Tag: Player Analysis

Elliot Anderson’s start to life at Manchester City, and what happens next?

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

If you've been living under a rock during this international break from club football, you may have missed that Manchester City have been charged with 114 Premier League financial rule breaches. If the punishment fits the crime, Manchester City will almost certainly be relegated from the league, meaning they will lose all of their strongest assets at the club. Players like Elliot Anderson, who have just come in for 100 million pounds, will soon be surplus to requirements. So what happens now for a player like Anderson?

3 Canadian stars making their mark at new clubs

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker

The 2026 summer transfer window was a busy one for Canadians. Just about every one of our national team stars changed clubs - many earning exciting moves to take their careers in new directions. It's only September, but it's gone better than expected for most. Here is how our biggest stars have fared since their big summer moves.

Pascal Groß: Brighton’s £1.7 million masterstroke

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

In the month of September, Pascal Groß has arguably been the best midfielder in the division. Certainly one of the most influential, putting up 3 goals and 3 assists to start this season. Here is what makes the German midfielder so special.

The new Martin Ødegaard is the Premier League’s best player

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Player Analysis, Premier League, Team Analysis

Going into this season, even despite his fantastic World Cup campaign, fans might have wondered if we were witnessing the slow decline of Martin Ødegaard, soon to be fazed out. But instead, it's been the opposite. Martin Ødegaard has not only been Arsenal's best player to start this season, but arguably the best in the Premier League over the opening three matches. Here is why the Arsenal captain has thrived in 2026-27 so far.

How Stephen Eustáquio controlled Canada’s 1-0 win over South Africa

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, World Cup 2026

After scoring the historic goal that secured Canada's place in the Round of 16, Stephen Eustáquio will receive all of the praise and plaudits. But Eustáquio wasn't just the game winner. The 29-year-old was the best player on the pitch even without his goal, shepherding Canada to victory through his organization and leadership in midfield. Here is how Stephen Eustáquio bossed Canada's 1-0 win over South Africa.

How Bruno Fernandes assists so many goals

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League

Bruno Fernandes has been the best player in the Premier League this season, and has fully deserved his league-tying assist record. It now remains to be seen on the final matchday as to whether or not he will become the sole player to break the 20 assist barrier. Either way, Bruno deserves his 2025-26 PFA Player of the Season crown. Here is how Bruno assists so many goals.

Casemiro can’t stop scoring headed goals

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Defensive Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education

Manchester United's narrow 2-1 win over Brentford was met with another man of the match performance from Casemiro - who continues to prove his irreplaceability. The Brazilian midfielder scored his ninth goal of the season, moving him to second for goals by a midfielder in the Premier League this season. It was his eighth headed goal of the campaign, double that of any other player.

Ali Ahmed: The £1.4 million steal powering Norwich’s revival

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Recruitment & Scouting, Winger

Norwich might not be in the hunt for Premier League football next season, but they are slowly rebuilding their squad back to one that can challenge toward the top of the Championship. And in Ali Ahmed, they didn’t just sign a useful squad player. They may have found their next star.