Tag: Tactics

Thomas Frank – Brentford – Tactical Analysis (2023-24)

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis

Thomas Frank's Bees are attacking their third season in the Premier League and despite the common pre-season misperception that they would be scrambling for survival, Brentford are again defying expectations. Six points in six games doesn't do their performances justice, having lost just twice so far. They may not be the most beautiful possession-based side in the world but the marginal gains targeted by Frank and his staff is why their overall game far exceeds the majority of English competitors. There may just be another top half finish in store for the Bees. Here is our 2023-24 analysis of Brentford under Thomas Frank, brought to you by Charlie Ellis.

Tommy Wheeldon Jr. – Cavalry FC – Tactical Analysis

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

Cavalry FC have been the most exciting team to watch in 2023, following up from a wonderful winter of off-season recruitment. The Cavs remain at the top of the table as the 2023 season comes to a close, and after their win against HFX this week, are the first team to claim a spot in the 2023 Playoffs. Here is our tactical analysis of Tommy Wheeldon Jr.'s Cavalry FC in 2023.

Ange Postecoglou – Tottenham Hotspur – Tactical Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Managers, Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis

Spurs fans have endured a disorderly four years since Mauricio Pochettino's exit, but some stability may finally have come in the form of Australia's most prized coach, Ange Postecoglou. The Postecoglou era is in full flow just one month into the Premier League season as Spurs have claimed ten points from a possible twelve.

Xabi Alonso – Bayer Leverkusen – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis

Bayer Leverkusen have started the season hitting all the right notes, currently sitting top of the table ahead of their clash with Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso's men have won all three of their games thus far, scoring 3.7 goals per game to start the campaign. Playing exciting, attractive football full of energy, pressing and close-connection possession, Xabi's team are destined for a big season in the Bundesliga. Here is our tactical analysis of Leverkusen so far in 2023-24.

Game of Numbers #27 – Heung Min-Son as the ‘9’ & Evan Ferguson’s hat-trick

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker

In spite of Tottenham's formidable, unbeaten start to the season, something felt missing without the presence of a goal-scoring '#9' up front. It may have been the obvious move with Richarlison not exactly hitting the ground running, but Ange Postecoglou might just have found the perfect solution in Heung-Min Son. Here is Game of Numbers #27, featuring Son as a '#9', and Evan Ferguson's stellar hat-trick.

How I analyze central midfielders for pro clubs with Role Continuity

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

In 2022, I established my 'Role Continuity Evaluation System', on the basis that players should be assessed by the metrics and traits important to their specific role on the pitch. Through this understanding, players are then classified into what is now 20 different roles, and assessed accordingly to see how they stack up to other players fulfilling the same player type. Here is an explanation of my scouting & analysis system and how I use the system to compare central midfielders.

How to coach ‘man-to-man’ marking

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Subscriber Exclusives

Many youth coaches opt for a "man-marking" or player-to-player marking scheme, as they deem it easier to teach than a zonal marking scheme. Spaces on a pitch can be more arbitrary, whereas opposition players are right there in front of you.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Massimo Ferrin

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

One of the HFX names that's stood out since the start of the season has been Massimo Ferrin, coming out of Patrice Gheisar's League 1 Ontario winning team in Vaughan. He doesn't necessarily have the high number of goals or assists to show for what he's accomplished this season, but Massimo Ferrin should definitely be proud of a great first-season so far in the Canadian Premier League. Here is why the 24-year-old is one to keep an eye on in Canadian football.