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Jul 21 10 tweets 9 min read
Greatest Ever WING DUOS …

A THREAD 🧵 Image Where else to start but ‘Robbery’…

One thing you’ll realise about most of these wing pairings is this uneasiness of an alliance, great wingers are by nature quite selfish and used to being the star player of their side from a young age and want to ball hog so having to share the limelight with another can be quite a emasculating process.

Whilst Robben and Ribery to the outside observer was an unreal wing pairing and full of chemistry, in truth they set up camp on opposite flanks demanding that they get the lions share of possession - fortunately their team mates did a wonderful balancing act and allowed them to hit a zenith in football that they wouldn’t have been able to do without each other.

Robben, a left-footed right winger, was known for his trademark move of cutting inside from the right flank and unleashing powerful shots with his left foot. His incredible dribbling, pace, and finishing ability made him a constant threat. Ribéry, a right-footed left winger, brought creativity, agility, and exceptional ball control. His ability to beat defenders and provide precise crosses and key passes complemented Robben’s direct approach perfectly.

Together, they helped Bayern Munich win numerous titles, including multiple Bundesliga championships, DFB-Pokal trophies, and the coveted UEFA Champions League in 2013. That season, they were pivotal in Bayern’s historic treble-winning campaign, which also included the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles.Image
Jul 20 8 tweets 3 min read
Calafiori to Arsenal… Tactical Analysis

🔴What strengths does he bring?
⚪️What would he improve?
🔴How does he fit?
⚪️What does he not bring to the table?

A THREAD 🧵 Image Strong in the air, Calafiori has duelled with the likes of Osimhen and lived to tell the tale so in terms of a combative POV he should handle the physical tussles of the Premier League…
Jul 19 8 tweets 3 min read
Ugarte to United… Tactical Analysis

What strengths does he bring to Manchester United? What would he improve? How does he fit? What does he not bring to the table?

A THREAD 🧵

#MUFC Image I have likened him to a Gattuso/Kante style of CM, he’s a rabid ball winner who seeks and destroys. If given a role where he can be freed up to hunt for the ball, he can be a menace… one of Europe’s leading ball winners statistically whilst at Lisbon
Jul 4 11 tweets 8 min read
SLOW players blessed with PERPETUAL MOVEMENT...

i.e. players who may have lacked pace, but through intelligence, footwork, agility and most importantly STAMINA/MOVEMENT (i.e. constant offering for the ball) could wield their influence on the biggest of stages.

A THREAD 🧵Image Kroos is the modern poster boy for proving that even in this so-called space age of fitter, faster - it doesn't necessarily mean better. There is still space in the game for a human snail to lord it over gym-forged Adonis' through his insatiable desire to get on the ball and calculate the right pass, time and time again.Image
Jun 30 12 tweets 5 min read
The Greatest EVER Stopper Defenders…

(Hard man CBs reknowned for man marking, aggression and warfare)

A Thread 🧵 Image My GOAT is Jurgen Kohler. Van Basten’s toughest opponent and starred in Italia 90 and as a wise head for Dortmund UCL win. Good in air, fast across ground, vigorous in the tackle and could play ball. Complete as it gets as a stopper.

Apr 9 7 tweets 4 min read
#ARSBAY Tactical Preview & Predictions [Thread]

Prediction: Leaning towards Gunners... but Bayern can hurt them if either counter via Sane or have too many periods where they set up camp in final third.

➡️ Bayern build up looks compromised with Arse press very strong, Pavlovic/Kimmi only routes out
➡️ Bayern should surprise press, not sustain it, as Raya to Havertz will cause issues
➡️ Arse must avoid allowing Bayern final third 'camping' as wide areas are vulnerable, too many box threats

See thread below for more points and in-depth details...

#FCBayern #Arsenal #UCLImage Arsenal if they select Zinchenko should be pretty strong at building up, unless they choke - Kane/Muller are not your go-to forwards for central pressing and I'd advise them to sit off and protect passes going into Zinny/Jorginho rather than put pressure on the CBs and tire themselves out.Image
Oct 3, 2023 5 tweets 2 min read
Manchester United v Galatasaray - Analysis

➡️ Hojlund, Mount can hold head up high - solid
➡️ United looked fluent for once in possession
➡️ Dalot - sell, not good enough.
➡️ Onana - atrocious. Taibi vibes atm, sort it out!
➡️ Gala were piranha-like, smelt blood.

#MUNGAL #UCL Image Honestly a tough pill to swallow that.

The United midfield actually functioned well, Mount, Hannibal as wide midfielders - it suited them, it made sense and the football was actually enjoyable.

The Dalot error for the Zaha goal epitomises everything that is wrong with him. He is just 'flimsy' and Lindelof is the same. They're too soft to play for United.
Sep 23, 2023 6 tweets 3 min read
Arsenal v Tottenham: NLD Preview

➡Outcome of the game may hinge on Spurs’ midfield rotations
➡Will Ange’s narrow rest defence be exploited?
➡Raya + Havertz combination from goal kicks
➡Saka v Udogie. Solomon v White. Who can isolate the fullbacks better?

[Thread]

#ARSTOT Image Spurs have been mightily impressive this season in circulating the ball during the build-up, despite not possessing top-tier ball progressors.

To compensating for this, they heavily rely on the off-the-ball movement. While maintaining a 2-1-2 structure, their players constantly swap positions to carve out spaces within their framework.

We’ve seen what happens they struggle to move the ball like in the first half against United, so it’s imperative they nail this part of the tactical battle.
Sep 20, 2023 11 tweets 4 min read
#FCBMUN [Tactical Thread]

➡️ Rather have Obama in goal than Onana
➡️ 5-4-1 shape off ball yet Sane walks past 3 players
➡️ Musiala sends Casemiro almost into retirement
➡️ Reguilon and Rash = good attacking chemistry, poor defensive chemistry
➡️ Kane v Hojlund

#MUFC #FCBayern Image So United started well. Generally proactive but dropping back into a 5-4-1 or 4-1-4-1 shape to frustrate Bayern with Casemiro floating between cb/cdm.

Whilst Sane was having moments, none of it was really coming off and Kane looked isolated. ETH's gameplan seemed to be working. Image
Sep 2, 2023 5 tweets 3 min read
NUFC - Last season, we were among the rare few to say they'd feel liberated by the Carabao Cup concluding, whether loss or not, and that Willock & Isak would provide them with a second wind for the tiring Joelinton & Wilson to ensure a top 4 finish. It's worrying that this is September, not February, but the need for changes is clear. Suggestions:

A) When your attack loses trust in the defence, the final ball is often forced, and vice versa. When the defence knows that the attack is too brawny, they'll not defend in tandem as a unit. Livramento needed to provide recovery pace in defence & thrust in attack to take the pressure off both sides of the pitch, no more Matty - who is a target for the opposition to pin their wingers on. Burn as LCB & Targeted LB is a recipe for relegtion.

#NUFC #NewcastleUnited B) Midfield rotation: Last season, the constant norm was Guimarães & the 2 slots were rotated between 3 players. Now it seems that Howe is sticking to a settled 3 - a bad idea, especially given the game style they go for - very taxing. With the UCL too, this needs to change. We did say that Tonali alone won't fix the midfield.
Aug 21, 2023 15 tweets 5 min read
Many young players become memes despite their overwhelming talent being quite obvious but it just seems nothing is going for them and they are on the verge of being written off…

Probably the best example of zero to hero is the rise of Gareth ‘Fail’ into Gareth Bale.

[Thread] Image I watched a young Bale feature for Saints vs WBA at the Hawthorns and was instantly bewitched. Magical left foot, so cultured… felt like an alien, a left back who just didn’t fit the mould of a British full back. I remember signing him on football manager that night 😂
Aug 1, 2023 15 tweets 5 min read
Tactical Dynamo: How Amrabat would redefine Manchester United’s playbook

➡️ Unraveling the veracity of long pass
➡️ Licha, Onana & Amrabat, build-up ensemble
➡️ Not as aerially dominant as Casemiro
➡️ Rice-esque dribbler
➡️ Ball-DAWG terrier in defence

#MUFC

[Tactical Thread] Image Long passing forms an important part of his game, and the stats suggest he's a world leader in this aspect. However, upon closer inspection, the eye test reveals that he's good but not great. Image
Jun 27, 2023 25 tweets 7 min read
Is Sandro Tonali A Good Tactical Fit For Newcastle? [Thread]

➡️Brings midfield support to Bruno G
➡️Trippier unleashed
➡️Tactical evolution in the long run
➡️However, Tonali’s presence doesn’t resolve the question of whether Bruno is still the ideal choice as the 6

#NUFC Tonali brings much needed support to Bruno G in midfield. Despite having success playing in a swashbuckling style, Eddie Howe knows against Europe’s elite, his side needs more balance in midfield.
Jun 16, 2023 5 tweets 2 min read
Rice and Lavia is a potentially gorgeous combination. Wet behind the ears at UCL level? yes but complementary. Rice weakness in build up is cancelled by Lavia's comfort in pivot and Rice can protect him defensively.

Ricedo is yesterdays news. Time for Lice.

#Arsenal

[Thread] Image We covered a lot of this in our Havertz tactical thread but Lavia would still enable the 3-2-2-3 formation as he can take over from Zinny/Partey as a conduit in the build up phase. His favourite thing to do is collect it off CB's and remain deep, controlling from the back. Image
Jun 14, 2023 12 tweets 4 min read
Is Kai Havertz A Good Tactical Fit For Arsenal?

➡️ May enable use of a box midfield alongside Ricedo
➡️ Can rotate with Jesus ingame, or fill in when absent
➡️ Needs runners to side & ahead, similar to Firmino
➡️ Tuchel enabled initial flourish but ends up killing him

[THREAD] Image The only way Havertz and Jesus can co-exist in the same side barring Jesus playing on the wing, is in a 3-2-2-3 and with Kai playing a more aggressive Xhaka role whereby he can play LCAM and interchange with Jesus up front. Image
Feb 14, 2023 17 tweets 5 min read
Dortmund v Chelsea - Preview [Thread]

➡️ Do not Cuc-kold Mudryk, get Chilly in.
➡️ Moukoko loss is a huge blow as with no Badiashile, Silva could have been vulnerable
➡️ Does Potter go with a back 5?
➡️ Who should partner Enzo?

CC: @Effmatch @KlipDraw

#BVB #ChelseaFC #UCL Not a huge fan of Cucurella... he looks pretty in the left midfield section but fails to make an impact in two key areas, zone 3 and 11... can't defend and lacks end product (for now).

Chilwell is sorely missed and as this is Chelsea's only shot of silverware, he has to start.
Feb 13, 2023 19 tweets 6 min read
Bayern v PSG - Preview [Thread]

➡️ No Mbappe robs PSG of 'vertical' penetration
➡️ Full Back Battle - Stalemate?🤤
➡️ Bayern lack CF to trouble Ramos/Marquinhos?
➡️ Can Kimi/Goretzka protect half spaces where Messi and Neymar operate?

CC: @Effmatch @KlipDraw

#PSG #Bayern #UCL It is tough to call the lineups in this first leg, with both managers renowned for their constant tinkering in shape and selection... not to mention injuries to players like Mbappe and Muller, both of whom may or may not start on Tuesday.
Jan 24, 2023 19 tweets 4 min read
Management Phases

To turn around a struggling club, first 3 are key.

Ten Hag in-between phase 1 and 2, Arteta moving out of phase 3, Pep scared of leaving phase 5 and facing phase 6.

➡️Bunker
➡️Planting
➡️Blossoming
➡️Flourishing
➡️Sustaining
➡️Refresh

[Thread]

#coaching When joining a new club in the midst of crisis, you have to survive. That means winning hearts and minds it means maximising the resources currently available. Pragmatism is key - i.e. what playing style/selections best maximises the personnel you have at your disposal...
Jan 22, 2023 15 tweets 5 min read
𝐀𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝟐-𝟏 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 - 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 [𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝]

➡️ Arteta-Ball dominates
➡️ Do Arsenal's right backs have a purpose?
➡️ Bobby Nketiah
➡️ Rashford aside - Where is the penetration?
➡️ Saka is Arsenal's John Barnes - Shaw abandoned him

#ARSMUN #Arsenal #MUFC This is not a ETH side... sitting back and hoping for moments of quality, but he is making do with what strengths the squad currently has which at the moment is relying on Rashford to conjure moments of magic as soon as United win the ball back and opponents are in disarray..
Dec 18, 2022 17 tweets 5 min read
Argentina 3-3 France - Analysis [Thread]

➡️ Scaloni springs another surprise with Di Maria down the left!
➡️ Enzo proving what a top DLP/CDM talent is meant to do ... pockets Griezmann and controls the build up phase
➡️ Why Kounde had a mare..

#Messi𓃵 #Argentina #WorldCup2022 A stunning tactical decision to bring back Di Maria into the fold and then stick him up against Kounde rather than Theo. On paper Kounde should be a 'defensive' right back but he's someone who we have described as a 'right-centre-back'...
Dec 18, 2022 15 tweets 5 min read
Argentina v France • Tactical Preview [THREAD]

➡️ Scaloni go 3-5-2/4-3-3/4-4-2?
➡️ Target Theo or protect against Mbappe?
➡️ Can Alvarez hurt Varane or will Kounde/Konate help
➡️ Paredes could help Enzo against Griezmann...

#WorldCupFinal #WorldCup #ArgentinaVsFrance #Messi𓃵 The formation is any ones guess, Scaloni has not repeated his formation or lineup since the start of the tournament. He is the Tinkerman of the World Cup but more often than not, he gets the big calls right...