MSc in Sports Management and Business with a UEFA B Coaching License. Driven to tactical ideas, not emotions and biases.
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Nov 21 • 36 tweets • 18 min read
In 2025, 3 talents that have the potential to be the sport's biggest superstars for the next decade will be joining Chelsea.
Estevao Willian, Kendry Paez, and Aaron Anselmino.
— An analysis on each player. Strengths, weaknesses.
— Their best role in Maresca's system. Maximising said strengths, minimising weaknesses.
— Future development plans.
THREAD
2025 will be a terrifying year for the league.
Guardiola's potentially last season, Phase 3 Postecoglou, and the most terrifying of them all?
Maresca's Chelsea with 3 generational talents in the midst.
Can you imagine if Chelsea do go all the way this season, and compete for the title until the very end - how TERRIFYING Phase 2 Maresca would be?
Making an already strong squad with versatile profiles even stronger.
Nov 10 • 20 tweets • 10 min read
It is the biggest game of the Maresca era. One that could cement Chelsea as title challengers.
It is also the biggest game of the Arteta era. One that could put his job at risk, if lost.
How will this game play out? How can MAresca win? tactical analysis and deep dive.
THREAD
The quality of football that Arsenal play has significanty diminished over the past year. They are not that free flowing, high pressing, high pressure sustaining team they were a year ago.
Around February, things went downhill. And recent results are a sign of that.
Oct 18 • 7 tweets • 3 min read
Whilst Bukayo Saka is a brilliant talent, and has shown unreal consistency throughout the past few years - he simply does not compare to Cole Palmer (nor does any other active English talent).
Here are 5 areas Palmer excels at in comparison to Saka.
MINITHREAD.1. Movement.
Cole Palmer has the movement and instinct of a world class 9. Dare I say, after Erling Haaland - he has the 2nd best movement/positioning in the entire world.
Bukayo Saka is rather static, he doesn't find himself in these goal scoring positions as often. Feel like Bukayo Saka's game stems from muscle memory more than initiative - and when a player lacks this element of positional sense/movement, I think it is quite indicative.
Cole Palmer has this fearlessness, takes up responsibility of being the team's primary creator and goal scorer. Movement either finds space for himself, or creates space for others. Large reason why Jackson has been so productive is that movement combination with Cole Palmer.
Sep 28 • 19 tweets • 10 min read
Olise-Kane-Musiala is the deadliest attacking triangle in Europe currently.
Here is how Kompany has transformed them and Bayern Munich back into the lethal attacking unit they once were, and why they can become one of the best trios we have ever seen.
THREAD
When I spoke about Vincent Kompany when he was first appointed, and about the tactical ideas he could bring - I put a big emphasis on his desire for fluidity.
He is someone who likes versatile personnel to execute his game plans, in all phases of the game - it gives him the freedom to tweak his tactical ideas.
Aug 28 • 26 tweets • 26 min read
Analysing every Cole Palmer action vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers.
- Every touch.
- Every decision.
- Out of possession movements.
- Why he excels in a central role under Maresca.
- Why he isn't a one season wonder.
MEGATHREAD
Cole Palmer had a quite anonymous game against Manchester City. His haters, his doubters were immediately resorting to calling him a 1 season wonder.
And their claims did not last long, with him getting 4 goal contributions the very next. This is anything but a one season wonder.
If you are still a Cole Palmer doubter, this will be a very long season for you, and I am sorry in advance.
Aug 13 • 16 tweets • 9 min read
- How Pedro Neto will transform Chelsea's attack completely.
- Why Chelsea have gotten their hands on one of the highest potential players in the world.
- How he fits into Maresca's system.
THREAD
It is not a secret that Pedro Neto is one my favourite wingers in the world, and one that I have spoken so highly of.
He offers unmatched dynamism, transitional threat, crossing ability, and creativity. This is as elite of a creative winger you will find, and he fits the Maresca role of a wide winger perfectly.
Aug 9 • 23 tweets • 24 min read
Analysing every Mathys Tel action vs. Tottenham Hotspur.
- Detailed player analysis, every touch.
- What we can learn.
- What he can improve.
- What he did well.
- Why he perfectly fits Vincent Kompany's philosophy.
MEGATHREAD
His first involvement is an offside.
You can look at this as a half glass full, or half glass empty situation.
The half glass full situation is that not even 20 seconds in, and he already has a very, very good opportunity to isolate a 1v1 with the goalkeeper thanks to his phenomenal movement. He drifts inside, fully acknowledging that Dragusin is very high up, and finds himself in a situation where he is completely unmarked, and able to get a run into the box.
The half glass empty situation is that this is just poor awareness, and that he should have timed his run better, because he had plenty of time and space to. And while I do agree, it is something players develop as they mature. Not the biggest cause for concern (yet).
Dragusin eventually does catch up with him, but I am largely sure that is due to him giving up because he knew he was offside. But in a situation where he did time his run slightly better, it could have been 1-0 20 seconds in.
Jul 28 • 23 tweets • 22 min read
Analysing every Mikey Moore action vs. Vissel Kobe.
- Detailed player analysis, every touch.
- What we can learn.
- What he can improve.
- What he did well.
- Why he is going to be a star.
MEGATHREAD.
Within only ~30 seconds of coming on, Mikey Moore is left untracked.
There is acres and acres of space him to run into, and he does exactly that. Whilst this is not anything to hit home about, you compare to it Kulusevski who was in a similar area (also untracked), and also had the opportunity to make a similar run.
However, Mikey Moore immediately starts to run towads the area, essentially meaning Kulusevski can opt to do something else, all it does speaks volumes about his instinct/urgency.
The "normal" scenario would have been for Kulusevski to be the one attacking the space, Moore drifting slightly wide. Despite Moore starting MUCH wider in the build up to this goal, he instantly looks to curve his run and attack the space. That is instinct.
Jul 5 • 16 tweets • 15 min read
Bayern Munich have finally gotten their hands on one of of the most underrated 6s in the world, and arguably the best destroyer 6 in the last decade.
They have provided Kompany with what they couldn't provide Tuchel.
Here is how Palhinha will elevate Bayern Munich, allow them to regain status as the most dominant club in the world, and how they can set up (including the addition of Michael Olise/Xavi Simons).
THREAD
Joao Palhinha is a very, very rare profile in today's game. The destroyer. Someone who solely focuses on breaking play, whilst letting his partners in midfield deal with progression.
He may not be anywhere near as good as say Rodri on the ball, but off the ball, he is simply the best in the world. The amount of ground he covers, his positional intelligence, and consistency is unmatched.
I was someone who thought Amadou Onana would be a better fit for Bayern Munich, but after seeing the other links, it makes sense why Palhinha was Kompany's first choice.
Jul 3 • 26 tweets • 16 min read
Why Jude Bellingham is the most overrated, overprotected, and arrogant player in world football.
Today, I do not want to seem like I am fuelled by hatred or agendas. No, I want to highlight to the masses (from a tactical standpoint) his deficiencies, shortcomings, and why it is not sufficient to mask his strengths.
It is not strictly a thread of critique, but rather a piece to justifying my thinking, on why he is overrated.
THREAD
What angers me the most about the noise and media consensus around Jude Bellingham is 2 things.
1) His profiling. The media profiles him as some super complete, "midfielder", who can do everything from defend, link play, to attack. This is simply not the case. And immediately, it proves my point that Bellingham is overrated. The media (which also happens to be the entity that brainwashes the general public) create illusion to what he is actually capable of, making him seem better than he actually is.
May 29 • 19 tweets • 19 min read
Enzo Maresca is the man to take Chelsea forward. Another Guardiola disciple finds himself working at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
A tactical insight, what the future holds for players, and how exactly he will set-up with the squad at his disposal.
THREAD.
What makes this appointment so intriguing is how Maresca does not care what players he has. He is focused on solely utilising the squad at his disposal, and maximising the tactical efficiency that enables that.
And why is he a perfect fit for Chelsea? Because of such a versatile squad, with several different profiles for each position.
The likes Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei -- all competing for 3 midfield spots, and all which have the potential to be perfect stylistic fits.
The likes of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson -- again, all competing for 2 winger slots, all of which have their benefits.
And the same applies for the defense. I could go on, and on. It is no doubt Chelsea have a huge, versatile squad.
And this is what the thread will primarily focus on - how does Maresca set up given this squad? I will talk about the different combinations that can be enabled, and when to use them.
At Maresca's Chelsea, no one is indespensible.
May 23 • 22 tweets • 17 min read
Vincent Kompany is about to become the manager of the biggest club in the world, Bayern Munich.
Xavi, Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso, and now Vincent Kompany.
Another young, modern Guardiola disciple is about to manage one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Expectations, signings, and a tactical insight into the future of Bayern Munich.
THREAD
Let me just preface - I am not sayin ganything to please anyone.
You can go through my past tweets, anything I say in this Tweet is not to simply "appeal" to Bayern Munich fans.
I have always rated Vincent Kompany very, very highly, as I do with almost every single Guardiola disciple. It is just impossible to directly learn under the best manager of all time and be a poor manager. It just is.
Apr 30 • 15 tweets • 10 min read
Thomas Tuchel has not lost a semi-final in his career. Thomas Tuchel has lost 1 out of the 8 games he has managed against Real Madrid.
Tonight, Thomas Tuchel's Bayern Munich will take on Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid.
A game imperative to not have Bayern Munich's season be a failure.
How should they combat such a game? Predictions and a tactical analysis.
THREAD.
This game is make or break for Bayern Munich. This is a game for Bayern Munich to:
1. Not finish trophyless. 2. Stand up to the corruption they have faced from that demonic institution over the past years.
There is one big disadvantage for Bayern Munich heading into this series, and it not having the 2nd leg at home.
It has to be known, they need to be prepared for a maximum amount of corruption. I stay neutral, but I do not like Real Madrid. At all. An institution that goes against the values of the game.
So the point I am making is Bayern Munich have to create such a hostile atmosphere to the point they can create a deficit impossible for even the maximum amount of corruption to overturn.
As long as Thomas Tuchel is at the helm, I trust him. I trust him to dominate the first leg tactically. The rest is up to the players.
Apr 17 • 28 tweets • 16 min read
I called Bayern Munich UCL favourites since the start of the season.
They head into the 2nd leg level against arguably the best team in 2024.
Only issue for Arsenal - they're playing against a manager with the tactical ability and variation to break down any team in the world. No matter the squad and form.
Here is how Thomas Tuchel should lineup, predictions, and an analysis.
THREAD
Let me talk about Thomas Tuchel a bit. I get so many questions on why I think he is such a brilliant manager, my 2nd favourite after Guardiola.
There is a common misconception that he plays "awful football" and is "stubborn", and that could not be further away from the truth.
Thomas Tuchel does have his flaws, and that is his to be frank, some of the worst man management skills you will see from a top manager, and a lack of emotional maturity. Never been sacked for tactical ineptness, every one of his shortcomings has been to either
A) Falling out with the board.
B) Falling out with players.
You let Tuchel have control over everything, let him pick those he works with, he will bring you a dynasty. Tactically, he is on par with Guardiola.
Jan 14 • 25 tweets • 11 min read
Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin are signings that show Ange Postecoglou and his men believe they are title contenders.
Signings that will rejuvenate Tottenham and revolutionise the way they play.
How will they fit in, and how will they be utilised?
THREAD.
Let me start with Timo Werner.
There is no Ange Postecogolou signing I have been more excited for than Timo Werner.
Not James Maddison, not Micky Van De Ven, not Gugilelmo Vicario. None.
Is it because Werner is a better player? No.
It is because Timo Werner is the perfect stylistic fit for the system. Only 2nd to Conor Gallagher.
Jan 2 • 11 tweets • 5 min read
Analysing Tottenham's depth and future plans.
SMALL THREAD
Goalkeeper:
-Vicario
-Forster
Left Back:
-Udogie
-Davies
-Sessegnon
-Emerson
Left Centre Back:
-Van De Ven
-Davies
Right Centre Back:
-Romero
-Dragusin
-Phillips
-Dier*
Left Winger:
-Son
-Johnson
-Richarlison
-Gil
-Solomon
Striker:
-Son
-Richarlison
-Johnson
-Veliz
Right Winger:
-Johnson
-Kulusevski
-Richarlison
-Solomon
-Maddison
The backup keeper is position definitely upgradeable, but I think there are other urgent areas that should be addressed first, particularly given the nature of this position and the frequency of injury (jinx protection)
Can wait until next January, or the summer.
This is also the trickiest position to find a backup for. You want someone who is willing to sit on the bench for almost every game, and will not kick up a fuss.
Dec 30, 2023 • 51 tweets • 21 min read
Destiny Udogie is Tottenham's most important player.
Not James Maddison. Not Micky Van De Ven. Not Cristian Romero.
Destiny Udogie.
A statistical, comprehensive, and observant breakdown as to why. And how utilising him correctly could make or break a season.
THREAD
This past week, I have been rewatching Tottenham games.
I was comparing and contrasting the drop off in performances for Tottenham in some games, compared to others.
I was trying to find correlations. Then, a follower asked me to make a thread on this exact topic, and I obliged.
I started writing.
Dec 15, 2023 • 14 tweets • 6 min read
Tottenham need to capitalise off of their beating of Newcastle, and a win against Nottingham Forest is imperative for them to continue this momentum into January.
How Ange Postecoglou can set up tactically to come out with a result, what to expect, and my predictions.
THREAD
The ongoing tactical odyssey at Nottingham Forest, under the guide of Steve Cooper, has been an interesting watch of adaptation and experimentation. While the team has predominantly adhered to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation this season, recent deviations towards a back five during preseason and in the latest fixture have added layers to the tactical evolution.
Nov 5, 2023 • 20 tweets • 10 min read
Chelsea vs. Tottenham, the game where Pochettino returns to his old club 4 years after his sack as part of one of their main rivals, the game which will be Postecoglou’s toughest game yet.
Here is what to expect, my predictions, and how Tottenham can tackle Chelsea's threat.
In the modern era of football, it is very rare you are seeing a top team in the Premier League have so much focus on width, rather they have started to favour the use of inverted fullbacks. Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham are all examples like this. But this is not the case with Chelsea.
Oct 23, 2023 • 8 tweets • 4 min read
The Tottenham vs. Fulham game tonight will be one óf the most unpredictable games this season, and a game that can create Premier League history for Ange Postecoglou, and also Tottenham.
Here is what to expect, my predictions, and how Tottenham can tackle this game.
THREAD.
Marco Silva is certainly one of the most interesting and unique managers in the league. For that, I like him, and quite rate him too. I feel he has overachieved with this Fulham side, and has done an impressive job. So really, today’s game is a good test not for Ange Postecoglou, but rather his squad, how they will play against such a fluid midfield.
Oct 21, 2023 • 17 tweets • 7 min read
Arsenal vs. Chelsea, a game that will make or break Chelsea’s chance of salvaging something this season. A game that will either boost or put a dent in Arsenal’s title hopes.
An insight of how the game will play out, my predictions, and ultimately, a tactical analysis.
THREAD
I am taking a more Chelsea-related approach for this game, as I feel tactically, less is known about them. Because at this point, Arteta’s style of play is relatively known. Pochettino, however, is a bit more unique and unorthodox compared to the current climate of possession based football.
Pochettino acknowledges the current climate of football. He acknowledges that inverting the fullback often will create vulnerabilities out wide, or within the half spaces near the final 3rd.
That is why Pochettino’s focus has been on keeping width, similar to traditional systems as opposed to modern ones.