Tag: Transfer Market Analysis

Lionel Messi at Inter Miami – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Striker

With the recent additions of FC Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and of course, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami have suddenly built the most fun side in all of MLS. Inter Miami struggled to attain the success they wanted under Phil Neville, and getting the signature of former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino might have been an equally valuable coup from the Florida-based club, ensuring they could have even more sway in the market. But since Messi's enter the fold in Florida, Inter Miami have been immensely fun to watch in the MLS, and have gone on an unbeaten run. Here is the heat that Messi has brought to Miami since joining in June.

Why Edson Álvarez is perfect for West Ham United

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

It might be desperately close to the start of the season, but West Ham United have finally signed their Declan Rice replacement at the base of their midfield. In my in-depth analysis of who the Hammers should sign, I ranked Álvarez second to Florentino Luís, as an absolute must-sign. For the fee they accumulated for Rice, I made the claim that they should sign both players, especially given the Mexican's exceptional awareness on the defensive end, whilst complimenting much of Rice's on-the-ball dominance. Here is why West Ham United made the right call in signing Álvarez, and why the £33 million signing should be a steal.

Why Harry Kane is perfect for Bayern Munich

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker, Team Analysis

The Harry Kane saga has been the longest-standing sagas of all transfer happenings over the past few seasons. This week, it might finally come to an end with Bayern Munich putting down a bid that Tottenham would be crazy to turn down. It might be a hefty, club record-breaking fee, but Harry Kane perfectly fits the way that Thomas Tuchel wants to play. With that, here is what Kane will bring to Bayern, and why the club were so persistent in securing his signature.

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.

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.

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.

Why Harvey Barnes is perfect for Newcastle United

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

In what is now their second summer under new ownership where they have the reigns to splash the cash on players as they please, Newcastle United continue to spend their money wisely. They haven't made much of an attempt to lure some of the world's greatest players over to their squad on hefty contracts, instead, … Continue reading Why Harvey Barnes is perfect for Newcastle United