Tag: Ross Barkley

Why Aston Villa Will Qualify for Europe by 2023 – Tactical Analysis

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

After surviving relegation by a single point in 2019-20, few would have imagined Aston Villa to have such a stellar season in 2020-21. Instead of battling for relegation, they've been battling for a place in Europe, beating the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Leicester City along the way. Perhaps most impressively out of anything, beyond the results which have unequivocally been spectacular, Dean Smith's side have just been so much fun to watch. They've been tactically intriguing in their shifting systems and styles of play, but also just so full of life this season with Grealish and co leading their charge toward European football. Here is our latest Tactical Analysis all about Dean Smith’s Aston Villa, including why the Lions look destined for European football next season.

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Analyzing Jorginho’s Role at Chelsea

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coaching, Defensive Midfield, Player Analysis, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Football

Jorginho is one of the most unique midfielders in the modern game. The Brazilian-born midfielder is not your traditional N'Golo Kante-esque ball-winner nor is he anywhere near as mobile as the Frenchman. But his tactical/spatial awareness, footballing intelligence and superb on-the-ball presence help to make him one of the very best defensive midfielders around. He's incredibly vocal on the field, guiding his teammates through every pass and when he receives the ball for himself, he always seems to know exactly the right pass to make in a split-second decision. Jorginho is arguably the closest thing the footballing world has seen to a Sergio Busquets in years and Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea is the perfect place for the 26-year-old to showcase his talent. Here is how Jorginho has been integral to Chelsea's unbeaten start to the 2018-19 Premier League season.

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 37

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

Gameweek 37 was one of the most important of all in the Premier League this season. Chelsea secured the title, Tottenham secured second and ended Manchester United's hopes of reaching the top four in the process, while Swansea and Crystal Palace ensured their Premier League survival and sent Hull City down as a result. So … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 37

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 33

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

Gameweek 33 in the Premier League was exceptionally entertaining as always. The race for a place in Europe next season continues to heat up with every single one of the teams from second to seventh claiming victory this weekend. Meanwhile at the other end of the table, all of the bottom 7 incurred defeats. That … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 33

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 28

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

Matchday 28 in the Premier League was the strangest ones of all as only half the teams took to action. Manchester City took on Stoke in a 0-0 draw while all eyes were on the PSG-Barcelona in the Champions League, and then eight teams, some of them relegation contenders, battled it out when the weekend rolled … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 28

Who England Should Call Up For March’s World Cup Qualifiers

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, World Football

The upcoming set of World Cup 2018 qualifiers are just around the corner with England preparing to take on Lithuania on March 26th after a tough test against Germany in a friendly on March 22nd. The Three Lions have a few injury concerns at the moment in the form of Jordan Henderson who has a foot … Continue reading Who England Should Call Up For March’s World Cup Qualifiers

English Premier League Team of the Month February 2017

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

February was a bit of an odd month in the Premier League. Not only did some of the league's prime relegation battlers like Swansea and Hull find themselves towards the top the form table but there was also a great disparity in matches played for teams across the league. Most teams played 3 matches this … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Month February 2017

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 24

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

What a weekend of action it was in the Premier League. Two of the league's largest strugglers picked up massive wins, Hull City against Liverpool and Sunderland against Crystal Palace, while Chelsea extended their magnificent lead at the top of the table. Some of this weekend's standout players included Gabriel Jesus who stole the show … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 24

The Player That Every Premier League Club Has Missed in 2016-17

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses

Let's face it, no Premier League club has had a perfect start to the 2016-17 season. No side apart from maybe Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have truly shown their full potential on a consistent basis so far this season and even Klopp's Liverpool slumped to a stunning defeat to Burnley. Most clubs have been getting by without … Continue reading The Player That Every Premier League Club Has Missed in 2016-17