngster at the start of last season, particularly the price tag bestowed upon him. But Gordon is proving to be a priceless acquisition for the Magpies this season, bringing his tireless tenacity to the table every game. Here is Game of Numbers #35.

How I analyze central midfielders for pro clubs with Role Continuity

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Central Midfield, 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 and how I use the system to compare central midfielders.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Ollie Bassett

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

Following a move from Pacific to Atletico Ottawa ahead of the 2022 season, Ollie Bassett has been regarded by many to be one of the Canadian Premier League's most prized assets. His stunning 2022 campaign ended with 11 goal contributions to his name in 30 appearances from central midfield; not to mention a league title, and the division's MVP award. This season, Bassett's been just as influential, already matching his 8 goal, 3 assist tally from 2022 in fewer appearances.

Why Mateo Kovačić is perfect for Manchester City

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Team Analysis

After five fairly stellar and underappreciated years at Chelsea, Mateo Kovačić has left the club and signed with Manchester’s most recent treble winners. New ownership at Stamford Bridge led to a drastic rebuild from their 2021 Champions League winning squad, and the time came for one of their most consistent performers over the years to exit the building. Manchester City took full advantage, making him an apt replacement for the loss of Ilkay Gündoğan and the potential loss of silky smooth Bernardo Silva.

Grace Geyoro – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Women's Football

In spite of their semi-final finish, France still showed enough promise in 2022 to make them one of the favourites heading into the 2023 Women's World Cup. The one area of the field in which they've lost some of their key figureheads in recent years is in central midfield, which should make it all the more imperative for Grace Geyoro to play an important role once more. Here is what Geyoro brings to France, and why she's one of the best midfielders on the planet.

Women’s World Cup 2023 Preview – Jessie Fleming & Ashley Lawrence

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Fullback, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Wing-Back, Winger, Women's Football

Canada are by no means one of the favourites heading into the World Cup despite their success at the Olympics, and key players like Ashley Lawrence and Jessie Fleming will endeavour to change that narrative around. Here is why new Chelsea teammates Lawrence and Fleming will be critical to Canada's success this summer.

Why Dominik Szoboszlai is perfect for Liverpool

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Data Analysis, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

Without ever fully setting the Bundesliga on fire, Szoboszlai had two solid seasons at Leipzig, hitting a high of 6 goals and 8 assists in 31 matches last campaign, primarily playing as a '10'. Liverpool must be confident however that the Hungarian midfielder can make his mark at the centre of the park, perhaps even as they continue to push Trent Alexander-Arnold into midfield alongside Fabinho, thus creating more opportunity to have roaming attacking midfielders like Mac Allister and Szoboszlai ahead. With that, here is why Liverpool made their move for the Hungarian, and what he brings to the Reds.