Tag: Data Analysis

Why I use Wyscout and how I would improve the platform

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

Data is essential to the performance-based analysis that we strive for at TheMastermindSite.com, looking to enhance the quality of our articles and insights; whilst backing up the eye test with further support. Many sites have helped with this quest over the years, each providing different avenues of support. However, if one data site could provide all of the features needed wrapped up in one, it would make the process smoother. With that, I assess why Wyscout has become the #1 resource that I use in my analyses and articles, and how the site could improve to ensure they stay ahead of the free data sites available.

Why Levi Colwill is perfect for Chelsea

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League

In the last few years, Chelsea have given away several superstar centre-backs in the making. The likes of Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guéhi went for very little money, only to completely shine at new clubs and prove their worth elsewhere. This season has to be the one where Chelsea stop the nonsense. They have to keep hold of their young, talented centre-making superstars in the making. They have to play Levi Colwill and make him an essential part of their plans. Here is why the former Brighton and Huddersfield loanee should be one of the first-choice centre-backs for the Blues this campaign.

The complexities of scouting & recruitment at the pro level

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Recruitment & Scouting

One month removed from the 2022-23 European season, all the attention continues to be on the transfer market. Transfers are the talk of the town across the globe at the moment, with each European club preparing to enjoy happier times next season, and handle all their ins and outs as efficiently as possible.

Finding the next Antoine Griezmann – Tactical Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Attacking Midfield, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker

Without always achieving the acclaim, Antoine Griezmann has been one of the most influential stars of the past decade. From World Cup triumphs to lavish Barcelona moves to his time rolling in the mud of Diego Simeone's Atletico, Griezmann has made a career that many could only dream of achieving. As the Frenchman now enters the twilight of his career, we analyze the 32-year-old's game, and the next heirs to his throne. As France's all-time assister, his impact on the national side will be a massive miss over the next few years. But we aren't just looking for a Frenchman, but someone who can play in a similar mold for Diego Simeone's Atletico or achieve the same level of stardom as the French superstar.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Matteo de Brienne

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Data Analysis, Fullback, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Wing-Back

Matteo de Brienne arrived onto the scene of the Canadian Premier League just last year, coming to life toward the end of the campaign to score one of the most outrageous hits. The young Canadian would have expected to have more of a role to play this season, but I don't think anyone expected such a drastic transformation in that role. The 22-year-old has not missed a minute of action so far this campaign, playing every single match as the team's left-back, a role he never played in 2021. Here is our analysis of Matteo de Brienne's wonderful left-back transformation.

The next evolution of my ‘Role Continuity Evaluation System’ one year later

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Recruitment & Scouting

At the beginning of 2022, I established twenty-two player roles that footballers often adopt on the pitch. One of the objectives of the RCES and the presentation of 'IQ scores' pertaining to a player's specific role was to present an alternative to the statistics sites that use data as their sole metric for evaluating players. But in creating a less subjective and more sustainable approach to the evaluation model, data must continue to be the centrepiece. As I always preach, we can then use that data to follow-up with an eye test before dissecting deeper or recommending a player to a club. So with that, 'Role Continuity' evolved.

How I create scouting reports for pro clubs

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Recruitment & Scouting

Scouting seems to be one of those professions that just about anyone thinks they can get into. And to an extent - with good reason! With a knowledge and passion for your sport of choice, it's not incredibly difficult to take the necessary courses and begin the path toward being a scout. But talent identification goes far beyond just the ability to watch matches and identify talent. Most of the time, it's not difficult to identify talent. What's difficult is to identify talent that will transfer over to a new environment, under new circumstances, repeatedly over time.