Articles
-
![]()
The Rise of LASK Linz, the Club That Never Gave Up
“Who the hell are LASK by the way? Don’t worry I LASK someone,” tweeted Gary Lineker after Manchester United were drawn to face the Austrian side in the Round of 16 in the 2019/20 Europa League. While the former forward’s tweet may have been a tongue-in-cheek, punny comment, it was partially true that not many…
-
![]()
Tactical Analysis: Carlo Ancelotti’s Top-of-the-Table Everton
As we approach the return of club football following October’s international break, Everton sit top of the Premier League, having won four out of four games and creating the most big chances in the league along the way. They have not managed such a feat since 1969, a season in which they lifted the English…
-
![]()
Analyzing Rodri’s Struggles in England
Three games into the new Premier League season, and it looks as if Manchester City are still trying to shake off the same problems that haunted them all through the last. Persisting injuries to key players. Baffling wastefulness in front of goal. Infuriating defensive mistakes. Ever since Pep Guardiola’s men won their 14th Premier League…
-
![]()
Player Analysis: Ravil Tagir
When it comes to centre backs, Turkey are spoiled for choice at the moment. In Çağlar Söyüncü, Kaan Ayhan, Merih Demiral and Ozan Kabak, national team coach Şenol Güneş has a wealth of defensive ability to call upon, and that production line doesn’t look likely to stop any time soon. Ravil Tagir is a…
-
![]()
The Tactical Blueprint Behind Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus
Before I begin with my tactical analysis of Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus, I’d like to give a massive thanks to @DaliborPlavsic_ for providing the Italian manager’s translated thesis. Being appointed manager at one of the world’s biggest clubs with little to no prior coaching experience is an inconceivable feat, unless your name carries the same…
-
![]()
Jospin Nshimirimana: Burundi’s Best-kept Secret
Jospin Nshimirimana was born in Mutimbuzi, a commune in the west of Burundi, on 12 December 2001. He joined local club New Regime when he was very young and played there for a number of seasons prior to joining Delta Star who, at the time, were in the lower divisions of the Burundian football league…
-
![]()
Data Analysis: Belgium’s Top Three U-23 Right Backs
From Victor Osimhen to Kalidou Koulibaly to Wilfred Ndidi, Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League has produced a treasure trove of elite talents in recent years. In this article, we will analyze three of the highest-rated right backs in Belgium’s top flight: Genk’s Joakim Mæhle, Antwerp’s Aurélio Buta, and Gent’s Alessio Castro-Montes. Issa Kaboré (19) has…
-
![]()
How José Bordalás Has Transformed Getafe
There he stood, hair slicked to the side, black jacket waving in the wind as his eyes scanned the Coliseum. The September wind in Madrid was cool, but the football was not. Here, Getafe were on fire. It comes as a relief that José Bordalás has belatedly begun receiving praise for his management. Unceremoniously…
-
![]()
Scouting Report: Burak İnce
It is the 87th minute in a game in 1. Lig, Turkey’s second division, between Boluspor and Altınordu. The two teams are drawing 1-1, when a ball is played up field on the counterattack. Altınordu winger Ahmet Dereli runs onto the loose pass, squaring a perfect ball to the supporting midfielder. He takes one…
-
![]()
How Leicester City Are Sustaining Their Place Amongst England’s Elite
Leicester City are not usually considered part of English football’s elite. Rarely are they described as one of the Premier League’s top teams, and even a recent title win wasn’t enough to convince fans they were here to stay. However, after another season challenging for a Champions League spot, it is fair to call…
