The United States were always set to have one of the most impressive performances of the opening round. But they impressed with their tactical nuances as much as their individual star power. Here is our first edition of Game of Numbers across the 2023 Women's World Cup, with how the States used positional rotations to unravel Vietnam's defense.
As young players develop their game and often get pigeon-held into certain positions and roles, I often encourage them to develop variety and versatility within the number of roles and positions they can play.
Rodri never needed to redeem himself, but Pep Guardiola likely did after leaving his prized defensive midfielder out of the Champions League final against Chelsea two seasons ago. The Spanish midfielder has been immaculate this campaign, helping to dictate much of City's stellar possession and defensive solidity. Easily the best defensive midfielder in the world at the moment, Rodri has been integral to City's success all season long at the heart of their midfield. It was a perfect ending to the fairytale for the Spaniard to cap off a wonderful season with that decisive Champions League final goal, but his performance was about so much more. Here is the final Game of Numbers for the European 2022-23 season.
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.
Sébastien Haller has been one of the key difference makers to Borussia Dortmund in another title-chasing campaign for the Black & Yellows. They've been brilliant under Edin Terzic since the turn of the year, and some of that success has been down to the resurgence of cancer-free Sébastien Haller into the team.
Leipzig might have just decided the title race. Leading the charge for Die Roten Bullen was their midfield engine Konrad Laimer, who bossed the game against Bayern through his effervescent energy. Laimer never stopped running all game long, and played a massive part in the stunning victory. With that, here is Game of Numbers #20, with Konrad Laimer at the forefront.
Crucially for his role as a 'Wing-Back', Pervis Estupiñán is one of the best crossers of the ball in the division. That has translated in over 3 crosses and 1.6 key passes per 90 in league play. It's the awareness of when to keep the ball on the grass or when to raise the ball in the air that comes as such an underrated skill, and one that often allows the Ecuadorian to set his teammates up for a real chance of scoring.
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