Tag: Tactical Analysis

Jose Mourinho – Tottenham Hotspur – Tactical Analysis (2019-20 Edition)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis

For the first time in over a decade, Tottenham Hotspur appeared to be absolutely doomed this season. For the first 12 games of the season, Spurs looked nowhere near their usual high-flying, Champions League finalist selves and Mauricio Pochettino had the team slipping further and further down the table. Pochettino was quite possibly the best manager Tottenham have ever had, but with the team sitting in 14th place, it was inevitable that the Argentinean's role at the club was going to be cut short, just shy of 300 games for the club. Looking for instant stability, the boardroom went with the experienced Jose Mourinho to steer the ship back out of safety and the move has proven to be a massive success for Spurs. Since his arrival, Tottenham have won four games from five and now look to be well within touching distance of the top four again. Here is a Tactical Analysis of Jose Mourinho's revamped and revitalized Tottenham Hotspur after his first five games in charge.

Pressing in the 2-4-2 Formation (9v9)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Sport Psychology, World Football

Even at the younger ages when a retreat line is in place, pressing from the front is still a crucial aspect to stopping the other team from playing out from the back. This article will explore pressing from the front in the 2-4-2 formation. STARTING POSITIONS In this example, the opposition is playing a 2-1-4-1 … Continue reading Pressing in the 2-4-2 Formation (9v9)

Ciro Immobile – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Player Analysis, Serie A, Striker, UEFA Champions League, World Football

Italian striker Ciro Immobile has been one of the most lethal goal scorers in world football over the last five years, yet still does not get the full recognition that he deserves as one of Europe's top strikers. So far in 2019-20, only Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has scored more goals than Immobile in Europe's top five leagues, and many consider Lewandowski to be the best centre-forward in the world. 14 goals in 12 Serie A matches is more than just an impressive feat, it's something absolutely outstanding, particularly as part of a team where he doesn't have the same level of service or team possession that someone like a Lewandowski or Lionel Messi would have. After failed spells at Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla, Immobile completely revitalized his career with Lazio back in 2016-17 and now at the age of 29, is on pace to set his most impressive goal return of his career. But how does the Italian striker play and what makes him so unique as a centre forward? This is The Mastermind's Tactical Analysis of Ciro Immobile.

Pep Guardiola – Manchester City – Tactical Analysis (2019-20 Edition)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Formations, Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis, UEFA Champions League, World Football

Other than a rocky performance against Norwich City, things have been business as usual for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City so far this season. The 2019-20 season has gotten off to a great start for the man and team who seem to never settle for anything shy of perfection. All the key players are firing on all cylinders and City look well on their way to breaking more records. Here is The Mastermind's Tactical Analysis for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City so far in 2019-20.

Matteo Guendouzi – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coaching, Defensive Midfield, Player Analysis, Premier League

One of the more impressive Premier League players this season and just about the only Arsenal player who's made an impression, Matteo Guendouzi is enjoying some of his best football at the moment with Arsenal. The 20-year old French midfielder certainly has his best days still ahead of him, but already looks to be a … Continue reading Matteo Guendouzi – Tactical Analysis

Brendan Rodgers – Leicester City – Tactical Analysis (2019-20 Edition)

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

Leicester City have had an exceptional start to the 2019-20 Premier League season, losing just 1 of their opening 7 matches. If it weren't for the all-star cast and crew of England's top two teams, the Foxes could very well have found themselves in a similar position to where they were at this time back in 2015-16 when Claudio Ranieri led Leicester to a league title. Brendan Rodgers has done an incredible job since taking over as Leicester manager for Claude Puel back in late February and has turned the Foxes back into one of England's top sides after a couple of years of nothing more than mid-table success. Here is The Mastermind's Tactical Analysis of Leicester City so far in 2019-20 under Brendan Rogers.

Antonio Conte – Inter Milan – Tactical Analysis (2019-20 Edition)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Formations, Managers, Serie A, Team Analysis, UEFA Champions League, World Football

Since Antonio Conte's arrival at Inter Milan, the Italian giants have completely transformed into the most effective side in all of Serie A. Conte's start to life at San Siro has gotten off without a hitch and I Nerazzurri have won all six of their matches to the start off the league campaign. In that time, Conte's men have scored 13 goals and conceded only 2, maintaining the second highest passing accuracy and fifth highest amount of possession per game in the league. Players like Romelu Lukaku and Kwadwo Asamoah have been able to turn their careers around again, while the likes of Marcelo Brozovic and Stefano Sensi are practically developing into the best in the world at their positions. This is The Mastermind's Tactical Analysis of Inter Milan so far in 2019-20.

La Pausa – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Coaching, Defensive Midfield, Masterclasses, Sport Psychology, UEFA Champions League

La Pausa - Spanish for 'The Pause' is a fantastically useful skill for players looking to fool their opponents. La Pausa is a skill whereby players in possession pause on the ball, drawing in defenders and enticing them to make a movement toward the ball. After the defender makes a movement toward them, the player in possession will often quickly speed up play or then make their pass or movement in a direction that exploits the fact that the defender has approached them.