Tag: Scouting

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Aidan Daniels

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

Despite his versatility to play across the pitch, the former TFC academy product started just 16 matches in 2022. But flashes of brilliance were there for all to see, constantly taking the game to the opposition through his dynamic dribbling and tactical intelligence. This season, Patrice Gheisar has fully trusted Daniels to be the star player in his attack, ensuring that he can give the ball-playing wizard a free role off the right of his 4-2-3-1. This has allowed Daniels to flourish, where he's been one of the undeniable stars of the season in 2023. Here is what makes the 24-year-old one of the top prospects coming out of the Canadian Premier League this season.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Ollie Bassett

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

Following a move from Pacific to Atletico Ottawa ahead of the 2022 season, Ollie Bassett has been regarded by many to be one of the Canadian Premier League's most prized assets. His stunning 2022 campaign ended with 11 goal contributions to his name in 30 appearances from central midfield; not to mention a league title, and the division's MVP award. This season, Bassett's been just as influential, already matching his 8 goal, 3 assist tally from 2022 in fewer appearances.

Why I use Wyscout and how I would improve the platform

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

Data is essential to the performance-based analysis that we strive for at TheMastermindSite.com, looking to enhance the quality of our articles and insights; whilst backing up the eye test with further support. Many sites have helped with this quest over the years, each providing different avenues of support. However, if one data site could provide all of the features needed wrapped up in one, it would make the process smoother. With that, I assess why Wyscout has become the #1 resource that I use in my analyses and articles, and how the site could improve to ensure they stay ahead of the free data sites available.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Myer Bevan

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker, Subscriber Exclusives

Perhaps more than any CPL striker, Myer Bevan nicely combines all the traits you'd want in a centre-forward. He's smooth on the ball, quick to beat his man when running the channels, proficient in front of goal, and a dominant battler. At 8 goals in his 16 appearances, Bevan currently leads the league in scoring alongside Terran Campbell.

The complexities of scouting & recruitment at the pro level

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Recruitment & Scouting

One month removed from the 2022-23 European season, all the attention continues to be on the transfer market. Transfers are the talk of the town across the globe at the moment, with each European club preparing to enjoy happier times next season, and handle all their ins and outs as efficiently as possible.

Replacing Declan Rice at West Ham United – Tactical Analysis

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

The task of replacing Declan Rice is a near impossible task. While you could likely combine his traits in a trio of midfielders for that price, no one that West Ham United could convince to join the club will be able to make such a massive single-handed impact at the London Stadium. Nevertheless, we scoured through the data and footage of hundreds of players to find those most similar to Declan Rice, and those that could make up for some of what's now lost without his services. With that, here is our analysis on how West Ham United can replace Declan Rice.

Find me a player for…

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Recruitment & Scouting

One of the most commonly used scouting tools today is to find a similar comparison to an already existing professional player. This is used as a useful way of sizing up a player, and identifying their strengths, weaknesses, skillsets, and style of play in relation to a known quantity. But we must remember that a range of topics go into any recruitment scenario, in our quest to find the best fit. In this article, as part of our Introduction to Football Analysis course, we detail how to 'Find a player for ___'.