Tag: Santi Cazorla

Xavi Hernandez – Al Sadd – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Most Recent, Subscriber Exclusives, Team Analysis

Former Barcelona man Xavi Hernandez is widely considered one of the best midfielders of all time. In his hay-day with both Spain and Barcelona, Xavi formed one of the best midfield triads the game has ever seen, alongside Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. He won twenty-five major trophies with Barcelona and three for Spain, before moving to Qatar ahead of the 2015-16 season. He then went on to finish his career in style, winning the Qatari league in his final season at the club in 2018-19. The very next season he was named manager of the squad and soon afterward completely revolutionized Al Saad into a near unstoppable unit in the QPL. The Spanish midfielder has quietly gone about his business at Al Sadd, playing in Guardiola-esque ways and doing del-Bosque-esque things, winning six trophies in two seasons so far. Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the now 41-year-old, and in time we may see one of the game greatest ever midfielders become one of the game's greatest ever managers. Here is a tactical analysis of Xavi Hernandez's Al Sadd.

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The Importance of Receiving the Ball on the Half-Turn

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

Over and over again, young players around the world receive the ball from a passing player, square on, with their back turned to goal. This limits a player's ability to pass the ball forwards and keep play moving. Instead of receiving the ball square on, players must maintain an open body shape, aka receiving the … Continue reading The Importance of Receiving the Ball on the Half-Turn

4 Ways Arsenal Can Replace Santi Cazorla

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Football

In 2016-17, Arsene Wenger's Arsenal suffered their worst season in terms of position in the table since 1994-95 when they finished in 12th place. When Santiago Cazorla was in the side, the Gunners were flourishing, playing some of their best football again. But as was the case for nearly the entire season, they were without their … Continue reading 4 Ways Arsenal Can Replace Santi Cazorla

Who Just Missed Out On The Mastermind Top 100 2016

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Most Recent, Premier League, Top 100 Footballers, World Football

Between Euro 2016, the UEFA Champions League, and domestic play around the world, there has been far too many competitions this year to keep track of. These are just some of the names that could not crack into The Mastermind's Top 100 Footballers in the World List for 2016. Raphael Guerreiro  One of the best fullbacks … Continue reading Who Just Missed Out On The Mastermind Top 100 2016