Tag: Game of Numbers

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.

Game of Numbers #30 – Defending the world’s best striker – Gabriel Magalhães

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Striker

We all know just how good Erling Haaland is at football. He only needs one chance, and more often than not, he'll score. But what makes him such a powerhouse is the combination of traits (pace, power, strength, hold-up, playmaking, etc.) that intertwine to make him the most frightening striker in the world. In order to defend against the world's best in Erling Haaland, you have to fully believe and embody the role of someone who can go toe-to-toe with the City man. Perhaps most importantly, you have to throw Haaland off his game, without stepping over a certain line of aggression. It might have gone under the radar as Arsenal claimed their first win over the Citizens in the Arteta era, but that is exactly what Gabriel accomplished on Sunday. Here is Game of Numbers #30.

Game of Numbers #29 – Scoring goals is easy! – Ollie Watkins & Lautaro Martinez

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Serie A, Striker

Scoring goals is not always as easy as it looks! The best strikers in the world make it look oh so simple, but like the Wizards of Waverly Place theme song, it's not what it seems. Yet some players seem to find their way out of any situation. After this weekend's round of fixtures, I analyze two of those players who make scoring look oh so easy - Ollie Watkins and Lautaro Martinez. Here is Game of Numbers #29, featuring a pair who notched seven goals between them at the weekend.

Game of Numbers #27 – Heung Min-Son as the ‘9’ & Evan Ferguson’s hat-trick

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

In spite of Tottenham's formidable, unbeaten start to the season, something felt missing without the presence of a goal-scoring '#9' up front. It may have been the obvious move with Richarlison not exactly hitting the ground running, but Ange Postecoglou might just have found the perfect solution in Heung-Min Son. Here is Game of Numbers #27, featuring Son as a '#9', and Evan Ferguson's stellar hat-trick.

Game of Numbers #26 – James Ward-Prowse & West Ham on the break

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

Despite Brighton's high-flying start to the season, I worried about what would happen when faced with a truly great counter-attacking side, given the space out wide in their shape. Well, in came West Ham United, one of the best counter-attacking teams in the world. Here is Game of Numbers #26, starting with how West Ham perfectly exploited Brighton's greatest weakness.

Game of Numbers #25 – Barca’s midfield diamond & Frenkie de Jong in defense

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

Barcelona have started the season off unbeaten, but it hasn't been the two most convincing performances from Xavi Hernandez's team, as they continue to adjust to the array of midfield talent they have at their disposal. Here is Game of Numbers #25, starting with Barcelona's use of Frenkie de Jong as a centre-back.

Game of Numbers #24 – Bellingham at the top of the diamond

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

Much has been made this summer about Real Madrid's lack of a natural Karim Benzema replacement up front, and the downgrade of Joselu entering that position for Los Blancos instead. But sometimes, you don't need to replace a player in the transfer market with a like-for-like switch. Sometimes, all you need to do is tweak the shape of the team. This is what Real Madrid have done in finding a solution for their Benzema dilemma. In the process, they've also presented a solution to the conundrum regarding how to fit all their fantastic pieces in midfield together.