Pep Guardiola’s use of the Libero in the 4-3-3 formation
Pep Guardiola is amongst the most thought provoking tactical intellectual’s of football history, and is the pioneer for tactical evolution in the modern age. He is known for his willingness to implement new tactical systems that other, more conservative managers would shy away from. His new tactical venture seems to moving towards the use of […]
4 perfect summer transfer targets for Manchester United
Despite United’s excellent run since Solskjaer took over, it is still clear that if Man United want to compete with Liverpool and Man City next year they will have to revamp their squad by making some smart signings this summer. United should have around £150 million net to spend this summer, but could increase the […]
Real Madrid 0:3 Barcelona – Tactical Analysis
Going into this game after a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou, this game was evenly poised with everything to play for in the second leg. Let’s take a look at how both the team’s lineup initially before jumping into the tactical analysis. Barcelona Formation Barcelona defended in a 4-4-2 system, Messi and Suarez as the […]
Where do Manchester United go from here: who next after Jose?
With losses to Brighton, Tottenham, West Ham and points dropped at home to Wolves, Manchester United are well off the place in the Premier League title race and their hopes of a Champions League place seem to be vanishing quicker by every game week. Although the win against Newcastle and the draw at Stamford Bridge […]
Juventus 3-1 Napoli: Tactical Analysis
Going into the game 3 points clear of Napoli, this game posed a huge opportunity for Allegri’s men to pull clear of their biggest challengers last season. Napoli moved away from the 4-3-3 that had served the side so well under Maurizio Sarri by reverting to a 4-4-2, pushing Insigne central alongside Mertens and playing […]
The Transfer window that Tottenham should have had
Tottenham have become known as the team most conservative of all the top six clubs when it comes to the transfer market. Over the last few transfer windows, have opted to prioritise keeping their most important players through extending their contracts, rather than bringing in fresh blood to improve the starting eleven. This summer has […]
Why Arsenal will start fast, but ultimately struggle this season
This summer has been a period of change at the Emirates, with Arsene Wenger leaving the managerial role and Unai Emery, the former Valencia, Sevilla and PSG man taking his place. Whilst a flurry of new arrivals have ushered in a new wave of excitement amongst the Arsenal supporters, a skeptics eye can reveal that […]
Why West Ham could break into the top six this season
After a 13th place finish last season, West Ham have entered the transfer market this year with their eyes set on improvement. After two drab seasons with Slavin Bilic and David Moyes in charge, the hammers board opted for the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini, a coach notable for his attacking style of play, in particular […]
How will Real Madrid lineup without Ronaldo: A look at all the transfer options Lopetegui has
With the sale of their superstar player and catalyst over the last nine seasons, Florentino Perez’s Madrid side are in need of a rebuild. The £105 million deal which took Ronaldo to Juventus this summer, will give Madrid a prime opportunity to reinvest and reconstruct their side as they bid to win a fourth consecutive […]
How Bayern Munich Dominated 10 men RB Leipzig
Bayern and Leipzig went into the game with only one point separating them, with Bayern having beaten Leipzig on penalties during the DFB cup victory in midweek. Bayern, now managed by Jupp Heynckes, lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Rudy and Martinez sitting as the two central midfielders, Thiago in front of them, James Rodriguez […]
How Pep Guardiola tactically outclassed Antonio Conte
When Manchester City met Chelsea at Stamford bridge in the last round of premier league games, it seemed like this could be the game where Guardiola’s side finally slip up and allow Manchester United to burst ahead of them in the table. Chelsea themselves, were also looking like potential contenders for the title having beaten […]
The Slow decline of Barcelona
The crisis at Barcelona has been highlighted this summer with the departure of the proposed heir to Messi’s throne, Neymar. However this crisis has not just occurred from one bad summer, it has been formed through the repeated mistakes of the Barcelona board which has left Ernesto Valverde with an ageing squad in desperate need […]
Three at the back:The Formation of the future?
The 4-4-2 formation was highly prominent over the 1990’s to mid-2000’s until the age of the 4-3-3 and later, the 4-2-3-1 came along. Nowadays there are a variety of systems being played all over Europe, from Diego Simeone’s 4-4-2 to Barcelona’s 4-3-3; but recently systems with 3 players at the back have appeared all the […]
