Anchors tend to play at the base of a midfield three, holding the midfield together, and allowing others to work their magic up ahead. Their role is in both screening in front of the defense to disallow progressive passes forward, particularly into the opposition's striker, and to 'anchor' the midfield by holding everything together as other members step out of position or drift into the half-spaces. Unlike the 'Midfield Destroyer' they do not need to be overly active in defensive phases on sheer statistical contributions, but should be equally active on the hard work done off the ball to shift, shuffle and slide with the play.
Tag: Nemanja Matic
The Mastermind Award Nominees 2017: Best Signing
As with every transfer window, many big names were on the move in 2017. Neymar's transfer fee smashed all kinds of records and was the story of the summer window, but many other clubs made intelligent signings who have been in stunning form to start the campaign. These are the nominees for the Best Signings … Continue reading The Mastermind Award Nominees 2017: Best Signing
Bakayoko’s Good, But He’s No Nemanja Matic
There's a strange trend in the Premier League of recent years. For whatever reason, the champions of the previous season always seem to struggle the next. Chelsea have continued this odd trend so far in 2017-18, and although they haven't been quite as bad as Leicester last season or the Blues themselves two years ago, … Continue reading Bakayoko’s Good, But He’s No Nemanja Matic
Back to Back 4-0 Wins For Manchester United. What Has Changed?
Manchester United have started off this season flying on all cylinders and every single player seems to be clicking as they have now marched to back to back 4-0 wins to start this season. The first of these impressive wins came at the expense of Slavan Bilic's West Ham United. Bilic's new-look side included experienced … Continue reading Back to Back 4-0 Wins For Manchester United. What Has Changed?
English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 1
Every single week The Mastermind will be bringing you an exclusive EPL Team of the Week, starring the best eleven players of the round. The criteria for making the XI will include a players' impact on their team's performance and result compared to other players around the league. This is the Team of the Week … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 1
2017-18 Premier League Guide: Manchester United
The Mastermind brings you an exclusive guide to every single Premier League team going into the highly anticipated 2017-18 season. From lineups, to transfers to the wackiest of predictions, The Mastermind has you covered. Here is your guide to one of this season’s top title contenders, Jose Mourinho's new-look Manchester United. Manchester United INTRODUCTION After … Continue reading 2017-18 Premier League Guide: Manchester United
OFFICIAL: Top 100 Footballers 2016-17 (100-81)
Top 100 Footballers 2016-17 100-81 100. Fabinho Fabinho is absolute class. The Brazilian midfielder is so versatile and so capable in all areas of the games and this season completely established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. He was actually primarily a right back until the tail-end of last season but since … Continue reading OFFICIAL: Top 100 Footballers 2016-17 (100-81)
English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 35
The 2016-17 Premier League season is coming to a close but there is still so much to play for. Hull City, Swansea City, Burnley and Bournemouth all earned impressive results that could help their quest to stay up while Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all slipped up in their quests for the top four. … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 35