Tag: Pedro Rodriguez

Paulo Fonseca – AS Roma – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Serie A, Subscriber Exclusives, Team Analysis

AS Roma are still far from the side they were many years ago, but they have enjoyed two of their better seasons over the last decade since Paulo Fonseca arrived at the club. The Portuguese manager came to Roma with a respectable reputation, having led Shakhar Donetsk to three league titles and a 74% win rate in his three seasons at the club. During his first season in charge at I Giallorossi, Fonseca led AS Roma to a fifth place finish in Serie A - securing Europa League football for the team. Roma have since performed well in the competition this season, with a semi-final against tournament favourites Manchester United to play for in the next few weeks. Their performances in the Europa League have outshone their relatively sub-par season in Serie A, with the side currently in seventh place. Nonetheless, if Fonseca's team were to pull out a miracle and make the Europa League final, this season would be seen as a complete success. With that, here is a tactical analysis of Paulo Fonseca's AS Roma this season.

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La Pausa – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Coaching, Defensive Midfield, Masterclasses, Sport Psychology, UEFA Champions League

La Pausa - Spanish for 'The Pause' is a fantastically useful skill for players looking to fool their opponents. La Pausa is a skill whereby players in possession pause on the ball, drawing in defenders and enticing them to make a movement toward the ball. After the defender makes a movement toward them, the player in possession will often quickly speed up play or then make their pass or movement in a direction that exploits the fact that the defender has approached them.

How Antonio Conte’s Chelsea Won The 2016-17 Premier League Title Playing 3-4-2-1

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Formations, Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis, World Football

In an era where formations are ever-changing, the 3-4-3 has become one of the most popular to use around the world. Serie A teams have long been fans of the back three, but formations like the 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 are growing in popularity virtually everywhere - from Spain to France to Germany to even England … Continue reading How Antonio Conte’s Chelsea Won The 2016-17 Premier League Title Playing 3-4-2-1

Analyzing Jorginho’s Role at Chelsea

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coaching, Defensive Midfield, Player Analysis, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Football

Jorginho is one of the most unique midfielders in the modern game. The Brazilian-born midfielder is not your traditional N'Golo Kante-esque ball-winner nor is he anywhere near as mobile as the Frenchman. But his tactical/spatial awareness, footballing intelligence and superb on-the-ball presence help to make him one of the very best defensive midfielders around. He's incredibly vocal on the field, guiding his teammates through every pass and when he receives the ball for himself, he always seems to know exactly the right pass to make in a split-second decision. Jorginho is arguably the closest thing the footballing world has seen to a Sergio Busquets in years and Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea is the perfect place for the 26-year-old to showcase his talent. Here is how Jorginho has been integral to Chelsea's unbeaten start to the 2018-19 Premier League season.

2017-18 Premier League Team Guide: Chelsea

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, World Football

CHELSEA INTRODUCTION After winning the league in such stunning circumstances last season much should be expected of Chelsea going into 2017-18. But with the uncertain futures of a few massive stars and the departure of one crucial midfield giant, many are beginning to doubt that Chelsea can be repeat champions. It's practically a reality that … Continue reading 2017-18 Premier League Team Guide: Chelsea

OFFICIAL: Top 100 Footballers 2016-17 (60-41)

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

Top 100 Footballers 2016-17 60-41 60. Sadio Mane This season, Sadio Mane not only established himself as one of the world's best wingers, but also became Liverpool's key man in attack. Loaded with pace and power, Mane has been Liverpool’s star and standout player this season and when he wasn't in the team, Klopp’s system … Continue reading OFFICIAL: Top 100 Footballers 2016-17 (60-41)

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 35

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

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

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 26

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

What an entertaining round of fixtures Matchday 26 was in England's top flight. Although two matches had to be postponed due to the EFL Cup final between Southampton and Manchester United, there was still more than enough excitement for all to enjoy. Spurs and Chelsea both grabbed massive results as they continue to battle it … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 26

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 18

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

While other leagues around the world are taking a festive break the Premier League is just heating up. Matchday 18 saw Chelsea, Liverpool, United and City all continue their winning runs, Henrikh Mkhitaryan score a stunning backheel goal and the demise of Swansea City manager Bob Bradley. This is The Mastermind's Team of the Week … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 18

English Premier League Team of the Month: November 2016

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

What an enthralling month of action it was in the 2016-17 English Premier League. In the month of November we saw a Sunderland side that looked down and out for the first ten games of the season win 2 on the spin and finally look like Premier League quality again, Crystal Palace slump towards the … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Month: November 2016

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 11

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

With eleven games gone, things in the English Premier League are starting to settle down and form more distinct patterns. However, on top of the massive victories coming from Liverpool and Chelsea this weekend, breaking the mold of those distinct patterns were Sunderland who picked up their first win of the season and Hull City … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 11