Tag: Quick Attacking Transitions

Why Moussa Diaby is perfect for Aston Villa

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

In one of the steals of the summer so far, Aston Villa have pulled off an absolute coup in signing Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, one of the most highly sought after players in the world. Diaby could have gone to a Champions League club with ease, but has chosen to work under Unai Emery's growing project at Aston Villa. It's a clear sign of the pull Emery has in the transfer market, but also a clear demonstration of Aston Villa's ambitions, and their awareness of which players perfectly fit the way they want to play. Here is why Diaby is perfect for the Villains.

France 3-1 Poland – Match Analysis – 2022 World Cup

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, World Cup 2022

Even despite six of their potential pre-tournament starters now missing, France continue to be one of the most electric sides at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Supercharged by the vibrancy in attack of Kylian Mbappé and masterfully supported by Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud - France's front four quartet work together wonderfully to bring out the best in one another. The French put on a dominant display on Sunday, rolling to a rollicking 3-0 win over the Poles in the Round of 16. Here is our match analysis.

Game of Numbers #10 – Thuram’s Tormenting Transitions

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, German Bundesliga, Match Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis

Daniel Farke's men completely outclassed Dortmund on the break, particularly via the use of quick play through the vertical channels. The man that led that entire process was none other than Marcus Thuram - who recently featured in our 'Direct Goal-Scorer' breakdown. Thuram's a quintessential model of the role, as someone who constantly endeavours to run behind an opposition defense. He's the first outlet in transition, and this makes him absolutely integral to the team given that much of Monchengladbach's brilliance this season has come on the counter. Combine that with Dortmund's own problems at the back and the strange omission of their best transitional warrior, and Edin Terzic set his team up for a disaster.

Game of Numbers #7 – Ben White’s Right-Back Revolution

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Fullback, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis

Ben White has been one of the understated members of Arsenal's revolution into one of the Premier League's supreme outfits in 2022-23. The Gunners currently sit top of the table after their formidable win against a dissolute Spurs side, with Ben White performing a pivotal role in the big win.

Daniel Farke – Monchengladbach – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, German Bundesliga, Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis

After a disappointing season under the influence of Adi Hütter in 2021-22, Borussia Monchengladbach have now enjoyed one of their best starts to a season in recent memory. Daniel Farke has restored stability and solidity at the helm of his new club, with Die Fohlen losing just one of their opening seven fixtures in the league. Along the way, they've beaten Leipzig in stunning fashion, and drawn both Bayern Munich and SC Freiburg, both of whom topped the table at the time. Daniel Farke hasn't made drastic changes to the team's tactics since entering the door, but he's made smart and subtle tactical tweaks that have allowed Die Borussen to up their game and re-find form. Here is our tactical analysis of Daniel Farke's Gladbach in 2022-23.

Marco Silva – Fulham – Tactical Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Managers, Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis

Preceding one of the most dominant Championship seasons ever, Marco Silva's Fulham have shown plenty of promise on their yo-yo return to the Premier League. 106 goals in 46 matches was superior of any second-tier side since Manchester City in the 2001/02 season, but their offensive strengths had been heightened by their ex-Portuguese star, Fabio Carvalho. As he begins a new chapter at Anfield, the rest of Silva's side have reset, and look well-prepared for a high-tempo season in the top flight. Peculiarly, they've shown more defensive promise so far even with the explosive start to the season from their Serbian record-breaker, Aleksandar Mitrović.

England 4-0 Sweden – UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 – Match Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Match Analysis, Most Recent, Women's Football

Sweden might be the second best nation in the world on FIFA World Rankings, but on the pitch, they were easily second best in Tuesday night's semi-final. England on the other hand performed admirably and with a clinical verve, even if some unwanted discrepancies crept into their performance. In the end, Sarina Wiegman's team produced the goods when required, and now move onto the final with the chance to lift the country's first ever senior European Championships title, at their home ground, Wembley. Unfortunately for the Swedes, their worst showing of the tournament sends them home without a prayer; however, their attention can now be aimed towards a place at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.