Tag: Dejan Kulusevski

Explaining the Inverted Winger – Player Role Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Recruitment & Scouting, Winger

Unlike their name might imply, 'Inverted Wingers' are far more than just wingers that cut or drift inside. That is only one small part of an overarching role that prioritizes playmaking in the final third, and dynamically linking play between the other members of the front-line. The best of the art will often post high numbers in goals and assists, but 'Inverted Wingers' need to be so much more than just creative goal-scorers - generally tasked with creating space, rotating with teammates, and moving off the ball to exploit the half-spaces at the right moments.

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Premier League Transfer Tax (Part 1)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Premier League, Serie A

It's easy to use the eye test and conclude that players like Jadon Sancho and Timo Werner haven't lived up to the hype. In a recent video, Tifo Football suggested that this phenomenon doesn't just apply to Bundesliga clubs, but a range of leagues around the world. So with that, we aim to use data from the 2021-22 season to determine whether or not 'Bundesliga Tax' is a real phenomenon, and what leagues Premier League clubs should prioritize in sending their scouts to this summer. Here is our analysis of what we're dubbing 'EPL Transfer Tax'. In Part 1, we examine the top seven sides in the league based on points during the 2021-22 campaign, drawing conclusions around the business that 'Top 7' clubs conducted prior to the start of last season. In turn, this could inform decision making ahead of the 2022-23 season, and potentially the wider future at hand.

6 Premier League stars who unfairly lost their place this season

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Player Analysis, Premier League

We're now two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, and the transfer landscape is starting to return to some sense of normality. Despite that, no one expected the 2022 January window to be busy for any club not nicknamed after a highly intelligent black and white bird. But by the time February rolled around, the 2022 January window turned out to be one of the most exhilarating affairs since COVID hit the football market. Unfortunately for many top quality stars, that only resulted in places lost, broken promises and newfound roles on the bench. Without warning, some of the Premier League's most in-form stars suddenly dropped out of the team, only increasing the intrigue of all that happened earlier this year. So with that, today, we take a look at 6 Premier League stars who lost their place this season to little fault of their own.

Why Dejan Kulusevski is perfect for Tottenham

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Winger

While fans had expectations that a new central midfielder would enter the revolving door, a brand new wing wizard came as a bit of an eyebrow-raiser. Since that day, Dejan Kulusevski has been a revelation at Spurs, completely knocking the in-form Lucas Moura out of the lineup in two shakes of a lamb's tail. So with that, here is our latest Player Analysis, and an in-depth examination as to why Dejan Kulusevski is perfect for Antonio Conte's Spurs.

Finding the balance between being fun and assertive in coaching (+ more Q&A)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Podcast, Premier League, The Mastermind Site Podcast

In this special edition Spin The Ball Q&A, Rhys Desmond talks about how to find the balance between being fun and assertive in coaching, how to be more enthusiastic for your players, and gives his thoughts on the CONCACAF Champions League and Man City vs. Tottenham this weekend. Be sure to check out @mastermindsite on social media and everything we have going on at themastermindsite.com to never miss an update. 

Six U-21 Players to Watch at this Summer’s Euros

by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

The U-21 European Championships came to a halt this week with Germany beating Portugal on a 1-0 win. Now it's time for the big boys to hit the stage, where many more U-21 players will be showcasing their talent. So ahead of the European Championships set to kick off this Friday, we take a look at six U-21 players to watch at the tournament.