Explaining the Midfield Destroyer – Player Role Analysis

The 'Midfield Destroyer' continues to be alive and well in the modern game, and encapsulates some of the most highly regarded and sought after defensive midfielders on the planet. The 'Destroyer' is essential to defending in transition and stunting attacks before the opposition reach the final third, within the wider umbrella of 'Anchoring' the midfield and screening in front of the back-line. Casemiro and Yves Bissouma would qualify as some of the best around, with Óscar Valentín and Benjamin André performing as two other fantastic emblems of the fearless persona behind the 'Midfield Destroyer' player type.

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Why Denis Zakaria should be on every top club’s radar – Player Analysis

Two seasons ago, Denis Zakaria was heavily linked to Manchester City, and hailed by pundits and fans alike as the next coming of Fernandinho. The Swiss midfielder still possesses all of the same qualities he did back when the speculation first surfaced, yet no one seems to talk about Zakaria in that same light anymore. Still only 24-years-old, Zakaria still has the world at his feet and should develop into one of the very best defensive midfielders in the world. If Manchester City had him on their radar, every other club should too.

Pep Guardiola – Manchester City – Tactical Analysis (2019-20 Edition)

Other than a rocky performance against Norwich City, things have been business as usual for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City so far this season. The 2019-20 season has gotten off to a great start for the man and team who seem to never settle for anything shy of perfection. All the key players are firing on all cylinders and City look well on their way to breaking more records. Here is The Mastermind's Tactical Analysis for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City so far in 2019-20.

4-3-3 vs. 4-1-4-1: Tactical Flexibility

In the post 4-4-2 era, teams all over the world play a variety of different formations. These formations change game by game or even within games, so it is becomingly increasingly difficult to nail professional teams down to just one single formation. That being said, two of the most popular formations in the world right now are the tactically flexible 4-3-3 and 4-1-4-1, both of which have been used heavily by Pep Guardiola throughout his career. Ultimately the formation has to suit the players that you have and their developmental, psychological and physiological characteristics. But the 4-3-3 and 4-1-4-1 are two very similar formations. The 4-1-4-1 is perhaps a little more physically demanding and tactically complex, while the 4-3-3 is perhaps more rooted in wing-play and the collaboration of the midfield triangle. Although these formations are very similar, they can offer a team a completely different dynamic, depending on how a manger or coach wants to implement them. 

Top 100 Footballers In The World 2018 (60-41)

For more on what goes into determining The Mastermind’s Top 100 of 2018 click here. For (100-81) click here! For (80-61) click here! Enjoy! 60. Thibaut Courtois  Thibaut Courtois was fantastic at the 2018 World Cup and probably the best goalkeeper at the tournament. FIFA thought so anyway, and awarded him the Golden Glove and a spot on the … Continue reading Top 100 Footballers In The World 2018 (60-41)

Why Fernandinho Is Manchester City’s Most Important Player

For the first time in the Guardiola era, Manchester City have been handed their third loss in the span of four matches. The Citizens have looked lackluster since falling 2-0 to Chelsea at the beginning of December and their troubles have only gotten worse with two defeats to mid-table teams in Crystal Palace and Leicester … Continue reading Why Fernandinho Is Manchester City’s Most Important Player

2017-18 Premier League Team Guide: Manchester City

The Mastermind brings you an exclusive guide to every single Premier League team going into the highly anticipated 2017-18 season. From lineups, to transfers to the wackiest of predictions, The Mastermind has you covered. Here is your guide to one of this season's top contenders for the Premier League title, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.  MANCHESTER … Continue reading 2017-18 Premier League Team Guide: Manchester City

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 38

The 2016-17 Premier League season has officially come to a close so now it is time to bring you our final Team of the Week. Enjoy! Goalkeeper: Jack Butland  Jack Butland made 6 saves and 3 claims on the final day of the season to ease Stoke City to a 1-0 draw against Southampton, helping … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 38

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 36

There is just two more gameweeks left in the Premier League now that this one is over. But it can't officially come to an end without another edition of Team of the Week! So here are all the details below on the best 11 for Matchday 36! Enjoy! Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster  Goalkeepers were so amazing this … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 36

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 3

Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United all continued their unbeaten runs in the Premier League in Gameweek 3 and all three have players in this week's team of the week as the title race continues to excite. This is The Mastermind's Team of the Week for Gameweek 3 in the Barclays Premier League. Goalkeeper: Eldin Jakupovic … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 3