Tag: Game of Numbers

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

Featured 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 #39 – Erling Haaland’s backstep before goals

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker

Manchester City have scored 15 goals in the Premier League's opening 8 matches. Erling Haaland has scored 11 of them. And among many of those goals, a common trend has emerged. I call it - the backstep!

Game of Numbers #36 – Role Changes for Dejan Kulusevski & Konrad Laimer

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Coach Education, Fullback, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Wing-Back, Winger

One thing is for certain. Spurs have not been the same since injury to James Maddison. Spurs were flying high with no signs of slowing down at the start of the season. But injuries across the squad have since stunted their progress and made for a more difficult second half of the first half to this campaign. Micky van de Ven's been a miss at the back, but Maddison's creative influence has been that missing puzzle piece that's made for a lack of a finishing touch to Tottenham's endeavours. Perhaps not anymore, with Dejan Kulusevski showcasing his potential as a 'Creative Ten'. Here is Game of Numbers #36 - featuring role changes for Konrad Laimer and Dejan Kulusevski.

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.

Game of Numbers #34 – Dribbling lessons from Jérémy Doku

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

Gotham FC finished the 2023 NWSL season in sixth place, narrowly scraping into the playoffs on goal differential over the Orlando Pride. They were far from the favourites to make the playoff final, let alone win the whole thing over a star-studded team like OL Reign. Yet thanks to a double-assist from Midge Purce, the NJ/NY team claimed the highest honour the NWSL has to offer. Here is a dribbling masterclass featuring lessons from the electrifying Midge Purce and Manchester City's new kid on the block Jérémy Doku.

Game of Numbers #33 – Nicolas Jackson & the art of extra touches to score goals

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

Chelsea's greatest crux over the past few years has been the lack of a goal-scoring centre-forward up front. Nicolas Jackson came into the club this season to not only be their goal-scoring '9', but to be someone that could offer so much more in producing for others in Pochettino's system. He's delivered on both fronts this season, even if struggling to score and assist to the same heights as some of the best strikers in the league. Here is what Nicolas Jackson offers Chelsea at the age of 22, and where he can still improve from here.

Game of Numbers #32 – Harry Kane’s playmaking at Bayern Munich

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Striker

Harry Kane is one of the best goal-scorers on the planet. But he's also one of the best play-makers. In Game of Numbers #32, I break down why Kane has been such a perfect fit for Bayern, and why his playmaking influence should be a serious legacy of his career.