Tag: Tactics

How Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea could look in 2026-27

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, Team Analysis

Xabi Alonso enters Chelsea as one of the most reputable managers in the world, despite only being in the managerial scene for seven years. He also enters at a time when Chelsea desperately need someone to steady the ship. The Blues finished a measly 10th in the 2025-26 Premier League season, and lost the backing of some of their most influential stars. Although the Blues have spent over a £1 billion in the Todd Boehly era, they now have someone with a clear tactical identity that can work to get the best out of another summer of new recruits. The early indications are expensive, but positive. Here is how Alonso's Chelsea could look next season.

How Stephen Eustáquio controlled Canada’s 1-0 win over South Africa

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, World Cup 2026

After scoring the historic goal that secured Canada's place in the Round of 16, Stephen Eustáquio will receive all of the praise and plaudits. But Eustáquio wasn't just the game winner. The 29-year-old was the best player on the pitch even without his goal, shepherding Canada to victory through his organization and leadership in midfield. Here is how Stephen Eustáquio bossed Canada's 1-0 win over South Africa.

The stars leading Canada, Mexico, and the USA into the World Cup

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, World Cup 2026, World Football

The 2026 World Cup in North America has been electric so far, with each host nation playing with intention, heart, and physicality. Canada might have only found a point against Bosnia, but both Mexico and the U.S. enjoyed one of their best matches in World Cup history. Here are the standout performers from the opening round of fixtures for each host nation.

Lessons from Canada’s 2-0 win over Uzbekistan

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, World Cup 2026

World Cup 2026 is fast approaching, and as Canada plays host to the tournament for the first time in history, the men's team has never been more equipped for success. Jesse Marsch's Canada are still a work in progress. They will still take time this month to gel together, and harmonize. They showed that in the first half of their 2-0 win over Uzbekistan. But Canada have never had a more talented set of men's footballers ready to shine at a major tournament. Here is what we learned from Canada's 2-0 win over Uzbekistan.

Casemiro can’t stop scoring headed goals

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Defensive Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education

Manchester United's narrow 2-1 win over Brentford was met with another man of the match performance from Casemiro - who continues to prove his irreplaceability. The Brazilian midfielder scored his ninth goal of the season, moving him to second for goals by a midfielder in the Premier League this season. It was his eighth headed goal of the campaign, double that of any other player.

Ali Ahmed: The £1.4 million steal powering Norwich’s revival

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Recruitment & Scouting, Winger

Norwich might not be in the hunt for Premier League football next season, but they are slowly rebuilding their squad back to one that can challenge toward the top of the Championship. And in Ali Ahmed, they didn’t just sign a useful squad player. They may have found their next star.

Sebastian Berhalter has become the Whitecaps’ most important player

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis

With his all-around quality, it's abundantly clear. Sebastian Berhalter is the Whitecaps' most important player right now. His performance against Portland was one of the finest individual performances of any player so far this season, and continues to help cement the 'Caps as one of the most cutthroat teams in the league.

Benjamin Šeško is United’s best striker in years

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Striker

With four goals in his last five matches, Šeško earned himself the Premier League's Player of the Month award for February. This, in just 85 minutes of making an impact off the bench. If he can continue to grow from here, the 22-year-old will almost certainly stake his claim as United's best striker in years.