Tag: Central Midfielders

Elliot Anderson’s start to life at Manchester City, and what happens next?

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

If you've been living under a rock during this international break from club football, you may have missed that Manchester City have been charged with 114 Premier League financial rule breaches. If the punishment fits the crime, Manchester City will almost certainly be relegated from the league, meaning they will lose all of their strongest assets at the club. Players like Elliot Anderson, who have just come in for 100 million pounds, will soon be surplus to requirements. So what happens now for a player like Anderson?

The new Martin Ødegaard is the Premier League’s best player

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Player Analysis, Premier League, Team Analysis

Going into this season, even despite his fantastic World Cup campaign, fans might have wondered if we were witnessing the slow decline of Martin Ødegaard, soon to be fazed out. But instead, it's been the opposite. Martin Ødegaard has not only been Arsenal's best player to start this season, but arguably the best in the Premier League over the opening three matches. Here is why the Arsenal captain has thrived in 2026-27 so far.

Tactical talking points from Matchday 1

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis

The new season has sprung upon us, enlisting a host of exciting tactical tweaks to explore. Some things might not last more than a match, and that's all part of the fun of the first round of fixtures. Here is what stood out to me from Matchday 1.

Who should replace Casemiro at Manchester United?

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

There are exits that feel like endings, and endings that feel like reckonings. Casemiro’s Instagram announcement this week — confirming he’ll leave Manchester United at the end of the season — is both. It's the departure of their most experienced leader, and at the same time, a clear willingness from United to move on past the era of plugging any gap with star power. While this might be a smart financial decision, it's also a decision they have to get absolutely spot on. Casemiro is just about irreplaceable. Nevertheless, I attempt to find his replacement. Here are the candidates to replace Casemiro, and why this won't be easy for the Red Devils.

Game of Numbers #42 – Scott McTominay as a goal-scoring midfielder

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis

Now in Serie A, Scott McTominay has emerged as one of the most important players for one of the most historic clubs, scoring goals for fun week in and week out. Here is why Scott McTominay has become the main man in Naples.

Game of Numbers #41 – Reece James in central midfield

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

It doesn't have to be a forever thing. But for the time being, Reece James looks right at home in central midfield. Here's why it's been the perfect positional switch in allowing the best out of James this campaign.

Game of Numbers #40 – Bruno Fernandes as an ‘8’

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

They might not be firmly in the top four yet, but Ruben Amorim's Manchester United have seen significant improvement this season. Much has been made in the media about Amorim's use of the 3-4-2-1 and whether or not it's a perfect fit for players like Bruno Fernandes and his midfield partner Casemiro. But with some new signings hitting the ground running, Manchester United are clicking on all cylinders and getting the best out of their best players. Here is why Ruben Amorim's use of Bruno as an '8' has worked so far in 2025-26.

Game of Numbers #31 – Scoring goals from central midfield like Scott McTominay

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

Throughout his time as a starting character for Manchester United, Scott McTominay repeatedly faced doubt. No one could ever question his heart and desire to play for a club of the stature of Manchester United. But many questioned his ability, and continuously called for the Red Devils to bring new men into their midfield. However, McTominay has something special about him, and that something special has started to manifest in 2023 in the form of goals galore. Here is Game of Numbers #31, first detailing how to score goals from midfield like Scott McTominay.