The modern full-back has become a shapeshifter. The job once began and ended on the touchline, dealing with the opposition’s winger and swinging in a couple of crosses. Then came the attacking full-backs, who were forgiven defensive lapses if they broke the line with acceleration and a cutback. The role...
Anis Hadj Moussa (176cm/5’9”, 68kg/149lbs) is one of the most exciting up-and-coming left-footed right wingers in Europe today. The Algeria international may well be his country’s natural successor to Riyad Mahrez on the right-hand side, with Hadj Moussa having come off the bench to replace the national team captain, Mahrez,...
Santiago Giménez is set to join AC Milan, coming from Feyenoord, at the moment of writing this article, with the transfer deal confirmed by numerous trusted sources. This move will pave the way for Álvaro Morata’s departure to the Turkish side Galatasaray, as Giménez will replace the Spanish international with...
With 17 matchdays in the books, the Eredivisie is in the middle of a three-week pause for its annual winter break period. While league play is on hold and 2024 is coming to an end, we thought it'd be worth taking a closer look at some of the league's breakout...
When Girona emerged victorious in May against Xavi’s Barcelona, it did not only signify another fiercely contested Catalan derby but also represented a once unthinkable achievement for Girona. The 4-2 win secured Girona’s place in this season’s UEFA Champions League competition—a fairy tale ending for Míchel’s side, who consistently defied...
When Girona emerged victorious in May against Xavi’s Barcelona, it did not only signify another fiercely contested Catalan derby but also represented a once unthinkable achievement for Girona. The 4-2 win secured Girona’s place in this season’s UEFA Champions League competition—a fairy tale ending for Míchel’s side, who consistently defied...
The UEFA Champions League has thrown another curveball at Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, as a second-half collapse at the hands of Feyenoord has further compounded their issues. With the Premier League champions yet to win a game this month, it was almost a foregone conclusion that when Erling Haaland nestled...
Ajax's 0-2 away victory over Feyenoord marked a strong statement under manager Francesco Farioli, showcasing disciplined, well-organised tactics, as we will see in this match analysis. In this tactical analysis and scout report, we’ll break down Ajax’s tactical approach, emphasising Farioli’s key strategic choices. Then, we shift to a pre-match...
Matchday one of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League is complete and it was a whirlwind of action and surprises. Our tactical analysis shares the best tactical formations and plays from Champions League week one, as we dive into what worked and what didn't work. Let's start off with a look...
Brighton have made a host of changes over the summer. After parting ways with manager Roberto De Zerbi and appointing Fabian Hürzeler, the league’s youngest-ever permanent manager, the Seagulls have also lost key player Pascal Groß to Borussia Dortmund. However, there have been very good incoming players, and one of...
The 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League season marks the continuation of the tournament's prestige, featuring 36 clubs from various European leagues. This year, the competition structure has evolved, creating more opportunities for teams to progress while adding a layer of complexity to the group stages, as we will see in this...
Time for the #TFAArchives! Brian Priske will be Arne Slot’s replacement at Feyenoord. We recently went into detail on the 47-year-old’s impressive pressing at Sparta Prague. Read our analysis to see why he’s Feyenoord’s choice. Fabian Hürzeler of St. Pauli is seemingly set to be Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton and...
Who Is Dennis Te Kloese? Dennis te Kloese’s appointment as Feyenoord’s technical director came at the same time as Arne Slot was preparing the first-team squad for a season that would ultimately result in their first Eredivisie title win since the 2016/17 season when Giovanni van Bronckhorst led De club...
Every year in spring, the search for hidden gems becomes a thrilling pursuit for top clubs across Europe. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the top five leagues, plenty of attackers have emerged as exciting prospects, poised to make a significant impact on the grand stage, including this trio. Our...
TFA squad, a very Happy New Year to you. And to celebrate the start of 2024 we have our now traditional New Year's Day football feast for you - the TFA 24 for 24. Each year, we pick out players and coaches that you need to follow and analyse them...
Following the Saudi Public Investment Funds takeover at Newcastle in 2021, there have been numerous comings and goings at St James’ Park. While big money has been spent on established Premier League players such as Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, one player acquisition that may have slipped under the radar...
The Dutch Eredivisie remains a true rollercoaster of emotions. While the titans of old, like Ajax, are still on a downward spiral, Feyenoord and PSV are battling it out for the top of the mountain for the second season in a row. Having won the 2022/23 title, Feyenoord are now...
Feyenoord are the current champions of the Eredivisie and are enjoying a positive start to their season in their efforts to retain the title whilst also hoping to make the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds. Their set plays this season have been very simple to the eye yet highly refreshing...
Lutsharel Geertruida has been linked with a big move from Feyenoord to Bayern Munich. xGOLD first identified Geertruida as a very interesting profile for a top Tier 1 club back in February 2022. Who is Lutsharel Geertruida? "Lutsharel Geertruida is a robust and brawny defender who looked capable of playing as a centre back, full...
All eyes are on Burnley, as peculiar as that sounds to say. The Clarets became synonymous with an unfashionable style and, under Sean Dyche, for defying the odds year after year. After their luck ran out and they were relegated, it was time for a revolution. Every adjective previously used...
