Tag: Left-Back

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Tyler Crawford

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Data Analysis, Fullback, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

Vancouver FC haven't enjoyed the perfect start to life in the 2023 Canadian Premier League, but they have been one of the league's strongest promoters of young talent - epitomizing one of the key goals of the league. One of their most consistent performers at the heart of everything good has been 19-year-old Tyler Crawford, after just a single-season playing college soccer as a freshman for Michigan State. We break down the talent that is Tyler Crawford, and discuss whether he has the chops to continue progressing his career into future MLS stardom or beyond.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Matteo de Brienne

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Data Analysis, Fullback, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Wing-Back

Matteo de Brienne arrived onto the scene of the Canadian Premier League just last year, coming to life toward the end of the campaign to score one of the most outrageous hits. The young Canadian would have expected to have more of a role to play this season, but I don't think anyone expected such a drastic transformation in that role. The 22-year-old has not missed a minute of action so far this campaign, playing every single match as the team's left-back, a role he never played in 2021. Here is our analysis of Matteo de Brienne's wonderful left-back transformation.

Why Raphaël Guerreiro would be perfect for Manchester City

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Fullback, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

Any scouting & recruitment scenario is based on a variety of factors, and Guerreiro would be a dream signing for Manchester City based on a variety of factors. For Dortmund's perspective, you simply cannot let him go for free. But for a club like Manchester City, this would be an absolute no-brainer.

Game of Numbers #19 – How to cross like Pervis Estupiñán

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Fullback, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Wing-Back

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.

Game of Numbers #13 – Guerreiro as a ’10’

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Match Analysis

With both Julian Brandt and Marco Reus out for the all-so-crucial Revierderby against FC Schalke, many Dortmund fans wondered what Edin Terzic would concoct. The logical solution would have been to play Jude Bellingham further forward in that '10' slot, utilizing his powerful dribbling further forward. But Terzic opted for a more natural 'creative' outlet, shifting Raphaël Guerreiro into the '10' slot. The move worked like a stroke of genius, with the Portuguese full-back scoring a beautiful goal and assisting the other, against Dortmund's bitter rivals. He was far and away the best player on the pitch, and did all he could to help his team achieve victory, despite BVB ultimately falling short come the final whistle.

Why Oleksandr Zinchenko is perfect for Arsenal

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Fullback, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Wing-Back

Arsenal's transfer business this summer has been shrewd and accomplished, and now after signing both Zinchenko and Jesus from the Sky Blues, Arsenal could very well be on their way toward building back toward Premier League title acclaim. Here is our analysis of why Zinchenko is perfect for Arsenal, and why the signing may be the start of something special for the Gunners in 2022-23.

Diyaeddine Abzi – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Fullback, Player Analysis, Wing-Back

After an electric start to the 2022 Canadian Premier League season, Diyaeddine Abzi has officially been transferred from York United all the way to Ligue 2's Pau FC in France. After finishing 10th in Ligue 2 last season, Pau FC were in the market for reinforcements to their team, and Diyaeddine Abzi provides an excellent overall package to excel at his new club. We examine why Pau FC took a chance on the Canadian youngster, and the potential for Abzi to excel at his new club.