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Tactical Analysis: Inter vs. Shakhtar
Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan trounced Luís Castro’s Shakhtar 5-0 in the Europa League semi-finals courtesy of two braces from Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martínez as well as a goal from Danilo D’Ambrosio. The Nerazzurri pressed Shakhtar high up the pitch, forcing them to play either risky short passes or wayward long balls. Inter closed…
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Rennes: Cubism, Camavinga and Champions League
The university city of Rennes marries the disparate ideas of academia and youthful inhibitions in a way that transcends the hauntingly elegant gothic confines of its university campus. Stade Rennais, commonly referred to as Rennes, owe their recent success to three generations of this modest French city’s learned culture. From the group of former…
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A Tribute to Dani Parejo: A Valencia Legend and a Club Martyr
Dani Parejo stood in the middle of Mestalla, on a podium, eyes closed for a few seconds then a hand up to his face to wipe away the little tears that threatened to come out. He struggled with emotions as chants of “lolololololo Dani Parejo” enveloped the stadium. It was everybody singing; the fans, his…
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André Onana: The Indomitable Lion
Over the years, several African nations have become specialists at producing players of a certain position or role. Nigeria has become famed for its lethal, potent forwards such as Rashidi Yekhini and Victor Osimhen, Mali for its long-legged, restless midfield workhorses like Seydou Keïta and Diadie Samassékou, whilst Cameroon has developed a penchant for its…
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Tactical Analysis: Leandro Paredes vs. RB Leipzig
Going into Paris Saint-Germain’s first Champions League semi-final in 25 years, Thomas Tuchel made four alterations to the side that beat Atalanta 2-1 in the quarterfinals. However, only one of those changes can be considered tactical, with Kylian Mbappé and Ángel Di María taking their regular place in the front three beside Neymar, after returning…
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Tactical Analysis: Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona
Two of Europe’s biggest titans took on each other for a spot in the Champions League semi-finals on Friday. Both teams had sacked their managers and appointed a new manager midway through the season, but their fortunes couldn’t be more different. Since joining as manager in November, Hans-Dieter Flick had revived Bayern’s ailing season, with…
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Tuchel and Nagelsmann: A Tale of Two Friends
What usually is talked about before a big Champions League game is either the history of the clubs involved or the clash between star players. But when PSG and RB Leipzig face off in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday night, the main focus will be on the two German tacticians who created their own…
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Why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Is a Stopgap Manager, Not a Long-Term One
Since 2013, the position of manager at Manchester United has been a poisoned chalice. David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and José Mourinho have all come and gone with vastly different coaching methods, all resulting in them getting fired after fewer than two and a half seasons. However, ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come into…
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An Analytical Look at Harry Maguire
When the 2018/19 Premier League season concluded, Manchester United finished in a disappointing 6th place, a season in which they conceded a total of 54 league goals, more than any other club inside of the top 6. The oft criticized trio of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo combined for a total of 41…
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Player Analysis: Sergio Reguilón
Since joining Real Madrid’s academy at the age of 8 years old, Sergio Reguilón has risen up the ranks of La Fábrica to become one of the top left backs in Spain. The Madrileño joined third division side UD Logroñés on loan for two seasons, before returning to Real Madrid Castilla in 2018. From there,…
