Tag: Player Analysis

Replacing Declan Rice at West Ham United – Tactical Analysis

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

The task of replacing Declan Rice is a near impossible task. While you could likely combine his traits in a trio of midfielders for that price, no one that West Ham United could convince to join the club will be able to make such a massive single-handed impact at the London Stadium. Nevertheless, we scoured through the data and footage of hundreds of players to find those most similar to Declan Rice, and those that could make up for some of what's now lost without his services. With that, here is our analysis on how West Ham United can replace Declan Rice.

Women’s World Cup 2023 Preview – Rose Lavelle & Ashley Sanchez

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Player Analysis, Women's Football

One of the storylines heading into the Women's World Cup this year for the United States centers around the fitness of one of their prime starlets - Rose Lavelle. Lavelle stole the show with her Bronze Ball back in 2019 as the U.S. lifted the trophy, and has been a key function for both Reign and her nation since. Luckily for the States, they seem to have a carbon copy in the form of Ashley Sanchez of the Washington Spirit. Although Sanchez lacks the same experience and Bronze Ball potential, she just so happens to be a remarkably similar player set to shine at this summer's tournament.

Finding the next Antoine Griezmann – Tactical Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Attacking Midfield, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker

Without always achieving the acclaim, Antoine Griezmann has been one of the most influential stars of the past decade. From World Cup triumphs to lavish Barcelona moves to his time rolling in the mud of Diego Simeone's Atletico, Griezmann has made a career that many could only dream of achieving. As the Frenchman now enters the twilight of his career, we analyze the 32-year-old's game, and the next heirs to his throne. As France's all-time assister, his impact on the national side will be a massive miss over the next few years. But we aren't just looking for a Frenchman, but someone who can play in a similar mold for Diego Simeone's Atletico or achieve the same level of stardom as the French superstar.

Why Randal Kolo Muani is perfect for Manchester United

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker, Winger

To find someone who can both link-play and bang in the goals is a difficult task, but it's one that won't be all that difficult if they turn to Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt. Here is why United should sign the Frankfurt man, and why Kolo Muani is turning the heads of all the European elites.

Game of Numbers #22 – Rodri’s Champions League redemption story

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Defensive Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, UEFA Champions League

Rodri never needed to redeem himself, but Pep Guardiola likely did after leaving his prized defensive midfielder out of the Champions League final against Chelsea two seasons ago. The Spanish midfielder has been immaculate this campaign, helping to dictate much of City's stellar possession and defensive solidity. Easily the best defensive midfielder in the world at the moment, Rodri has been integral to City's success all season long at the heart of their midfield. It was a perfect ending to the fairytale for the Spaniard to cap off a wonderful season with that decisive Champions League final goal, but his performance was about so much more. Here is the final Game of Numbers for the European 2022-23 season.

Why Alexis Mac Allister is perfect for Liverpool

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

Hands down, Alexis Mac Allister has been one of the Premier League's most improved players from this season to last. For his seamless transition into a 'DLP' role at Brighton, where he played a critical role in the team's sixth place success, I even had the Argentinean midfielder in my 'Team of the Season'. To get this player for £35 million in today's obscene money market would be one of the steals of the past few years. In this article, I'll break down exactly what makes Alexis Mac Allister such a perfect signing for Liverpool.

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.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Ayman Sellouf

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

One of the most impressive players this season has been Dutchman Ayman Sellouf, entering the B.C. scene from Jong FC Utrecht, as the dynamic dribbling equivalent to Marco Bustos. Sellouf has completely lived up to his promise so far in 2023, already scoring more than Bustos managed in 2022, and acting as arguably the best player in the league to start the campaign. We analyze Ayman Sellouf's potential for greatness this season and beyond, making the case for why this could be a short-lived stint inside Canada's top flight.