Raphinha – TheMastermindSite

Xavi Hernandez – Barcelona – Tactical Analysis (2022-23)

March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by Charlie Ellis, posted in Most Recent, Team Analysis

Eyebrows were raised over the swift appointment of Barcelona legend Xavi, following Ronald Koeman’s departure in October 2021. Yet, fifteen months into the Spaniard’s tenure at Camp Nou, Xavi has reinvigorated the fanbase with beautiful possession-oriented football. Barca have picked up 59 points from twenty-two games so far in La Liga, and are running away with what would be the club’s first league title in four years. This, even despite the horrors off the pitch captivating the media’s attention. Here is our analysis of Xavi’s Barcelona in 2022-23.

Explaining the Inverted Winger – Player Role Analysis

September 19, 2022October 9, 2022 by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Recruitment & Scouting, Winger

Unlike their name might imply, 'Inverted Wingers' are far more than just wingers that cut or drift inside. That is only one small part of an overarching role that prioritizes playmaking in the final third, and dynamically linking play between the other members of the front-line. The best of the art will often post high numbers in goals and assists, but 'Inverted Wingers' need to be so much more than just creative goal-scorers - generally tasked with creating space, rotating with teammates, and moving off the ball to exploit the half-spaces at the right moments.

Jesse Marsch – Leeds United – Tactical Analysis (2021-22)

May 23, 2022September 10, 2022 by Charlie Ellis, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis

After years of joy and tactical transformations under Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds United finally made the decision to sack the club legend, with the club desperately clinging on to Premier League safety. Jesse Marsch came in as his successor, and brought with him a sense of optimism that Leeds could stay up for another season. Unfortunately, Marsch's arrival in West Yorkshire has been a roller coaster ride for Leeds so far, with a mix of remarkable highs, and desperate lows. They needed to wait until the final day to secure their safety, ultimately achieving a solid tally of 38 points from 38 matches. So with that, after securing safety, we bring you what you've all been waiting for - our Jesse Marsch Tactical Analysis for 2021-22.

What Jesse Marsch will bring to Leeds United

March 4, 2022September 10, 2022 by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis

On a surface level, you may look at Marsch - a man who loves a high pressing system - and think to yourself that Leeds is a match made in heaven for 48-year-old (yes, we know he looks much younger). In reality, the jump from Bielsa to Marsch is a big one, going from an intense man-marking press, to a press that centers around the ball. So with that, today, we analyze what Jesse Marsch will bring to Leeds United, and whether or not the Lillywhites are prepared for the leap.

Why Raphinha is perfect for Manchester City

January 8, 2022September 10, 2022 by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Subscriber Exclusives, Winger

If there is one team in the Premier League who are not in need of new players, it's Manchester City. Already with many of the world's best at their disposal, Guardiola has free range to rotate his squad as he pleases. But one Premier League star certainly stands out as being a perfect fit for the Citizens in the future, and one who could easily be their next Riyad Mahrez type. That man would be Brazilian wing wizard Raphinha, who's starred for Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds since joining in October 2020. While a move for Raphinha wouldn't be necessary to fix any gaping hole in their team, it would be a shrewd piece of business to improve their squad in the long-run.

Top 100 Male Footballers 2021 Edition (100-81)

December 21, 2021January 6, 2022 by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

The end of the year is nearly here! And that means it's time for our annual Top 100 Footballers list to kick off. This year, you had your say in our voting polls, and this is where you landed. Here is numbers 100-81 in the Top 100 Footballers in the World.

Right Winger of the Year – Interactive Vote (Top 100 Footballers 2021)

December 12, 2021December 18, 2021 by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

The end of year is almost here, and that means it's time for our annual Top 100 Footballers list. This year, you, the readers of our website, will get to have your say. Just simply see the list of nominees below, and rearrange the list to suit your preference of first to last in each position. When we rank the Top 100 Footballers of the Year, we take into consideration a player's form throughout 2021, their club and national team success, difficulty of league, and their reputation + performances in the year prior. You can rank based on any criteria you desire! Below is our poll ranking the best right wingers in 2021.

The Longball – Premier League Preview Show – Leeds United

August 5, 2021August 11, 2021 by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, Premier League

On this episode of The Longball Premier League Preview Show, John and Declan sing their praises for "The Yorkshire Pirlo" Kalvin Phillips, but wonder if Leeds should sign a new central midfielder for extra support. Leeds writer for the Yorkshire Post Lee Sobot stops by to discuss the fan mindset heading into Bielsa's second season in the Prem.