Tag: Positional Rotation

Game of Numbers #24 – Bellingham at the top of the diamond

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Team Analysis

Much has been made this summer about Real Madrid's lack of a natural Karim Benzema replacement up front, and the downgrade of Joselu entering that position for Los Blancos instead. But sometimes, you don't need to replace a player in the transfer market with a like-for-like switch. Sometimes, all you need to do is tweak the shape of the team. This is what Real Madrid have done in finding a solution for their Benzema dilemma. In the process, they've also presented a solution to the conundrum regarding how to fit all their fantastic pieces in midfield together.

Game of Numbers #23 – How USA unravelled Vietnam’s marking at the World Cup

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Women's Football

The United States were always set to have one of the most impressive performances of the opening round. But they impressed with their tactical nuances as much as their individual star power. Here is our first edition of Game of Numbers across the 2023 Women's World Cup, with how the States used positional rotations to unravel Vietnam's defense.

Why all footballers need to be versatile

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Player Education

As young players develop their game and often get pigeon-held into certain positions and roles, I often encourage them to develop variety and versatility within the number of roles and positions they can play.

Game of Numbers #12 – Erik Ten Hag’s Positional Play Masterclass

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Managers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis

Erik Ten Hag has deployed brilliant implementations of positional play all season long, putting on an absolute masterclass of how to confuddle the opposition into oblivion against Leicester City.

England’s midfield balance – 2022 World Cup Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Match Analysis, Most Recent, World Cup 2022

In light of Mason Mount's lack of form at the start of the 2022 World Cup and in the recent months for Chelsea, Gareth Southgate has since opted for an experienced pairing of Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson at the base of the midfield, pushing the fresh legs of 19-year-old Jude Bellingham further forward. This has worked like a charm, bringing out the best in each of Southgate's midfield men, and allowing Bellingham to play some of his best football of his career thus far under the freedom of an advanced role. Here is why the balance of England's midfield has been so successful in recent matches, and why the trio could be the key to success in unlocking France.

The art of dismarking

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Education

Dismarking is not that complicated of a process when you really boil it down. Sound movement, corresponding with appropriate timing of decision making on behalf of the players around the situation (such as the player on the ball) will always lead to imbalances in the opposition, particularly if the players scan the field and assess aspects of ball, opposition, teammates and space. With the tips in this article, players can now take their craft to the next level, and become dismarking gurus.

Atletico Ottawa vs. Valour FC – Tactical Preview

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coaching, Formations, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Most Recent, World Football

Atletico Ottawa have caught the eye at the start of this season, as the most tactically intriguing team in the league. Carlos Gonzalez's team achieved two back to back wins to start the campaign, playing different formations in and out of possession. Valour have a mammoth task as a result, and need to hit top gear in finding Moses Dyer early on in moves. Here is our tactical analysis.