Tag: Tactical Analysis

Canada 2-1 Ireland – Women’s World Cup – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Match Analysis, Women's Football

After a 0-0 draw against Nigeria where they showed some promise but ultimately failed to get the job done, Canada came out of the gates shell-shocked against Ireland. Leading into the match, I broke down three key areas where Ireland would hurt Canada. Unfortunately for Canada, all three of these items came to life against Ireland, and they looked a team lacking identity. But then everything changed in the second half, and finally they got going, with the help of some experienced heads. Here is our analysis of the match between Canada and Ireland, and how the Canadians turned things around.

Why Moussa Diaby is perfect for Aston Villa

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Subscriber Exclusives, Winger

In one of the steals of the summer so far, Aston Villa have pulled off an absolute coup in signing Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, one of the most highly sought after players in the world. Diaby could have gone to a Champions League club with ease, but has chosen to work under Unai Emery's growing project at Aston Villa. It's a clear sign of the pull Emery has in the transfer market, but also a clear demonstration of Aston Villa's ambitions, and their awareness of which players perfectly fit the way they want to play. Here is why Diaby is perfect for the Villains.

Patrice Gheisar – HFX Wanderers FC – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis

HFX Wanderers never quite got going in 2022, after an early season injury to star player Joao Morelli left them without much in the way of adequate alternatives. Stephen Hart paid the price after four seasons in charge, with Patrice Gheisar entering the frame to start a new era at the Wanderers Grounds. The Wanderers took a bit of time to find their groove at the start of the season, but Gheisar's exciting principles of play always looked promising. Since a 2-0 loss to Atletico at the start of June, Halifax have won five of their last eight matches, pushing for a playoff spot alongside the league's top three teams.

Game of Numbers #23 – How USA unravelled Vietnam’s marking at the World Cup

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Women's Football

The United States were always set to have one of the most impressive performances of the opening round. But they impressed with their tactical nuances as much as their individual star power. Here is our first edition of Game of Numbers across the 2023 Women's World Cup, with how the States used positional rotations to unravel Vietnam's defense.

How Canada can beat Ireland – Women’s World Cup 2023 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Team Analysis, Women's Football

After a disappointing first match against Nigeria, Canada will be hoping to improve upon their performance against an intense Irish side, fully ready to do battle. Here is what Canada must keep in mind as they prepare for their second match of the 2023 Women's World Cup against Ireland.

Why Mateo Kovačić is perfect for Manchester City

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Team Analysis

After five fairly stellar and underappreciated years at Chelsea, Mateo Kovačić has left the club and signed with Manchester’s most recent treble winners. New ownership at Stamford Bridge led to a drastic rebuild from their 2021 Champions League winning squad, and the time came for one of their most consistent performers over the years to exit the building. Manchester City took full advantage, making him an apt replacement for the loss of Ilkay Gündoğan and the potential loss of silky smooth Bernardo Silva.

Why Levi Colwill is perfect for Chelsea

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League

In the last few years, Chelsea have given away several superstar centre-backs in the making. The likes of Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guéhi went for very little money, only to completely shine at new clubs and prove their worth elsewhere. This season has to be the one where Chelsea stop the nonsense. They have to keep hold of their young, talented centre-making superstars in the making. They have to play Levi Colwill and make him an essential part of their plans. Here is why the former Brighton and Huddersfield loanee should be one of the first-choice centre-backs for the Blues this campaign.

Stina Blackstenius – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Women's Football

After a semi-final finish at the Euros in 2022 and a silver medal at the Olympics in 2020, Sweden will again be one of the favourites for the 2023 World Cup. Many of their stars are now into the twilight of their careers, but one who remains in their prime is Stina Blackstenius, their power-house centre-forward capable of banging in the goals. Here is a brief analysis of Blackstenius, and why she will be integral to Sweden's success in 2023.