Tag: Quick Attacking Transitions

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.

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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.

Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Most Recent, Premier League

"If Manchester City win the match, the title race is over." - every Premier League pundit in existence. Well, Manchester City didn't win the match, so what happens now? First of all, what a match. Second of all, I am of the firm belief that Manchester City thoroughly outclassed Liverpool on the day, and that Raheem Sterling should have been ruled onside from that VAR disallowed goal (surely it's too close to say clear and obvious?). But I digress. I am not here to talk about refereeing decisions. Instead, the tactics! So let's jump into it, and discuss whether or not the title race is over, or in fact, still with everything to play for.

Finding the balance between being fun and assertive in coaching (+ more Q&A)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Podcast, Premier League, The Mastermind Site Podcast

In this special edition Spin The Ball Q&A, Rhys Desmond talks about how to find the balance between being fun and assertive in coaching, how to be more enthusiastic for your players, and gives his thoughts on the CONCACAF Champions League and Man City vs. Tottenham this weekend. Be sure to check out @mastermindsite on social media and everything we have going on at themastermindsite.com to never miss an update. 

Gerardo Seoane – Bayer Leverkusen – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, World Football

In the midst of the massive managerial merry go round of last spring, Gerardo Seoane's move to Bayer Leverkusen was one of the quieter Bundesliga appointments. But Seoane's Leverkusen have been louder than most in Germany this season, starting off the 2021-22 campaign in fine form with a UEFA Champions League spot within reach. Along the way, Leverkusen have been playing some exceptional football, with a happy mix of counter-attacking and possession with a purpose. Here is our tactical analysis of Gerardo Seoane's Bayer Leverkusen in 2021-22.

What Newcastle fans can expect of Paulo Fonseca and his tactics

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis, World Football

After sacking Steve Bruce on October 19, it appears that Newcastle United are now inching closer to selecting their next manager. With Paulo Fonseca still, shockingly, out of a job following a successful year with Roma last year, Newcastle are taking heavy interest in bringing the highly touted manager into their ranks. So with that, we take a look at what Paulo Fonseca could bring to Newcastle and why the move could be exactly what Newcastle fans have been calling out for.

Luciano Spalletti – Napoli – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Serie A

Since taking over from Gennarro Gattuso in May 2021, Luciano Spalletti has turned Napoli into one of Serie A's most formidable units. While a fifth place finish in the 2020-21 season was a fine result for Gli Azzurri, it wasn't what they had hoped for, nor what they could have achieved. In came Spalletti and POOF(!) the team are now on an unbeaten run at the start of the 2021-22 season, winning seven from seven. After Inter Milan broke Juventus' long-standing record last season, the Napoli faithful will now be hoping Serie A might be theirs for the taking this year. Here is a tactical analysis of Luciano Spalletti's new-look Napoli.