Tag: Transfer Market Analysis

Replacing Declan Rice at West Ham United – Tactical Analysis

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

The task of replacing Declan Rice is a near impossible task. While you could likely combine his traits in a trio of midfielders for that price, no one that West Ham United could convince to join the club will be able to make such a massive single-handed impact at the London Stadium. Nevertheless, we scoured through the data and footage of hundreds of players to find those most similar to Declan Rice, and those that could make up for some of what's now lost without his services. With that, here is our analysis on how West Ham United can replace Declan Rice.

Finding the next Antoine Griezmann – Tactical Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Attacking Midfield, Data Analysis, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker

Without always achieving the acclaim, Antoine Griezmann has been one of the most influential stars of the past decade. From World Cup triumphs to lavish Barcelona moves to his time rolling in the mud of Diego Simeone's Atletico, Griezmann has made a career that many could only dream of achieving. As the Frenchman now enters the twilight of his career, we analyze the 32-year-old's game, and the next heirs to his throne. As France's all-time assister, his impact on the national side will be a massive miss over the next few years. But we aren't just looking for a Frenchman, but someone who can play in a similar mold for Diego Simeone's Atletico or achieve the same level of stardom as the French superstar.

Replacing Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

The British midfielder made his debut for the Black & Yellows as a 17-year-old, and went on to captain the team as a 19-year-old in a historic final season for him at the club. Borussia Dortmund are now not only losing one of the most talented footballers on the planet and their best player, but a real leader in the team even despite his youth. With that, we aim to find the next man who could step up to the plate at Borussia Dortmund in his stead.

Why Alexis Mac Allister is perfect for Liverpool

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

Hands down, Alexis Mac Allister has been one of the Premier League's most improved players from this season to last. For his seamless transition into a 'DLP' role at Brighton, where he played a critical role in the team's sixth place success, I even had the Argentinean midfielder in my 'Team of the Season'. To get this player for £35 million in today's obscene money market would be one of the steals of the past few years. In this article, I'll break down exactly what makes Alexis Mac Allister such a perfect signing for Liverpool.

Why Raphaël Guerreiro would be perfect for Manchester City

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Fullback, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

Any scouting & recruitment scenario is based on a variety of factors, and Guerreiro would be a dream signing for Manchester City based on a variety of factors. For Dortmund's perspective, you simply cannot let him go for free. But for a club like Manchester City, this would be an absolute no-brainer.

Fixing Tottenham Hotspur – Transfer Market Analysis – 2023-24

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

Despite their torrid time this season, I disagree with many of the takes that Tottenham are in need of a complete rebuild and overhaul to change their fortunes around. That said, a few positions remain in need of severe upgrades, specifically at the back. So once more, in my search to fix Tottenham without European football, I'm searching for a goalkeeper, two centre-backs, and a left-back.

Game of Numbers #19 – How to cross like Pervis Estupiñán

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Data Analysis, Fullback, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Wing-Back

Crucially for his role as a 'Wing-Back', Pervis Estupiñán is one of the best crossers of the ball in the division. That has translated in over 3 crosses and 1.6 key passes per 90 in league play. It's the awareness of when to keep the ball on the grass or when to raise the ball in the air that comes as such an underrated skill, and one that often allows the Ecuadorian to set his teammates up for a real chance of scoring.