Tag: GERARD PIQUE

Xavi Hernandez – Barcelona – Tactical Analysis (2022-23)

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Most Recent, Team Analysis

Eyebrows were raised over the swift appointment of Barcelona legend Xavi, following Ronald Koeman’s departure in October 2021. Yet, fifteen months into the Spaniard’s tenure at Camp Nou, Xavi has reinvigorated the fanbase with beautiful possession-oriented football. Barca have picked up 59 points from twenty-two games so far in La Liga, and are running away with what would be the club’s first league title in four years. This, even despite the horrors off the pitch captivating the media’s attention. Here is our analysis of Xavi’s Barcelona in 2022-23.

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Explaining the Ball-Playing-Centre-Half – Player Role Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Coach Education, Data Analysis, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

As the name suggests, a 'Ball-Playing-Centre-Half' is a centre-back that excels in possession of the ball, from passing to long passing to carrying to dribbling. They can simultaneously exist as 'Sweepers' or 'Stoppers', providing another interesting asterisk to the role not found in many other positions. Unlike say a fullback or goalkeeper where we have created clearly defined separations and almost polarizations on a style scale, 'Ball-Playing-Centre-Halves' can also be 'Stoppers' or 'Sweepers'.

Analyzing Barcelona’s attacking brilliance vs. Atletico

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Most Recent, Team Analysis, World Football

past weekend, securing an easy 4-2 win against arch-rivals Atletico Madrid. With the likes of Dani Alves, yes Dani Alves, and a younger version of Xavi himself in the form of 17-year-old Gavi, Barca have a mix of incredible experience and youthful verve to propel them into the top four moving forward. Here is our match analysis of Barca's 4-2 win over Atletico, and Barcelona's attacking variety and balance throughout the match.

Xavi Hernandez – FC Barcelona – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis, World Football

Barcelona have been on a deep, downward spiral ever since rumours of Messi's departure started to surface toward the end of the 2019-20 season. The La Liga giants have won just the 2020-21 Copa del Rey since the 2018-19 season, and now look destined to finish below a UEFA Champions League place this time around. Xavi Hernandez has come into the club to try and restore normality, but with the club floundering under uncertainty of poor budget planning and insufficient funds, Xavi's task appears to be a mammoth one. Barcelona sit in just sixth place at the moment, and they've had very few convincing performances since the former Barca legend arrived from Al Sadd. With young players not quite ready and old heads no longer at their best ruling the starting lineup, Xavi's ability to find consistency before the end of the season could be impossible. So with that, let's take a look at some of the tactics Xavi has deployed since taking over the helm at Camp Nou, and what needs to change if the legend is get his team back into the UEFA Champions League next season.

Top 100 Male Footballers 2019 (50-41)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Premier League, Serie A, UEFA Champions League, World Football

It’s almost the end of the year, so it’s only fitting that we count down the top 100 footballers of 2019. Check out the next section of the list (50-41) below. 50. Marcelo Marcelo's career is certainly winding down. He's had an injury-ridden 2019 and was even excluded from Brazil's 2019 Copa America squad. Meanwhile … Continue reading Top 100 Male Footballers 2019 (50-41)

OFFICIAL: Top 100 Footballers 2016-17 (80-61)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Football

Top 100 Footballers 2016-17 80-61 80. Roberto Firmino Roberto Firmino has been desperately close to making this list so many seasons in a row and now has finally cracked our end of season Top 100 list for the first time! The Brazilian forward has been so consistently stellar for Liverpool this season, just providing Liverpool … Continue reading OFFICIAL: Top 100 Footballers 2016-17 (80-61)

Euro 2016 Team of the Week (Gameweek 1)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Euro 2016

Goalkeeper: Hannes Thor Halldorsson   The player with the best name in all of Euro 2016 secured his spot in the goalkeeping position of this week's TOTW with a fantastic display against Portugal. Hannes Thor Halldorsson made a staggering 8 saves to help secure his team a 1-1 draw and to secure his place in this … Continue reading Euro 2016 Team of the Week (Gameweek 1)