Player Maturity: How Wonderkid Culture Has Shifted the Way We View Players

A Thread🧵


In recent years, wonderkid culture has really taken football by a chokehold.

Age has always been a factor within the scouting process/game, but nowadays, it seems like the mentality on when a player is meant to reach their ceiling has been heavily affected by the anomalies.

Player Analysis: Ryan Flamingo

A Thread🧵 PSV rule Dutch domestic football with an iron fist atm, winning 10 of their 11 games so far this season in the league.

Add to that their performances against some of Europe's best in the UCL, there have been plenty at PSV who've caught the eye, none more so than Ryan Flamingo.

Squad Building Under Amorim: A Thread🧵

It has just been confirmed that Ruben Amorim will become Manchester United in the near future. So, what will the squad look like now that he enters the fray? And what would he need in the squad to succeed at United? Ruben Amorim, for all we know, is very much looking to implement his 3-4-3.

I'll be assessing what he'll think of some players, some signings that would make sense, and some academy prospects that he'd take a liking to.

Sporting Club de Portugal vs FC Porto: Aug 31, 2024

Tactical Overview: A Thread🧵 Ruben Amorim looks set to be appointed as the new Manchester United manager sooner rather than later. And out of curiosity, I went to watch his last game against Porto specifically to see what his tactical setup looks like this season and how he handles big games.

Player Analysis: Jack Fletcher

A Thread🧵 Jack Fletcher's has been in the Man United youth setup for a year now. In that time, he's showcased that he is one of the best talents the club has got right now.

But what makes the son of the beloved Darren Fletcher stand out?

Hot take: I want Mount to start ahead of Mainoo

(Mini Thread 🧵)
I don't want Mainoo to develop into a Pedri situation. Obviously if Mount isn't on form, Mainoo will(and should) take over, but we need to manage his minutes so he can have the best career he possibly can at the club.

Player Analysis: Richard Rios

A Thread🧵 Richard Rios has taken this summer by storm with his performances at Copa America. His performances in the US was the perfect encapsulation of the amazing form he's been in while at Palmeiras.

Matthijs De Ligt: Dismissing the Myths(A Thread)🧵 De Ligt has been linked with a move to Manchester United. The reaction to the links have been mixed and many are feeling underwhelmed.

I'll try and dispel some misunderstandings surrounding the Dutchman and my overall thoughts.

Player Analysis: Pepelu

A Thread🧵 More known for his snakish tendencies, the traitor of Levante has been one of the most important players in turning the tide of Valencia's trajectory, as they've gone from being 2 points off relegation last year to fighting for European spots.

So, what is he like as a player?

Retrospective Player Analysis: Cristiano Ronaldo 2003-2006(A Thread)

As the legend gets older, his time earlier on in his career gets forgotten more and more, and I wanted to take a look back on what Ronaldo was like when he first broke onto the scene.

I'll be looking at what he was like from his first season till his third at United, discussing his profile, his strengths, his tendencies, and his weaknesses.

Omar Berrada: A Thread

Manchester United have just made their first appointment under the new regime of Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the name of Omar Berrada.

But what is the new CEO's experience and what does he offer at Manchester United? Omar Berrada was born in Paris and is of Moroccan descent. He grew up in Morocco and went to university in the US, only to drop out and instead pursue his studies at EU Business School.

Through his time at EU Business School, he'd go to Barcelona.

To those wondering what happened to Jean Claude Blanc as a CEO, here's a brief explanation

[Mini Thread🧵] During the structuring of the deal, the agreement ended up being that INEOS would have two seats on the board, Sir David Brailsford and Jean Claude Blanc.

And while it would be good to have had JCB as a CEO, him as a board member makes him more influential.

A Sir Alex Ferguson Signing: A Thread

Lately I've used the term "Sir Alex Ferguson" signing a lot.

But what does that even mean? What attributes does a Sir Alex Ferguson player have? Understanding the Man

Sir Alex is perhaps the most tactically adept manager we've ever seen.

From his team being able to produce counter attacking masterclasses to playing his opposition off the park through complete domination of the ball, he was insanely flexible tactically.

Player Analysis: Leonardo Balerdi

A Thread🧵 At the beginning of the season, Marseille was struggling to find consistency, being as low as 12th.

But now they find themselves in 6th under the new guidance of Gennaro Gattuso. And one of the players that have shined under him is Argentine CB Leonardo Balerdi.

Player Analysis: Crysencio Summerville

A Thread🧵 Crysencio Summerville is having an amazing time with Leeds in the Championship. He had glimpses of his talent showcased at the Premier League level, but now he's more consistent than ever.

So what's up with the 22-year-old Dutchman?

Dan Ashworth: A Mega Thread

His name has been getting a lot of buzz lately, as it seems that he's become the frontrunner to become the new Director of Football under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's regime.

In this thread, I'll explain what Ashworth is about and what he brings to the table. Ashworth's first job in football came back in 2000 as the Director of Peterborough United's academy.

He then became the Center of Excellence director at Cambridge United in 2001 and would stay there till 2004.

Player Analysis: Marcos Leonardo

A Thread🧵 Marcos Leonardo is one of the most exciting talents coming out of Brazil right now.

And after Santos' unfortunate relegation to Serie B, he'll be on the radar for most top European clubs. But what makes him so special?

Player Analysis: Leny Yoro

A Thread🧵 Leny Yoro is one of the most exciting prospects in Europe right now. He's seemingly being tipped as one of the best of young French CBs around, but what makes him stand out?

Player Analysis: Jorrel Hato

A Thread🧵 Hato has been the bright spot of a very bleak season for Ajax.

But what makes the latest Ajax prodigy stand out?

Player Analysis: Martin Zubimendi

A Thread🧵 The Spanish midfielder has had his name caught in the limelight over the past few days but what warrants the attraction?

I'll take a look at what makes him so unique, and why his profile is so desirable.

Player Analysis: Joshua Zirkzee

A Thread🧵 The Dutch striker has spearheaded Thiago Motta's Bologna this season, with the club playing amazing football.

But what has he been doing that he's receiving such plaudits?