The 'Deep-Lying Playmaker' is one of the already attributed player types that we have adopted within our system. Also known by its Italian name 'Regista', the 'DLP' is tasked with setting the tempo of the match from build up to progression, all the way to creation. They sit in front of the defensive line as an 'Anchor', but hold a more offensive, progressive and possession-oriented role than the other two 'number 6' types within our 'Anchor' persona. Their role is in both helping create space between the lines, and then breaking lines, recycling play, or even changing the point of attack upon receiving the ball, so that their team can advance up the pitch, beat an opposition's press and seek spaces closer to goal.
Tag: Joshua Kimmich
Picking the Bundesliga Team of the Season (2021-22)
Despite Bayern's dominance, the 2021-22 Bundesliga season has been another entertaining campaign, full of twists and turns right up until the end of the season. A number of rising talents emerged out of thin air this season, with the Bundesliga continuing its reputation as one of the best leagues in the world for developing young players into world beaters. So with that, here is our Bundesliga Team of the Season for the 2021-22 campaign.
Tactical Thinker: How to stop the long-ball specialist…
In all the discussion about tiki taka, possession-based, beautiful football, long passes often get a bad reputation. However, long passes can be extremely effective, and the best teams in the world know how to intermix both short and long passes into their build-up, in order to effectively break down the opposition. The likes of Ederson at Man City, Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich and Mats Hummels at Borussia Dortmund frequently utilize long passes to unlock the opposition's defense, giving their team a different edge from all the possession-based football. While these players may not be your traditional 'number 10' playmakers, they play a vital role in creating chances for their team and kickstarting attacks. So with that, today we ask the next question in our Tactical Thinker series. How do you stop the long-ball specialist?
Top 100 Male Footballers 2021 Edition (20-1)
It's time for the finale! Two weeks ago today, we launched our voting polls for the best player in each position across the calendar year. It’s all part of our annual Top 100 Footballers list, where this year, you get to have your say. In just one week, we had hundreds of votes in each category, helping us develop a comprehensive list of the very best footballers on planet earth this year. Here is our Top 100 Footballers of 2021, as voted by you, ending our countdown with numbers 20-1.
Defensive Midfielder of the Year – Interactive Vote (Top 100 Footballers 2021)
The end of year is almost here, and that means it's time for our annual Top 100 Footballers list. This year, you, the readers of our website, will get to have your say. Just simply see the list of nominees below, and rearrange the list to suit your preference of first to last in each position. When we rank the Top 100 Footballers of the Year, we take into consideration a player's form throughout 2021, their club and national team success, difficulty of league, and their reputation + performances in the year prior. You can rank based on any criteria you desire! Below is our poll ranking the best defensive midfielders in 2021.
Julian Nagelsmann – Bayern Munich – Tactical Analysis
Since taking charge of Bayern Munich, Julian Nagelsmann has only carried on his fantastic managerial reputation, with the Bavarians winning six of their opening eight matches. In that time they've scored a whopping 29 goals, playing an incredibly effective and attractive brand of football. Here is a tactical analysis of Julian Nagelsmann's Bayern Munich in 2021-22.
Bundesliga 2021-22 Matchday 1 – Tactical Review
The Bundesliga is back! Here is our Tactical Review for Gameweek 1. Be sure to continue checking back for more tactical analyses on more matches as the weekend progresses.
German machines run riot on Portuguese – 4 talking points
ttacking goal looked to spell doom for the home team. But the German machines had other plans, as Portugal's goal only sparked new life in reinvigorating them. From then on they went all out on the attack, and this time with more intension and nerve-wracking intensity. It was a display which every German will be proud of, and now with both sides having their sights set on their final group fixtures, we bring you four things to note from this encounter.
France 1-0 Germany – Tactical Analysis
In a match full of energy and fire, one that felt almost like a semi-final, France came out on top with relative ease over a fruitless Germany team. Didier Deschamps men secured a 1-0 victory at the unfortunate hands (or feet) of Mats Hummels banging the ball into the back of his own net, allowing the world champions to jump up into second in the group. Here is our tactical analysis of the match!
How Hansi Flick won the 2020-21 Bundesliga title (Video)
Hansi Flick's time in charge of Bayern Munich may have been short-lived, but the former and future national team coach will go down as one of the team's all-time greatest managers. Hansi Flick eased to a second Bundesliga title in charge of Bayern Munich on Saturday, after a smashing 6-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach. For all of their fantastic exploits this season, we analyze how Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title. Check out the full video by AJAnalysis - YouTube.
Picking Germany’s Euro 2020 Squad
Joachim Löw is set to announce his 26-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament this summer by tomorrow. As a result of the upcoming announcement, we attempt to pick our personal Germany squad, both with some realistic expectations of Löw's ideals, and who we would personally like to see get a chance to shine at this summer's tournament. Here is our 26-man squad.
How Hansi Flick won the 2020-21 Bundesliga title – Tactical Analysis
Hansi Flick's time in charge of Bayern Munich may have been short-lived, but the former and future national team coach will go down as one of the team's all-time greatest managers. Hansi Flick eased to a second Bundesliga title in charge of Bayern Munich on Saturday, after a smashing 6-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach. For all of their fantastic exploits this season, we analyze how Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title.
3 ways Bayern could line up under Nagelsmann
Last week, Bayern Munich secured the signature of Julian Nagelsmann, making him the most expensive manager in football history. Thanks in large part to his incredible tactical knowledge, football fans around the globe are now wondering how the German manager might set his team up for success. We add to the discussion, with our picks for 3 ways that Julian Nagelsmann might line up next season!