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Innovative defensive techniques, 5 WSL under-the-radar talents, Man United’s various structural issues and Union Berlin’s defensive approach explained

Good morning tactics fans and welcome to the #MondayMorning newsletter – full of analysis, scouting and tactics. Fill up on your football knowledge – follow the Total Football Analysis page and be part of the squad that want more than just a match report.

In his latest tactical theory piece, Kevin Martin explains some innovative defensive techniques that challenge conventional wisdom.

With the WSL about to kick off, Beth Limb looks at five under-the-radar talents you should keep an eye on.

Staying with the WSL, Lori He makes her TFA debut and tells us why Arsenal have strengthened very well with the signing of Laia Codina.

We reflect back on two of the Champions League matches from last week – firstly, Ahmed ElDaly going through the multiple structural issues in Man United’s defeat to Bayern.

And then Luis Kircher explains Union Berlin’s defensive approach against holders Real Madrid.

Julie Ertz has played her final USWNT game. She’ll retire as a two-time FIFA World Cup winner. Back in 2020, we analysed her game and attempted to determine where she could be best utilised by her national side.

Sassuolo’s Alessio Dionisi has built a coaching reputation as an entertainer and a risk-taker. He engineered his latest upset at the weekend, as I Neroverdi beat Juventus 4-2. Why not recap another of the 43 y/o’s giant killings with our analysis of January’s 5-3 victory over AC Milan?

After Saturday’s 5-3 win over Mallorca, Girona sit second in LaLiga, joint-top scorers alongside Barcelona. We analysed how defensive shortcomings were their undoing in their pursuit of Europe last season — can they conquer that hurdle this term?

Kasper Dolberg scored his fourth Belgian Pro League goal in his eighth appearance following his summer move from Nice to Anderlecht at the weekend to help his side earn a point from their game with Club Brugge. Back in 2019, we scouted the Danish forward when it appeared as though he had the world at his feet. Almost five years on from that analysis, can the 25 y/o striker get his promising career back on track in Belgium?

That’s it for today – we’ll be back tomorrow with more tactics, analysis and scouting. Spread the word!

#football #analysis #scouting #tactics #soccer #tactical #recruitment #data #analytics #viz

Chris Beaumont

Former Football Manager nut and lover of all things data and stats in scouting - founder of Total Football Analysis and Director of Scouting & Analysis Operations for Velez CF

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