Tag: Scouting & Recruitment

Why Tajon Buchanan is perfect for Inter Milan – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Recruitment & Scouting, Serie A, Wing-Back, Winger

Just under five years ago, Tajon Buchanan was playing for a little-known club here in Ontario called Sigma FC, under the tutelage of Bobby Smyrniotis. Today, he's being linked with a move to one of Europe's biggest clubs - Inter Milan. Buchanan's had quite the rapid rise from a dynamic dribbling right-sided central midfielder for New England, to one of Canada's most influential players. He's excelled for Club Brugge as a right-wing-back the past couple of seasons, and now looks destined for a move to one of the grandest stages in European football. Here is our analysis of what makes Tajon Buchanan perfect for Inter Milan.

Finding a goalkeeper for Forge FC

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Data Analysis, Goalkeeper, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

Out of all the CPL clubs, Forge FC have enjoyed the quietest off-season. It feels as though that's for good reason, having just won the CPL Playoffs for the third time in the league's four season existence. It might be the sign of a settled squad and players having no inclinations toward seeking pastures new. But for the Canadian Premier League, this is uncharacteristic. With the season just under two months away from kicking off, Forge are without a back-up keeper, or anyone to challenge the Canadian for a place.

Why Julian Ryerson caught the eye of Borussia Dortmund

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Fullback, German Bundesliga, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Wing-Back

Across the 2021-22 campaign, Julian Ryerson struggled for minutes in a competitive Union Berlin side loaded with wing-backs. But this season, he's become the starlet of the side from the wings, fulfilling his wing-back role to great effect from either side. His form in 2022-23 caught the eye of Borussia Dortmund, who snapped him up for a meek €5 million fee. Here is our analysis as to why the Black & Yellows made a move for Julian Ryerson, and what he will bring to Signal Iduna Park.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Attacking Midfielders

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Canadian Premier League, Data Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Winger

We tracked every single CPL game over the course of the season to come up with our unique rating system. We compile that information alongside each player's defensive, attacking and possession rankings. We present the players that are more than ready for that next step, whether that be playing in the MLS or somewhere in Europe. If rumours have it, Marco Bustos may already be on his way. Here is our analysis of the best '10's' in the CANPL.

Replacing Alejandro Diaz at Pacific FC

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Striker

Following the loss of eventual CPL Golden Boot winner Alejandro Diaz, Pacific FC immediately went from title contenders to top four contenders, scraping into the playoffs with a fourth-place finish come the end of the season. The repeated line as the likes of myself and CPL.ca wrote about Pacific became all about how things could have been very different for Pacific in front of goal had they only had that missing link. Diaz was everything to the Pacific attack, acting as both a 'False 9' capable of dropping deep and receiving the ball, and somehow even fulfilling duties as an occasional 'Target Man' despite his 5'10 height. He linked up with Marco Bustos and Manny Aparicio magnificently well as the three of them dovetailed around each other, and his desire to drop deep often allowed Joshua Heard to run into the vacated space behind. Pacific signed Electric City striker Jordan Brown to try and make up for the loss, but it was clear that Brown was a far less dynamic player, and far less clinical in front of goal. With that, we analyze the essential characteristics in need of replacing when it comes to Diaz and his game, and four possible replacements from around the globe.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Central Midfielders

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Canadian Premier League, Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

After this long-haul search of central midfielders in the CPL, four key figures stand out as being above the level of the league. Ollie Bassett is perhaps the most obvious to catch the eye when you watch him play, and his defensive awareness does not necessarily manifest in crunching into tackles and accumulating positive defensive stats like some of his peers. Here is our analysis of central midfielders inside the Canadian Premier League.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Defensive Midfielders

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Defensive Midfield, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

When asking the question of what player to sign, it's important to examine the most relevant information for your context. If you desire to find a true '6' who can hold down the midfield and play as a lone wolf - anchoring all on their own, Andre Rampersad might be your best bet. If looking for someone slightly more savvy in possession, Alessandro Hojabrpour is worth the swing. If you're looking for someone to play in a double pivot and dynamically venture box to box, Diego Gutiérrez is one of the best that the CANPL has to offer. Here is our analysis of the best defensive midfielders in the CPL.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Centre-Backs

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Centre Backs, Data Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

All eight of our centre-backs are fairly similar in their approach, each standing out both in and out of possession. They could each hold their own in a high-possession system, and would likely continue to excel if put under the pressure of greater defensive responsibilities. But they also each have their own unique attributes that may work better in some contexts over others.