Tag: Tactics

Why Joško Gvardiol is the complete package for Manchester City

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Fullback, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

Manchester City don't usually splash the cash for massive, absurd fees, unless they are 100% confident that the player has the potential to be transformative. That's already a compliment to the quality of their latest signing - Joško Gvardiol, who's just signed for a reported fee of £77.6 million. Sure, it's less than Manchester United spent on Harry Maguire. But it's still a massive fee for a centre-back, even despite his age, profile, potential and future. Nevertheless, the massive fee looks to be justified for City, giving Guardiola exactly what he's looking for from the left-side of his defensive set-up. Here is why Joško Gvardiol could be the complete package for City.

England – Women’s World Cup 2023 – Tactical Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Masterclasses, Team Analysis, Women's Football

Sarina Wiegman's England are four games into their World Cup campaign and despite attaining four wins, there remains some skepticism around the nation surrounding how far they can go. Losing there captain Leah Williamson, and 2022 Ballon d'Or nominee Beth Mead to injury, England are having to navigate the biggest competition in world football deprived of two of their best players.

Why Declan Rice is the complete package for Arsenal

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

Declan Rice is more than worth the money. He will be critical for the Gunners next season as they look to challenge for the title, and could even go on to show everyone why he's one of the best Premier League players we've ever seen. Here is why Declan Rice is the perfect package for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.

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.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Zachary Fernandez

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Fullback, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Wing-Back

Under the increased attacking license given to him by Patrice Gheisar, Zachary Fernandez has excelled this season as an up-and-down wing-back capable of creating chances for fun. Here is why the 21-year-old Canadian full-back should be on your radar.

Canadian Premier League Scouting Database – Eryk Kobza

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Central Midfield, Centre Backs, Defensive Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Subscriber Exclusives

Struggling to find the right options inside their midfield at the start of the season, U SPORTS draft-pick Eryk Kobza was given the nod to play alongside Jesse Daley, and the club haven't looked back since. At the age of 21, Kobza's made himself an extremely useful option for Cavalry, doubling as a centre-back and defensive midfielder, swapping roles nearly every other game. Here is why Eryk Kobza should be on your radar.

Why İlkay Gündoğan is perfect for Barcelona

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

After a UEFA Champions League winning campaign, a considerable loss for Guardiola’s Man City becomes a remarkable gain for Xavi’s Barcelona. İlkay Gündoğan had been a stalwart in the treble winners’ eleven for the past season, and for good reason. He’s one of the most technically and tactically gifted footballers on the planet, and became a surprise threat in front of goal in his final three seasons at the club.

Comparing the Canadian Premier League’s next best centre-forwards

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Striker, Subscriber Exclusives

The best strikers in the modern era are able to combine a vast array of skillsets. We've seen this play out in the CPL this season, with those unable to fully combine all the necessary skillsets also failing to turn their talents into goals. Here is my analysis of four of the next best centre-forwards in the CPL.