Tag: Player Analysis

Lionel Messi at Inter Miami – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Striker

With the recent additions of FC Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and of course, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami have suddenly built the most fun side in all of MLS. Inter Miami struggled to attain the success they wanted under Phil Neville, and getting the signature of former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino might have been an equally valuable coup from the Florida-based club, ensuring they could have even more sway in the market. But since Messi's enter the fold in Florida, Inter Miami have been immensely fun to watch in the MLS, and have gone on an unbeaten run. Here is the heat that Messi has brought to Miami since joining in June.

Why Edson Álvarez is perfect for West Ham United

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

It might be desperately close to the start of the season, but West Ham United have finally signed their Declan Rice replacement at the base of their midfield. In my in-depth analysis of who the Hammers should sign, I ranked Álvarez second to Florentino Luís, as an absolute must-sign. For the fee they accumulated for Rice, I made the claim that they should sign both players, especially given the Mexican's exceptional awareness on the defensive end, whilst complimenting much of Rice's on-the-ball dominance. Here is why West Ham United made the right call in signing Álvarez, and why the £33 million signing should be a steal.

Why Harry Kane is perfect for Bayern Munich

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker, Team Analysis

The Harry Kane saga has been the longest-standing sagas of all transfer happenings over the past few seasons. This week, it might finally come to an end with Bayern Munich putting down a bid that Tottenham would be crazy to turn down. It might be a hefty, club record-breaking fee, but Harry Kane perfectly fits the way that Thomas Tuchel wants to play. With that, here is what Kane will bring to Bayern, and why the club were so persistent in securing his signature.

Why Joško Gvardiol is the complete package for Manchester City

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Fullback, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

Manchester City don't usually splash the cash for massive, absurd fees, unless they are 100% confident that the player has the potential to be transformative. That's already a compliment to the quality of their latest signing - Joško Gvardiol, who's just signed for a reported fee of £77.6 million. Sure, it's less than Manchester United spent on Harry Maguire. But it's still a massive fee for a centre-back, even despite his age, profile, potential and future. Nevertheless, the massive fee looks to be justified for City, giving Guardiola exactly what he's looking for from the left-side of his defensive set-up. Here is why Joško Gvardiol could be the complete package for City.

Antoine Coupland – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Subscriber Exclusives, Winger

Antoine Coupland is a 19-year-old winger for Vancouver Whitecaps II, who has played predominantly on the right this season. His attributes and playing-style make him more of an 'Inverted Winger', which would likely work best coming inside onto his stronger left-foot from the right-hand-side.

Niko Sigur – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Fullback, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Subscriber Exclusives, Winger

Niko Sigur is a 19-year-old Canadian/Croatian currently playing right-back for Hajduk Split. After moving away from York University and Vaughn Azzurri, he chose to represent Croatia at international level. Since then, he's risen through their youth ranks and is now having a great time in Hajduk's first-team. This means his market value is currently listed at 700k, so the most likely scenario I see would be a loan.

Why Declan Rice is the complete package for Arsenal

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

Declan Rice is more than worth the money. He will be critical for the Gunners next season as they look to challenge for the title, and could even go on to show everyone why he's one of the best Premier League players we've ever seen. Here is why Declan Rice is the perfect package for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.