Tag: Tactics

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.

Why all footballers need to be versatile

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, Player Education

As young players develop their game and often get pigeon-held into certain positions and roles, I often encourage them to develop variety and versatility within the number of roles and positions they can play.

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.

Grace Geyoro – Player Analysis

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

In spite of their semi-final finish, France still showed enough promise in 2022 to make them one of the favourites heading into the 2023 Women's World Cup. The one area of the field in which they've lost some of their key figureheads in recent years is in central midfield, which should make it all the more imperative for Grace Geyoro to play an important role once more. Here is what Geyoro brings to France, and why she's one of the best midfielders on the planet.