Page 125 – The Pulse of Football

Mar

2024

Analysis: USMNT have found the formula for Copa América in their Nations League triumph

In a very fruitful men’s international break, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) added more silverware to their collection by defending their CONCACAF Nations League title. More importantly, though, they might just have discovered the tactical formula for the upcoming Copa América in the process.

By Neel Shelat

With a 3-1 win over Jamaica in the semi-final followed by a 2-0 success against old rivals Mexico at the Allegiant Stadium, the USA tasted success at the end of the CONCACAF Nations League knockouts.

That was also the perfect preparation in their last competitive fixtures ahead of the 2024 Copa América, which will be held in the States for the second time in its last four editions. They finished fourth last time around and will once again not be among the clear favourites such as Argentina and Brazil, but they will be right in the mix of the chasing pack. The likes of Uruguay, Mexico and Colombia will give them a tough fight in the battle to reach the semi-finals, so going into the tournament in good shape will be important.

The USMNT look set to do just that. Not only do they have form and momentum on their side, but more importantly, in the last week, they seem to have finalised a system and quite possibly a starting XI for the tournament.

Gregg Berhalter’s men survived a big scare in the semi-final against Jamaica, as they conceded seconds after kick-off and trailed for over 95 minutes before they could get a last-gasp equaliser to take the game to extra time, where they scored twice more. It would be harsh to call their win undeserved, as they knocked at the door of Jamaica’s low block very hard and eventually forced it open.

Tactically, the USMNT’s midfield was perhaps a touch imbalanced in this game as Yunus Musah was used as the lone number six with Weston McKennie and Malik Tilman on either side of him in their 4-3-3 formation. This trio seemed to lack enough attacking and creative impetus, both due to the lack of a pure playmaker in there as well as the fact that Musah is not a pure defensive midfielder and is better off in a freer role. Indeed, the game really changed once Giovanni Reyna came on as he brought a creative spark and provided assists for both of the extra time goals.

Breaking down low blocks is a concern for the USMNT, but that is not what will be most important for Copa América success. Even allowing for some questionable tactical decisions, they should reasonably be expected to have enough quality to power past the likes of Bolivia and Panama on home soil and battle for the top spot in the group with Uruguay.

Once they are in the knockouts, they will likely face opponents of equal or greater quality against whom their defensive solidity and ability to threaten in transition will be the most important facets of their game. With that in mind, their performance in the Nations League final against Mexico was incredibly encouraging.

For one, Berhalter seemed to get his starting XI spot on. Tyler Adams made his first international start since the World Cup as he approaches the end of a very long road to recovery from hamstring issues, and his presence as the holding midfielder enabled his partners to have more attacking freedom. McKennie played a more box-to-box role to his right, while Reyna was given a free attacking role just off the left. Up front, Haji Wright was rewarded for his match-winning brace in the semi-final with a start in between the two set wingers Timothy Weah and Christian Pulisic.

Tactically too, they seemed to get everything right. Out of possession, the USMNT’s player-oriented high block and selective press regularly disrupted Mexico’s build-up and forced them to kick it long. With the ball, they showed good balance and fluidity in their structures.

Just like any typical 4-3-3 team, their initial possession structure resembled a 2-3-2-3, but in the opposition half, things changed a fair bit as Reyna regularly dropped deep and even formed a triangular back three with the centre-backs. By doing so, he was not only able to get himself time on the ball facing forward to spray incisive passes and help the team progress, but he also enabled the full-backs to advance down the wings and use their attacking qualities.

This pattern in particular shows Berhalter’s understanding of adapting tactics to suit player profiles, which is especially important in international football. Both Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson are attacking full-backs who like to get down the wings and can pose a threat in the final third, while Pulisic is capable of threatening with and without the ball in the left channel and Weah can do a job as a second striker of sorts. Reyna’s case is an interesting one as he has struggled to get game time at the club level due to his relative lack of defensive work rate and quality with time and space on the ball, but these factors are not as much of a concern at the international stage so he could yet be one of the USMNT’s most important players.

This setup and system seems to be the blueprint that the USA must use for their home Copa América, but one big question remains: who should start as the striker? Wright certainly made a great case for himself in the semi-final and is enjoying a great season with Coventry City in the Championship, but Folarin Balogun is also giving a decent account of himself at a higher level with Monaco. Ricardo Pepi and Joshua Sargent offer a couple of other alternatives, though one of them will likely not make the squad for the Copa.

The rest of the XI seems set, though, save for Reyna potentially being replaced by a more combative box-to-box midfielder like Musah against stronger opponents. The USA showed enough defensive solidity against the world’s best teams in Qatar and clearly have the attacking quality in the team to put themselves in contention for the Copa América. Of course, Brazil and Argentina will be the clear favourites, but should they drop the ball, the USMNT appear poised to pounce on the opportunity.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every USMNT game live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2024

Phil Foden: Living up to his potential

The Manchester City wideman has been an almost ever-present this season, already bettering his best ever season in terms of goals and assists. Now, with one eye on the summer Euros, Foden’s importance to both club and country can not be underestimated.

By Dharnish Iqbal

Normally, for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola likes to use rotation to keep his forwards fresh and to spread the workload.

Typically, with the club fighting on four fronts, he’s always wary of the tiredness of his forwards. Last season Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gündoğan were around to play more minutes and also provide City with more of a flexible team selection. As Mahrez and Gündoğan can both play in behind the striker or as a false nine, with Gündoğan able to be deployed further back in midfield if needed.

No striker last season, bar Erling Haaland, completed more than 30 Premier League games. If you take a look at the amount of starts, Pep’s rotation policy becomes even more intriguing: Mahrez started 22, Álvarez 13, Palmer 14, Grealish 23, Gündoğan 27, Foden 22, Bernardo 24.

A combination of Grealish’s injuries, and lack of form, as well as Mahrez and Gündoğan’s departures means Guardiola has already relied on Phil Foden a lot more than other seasons, with the young Englishman starting 26 of the 28 league games played to date.

Foden is finally transforming into the complete player Guardiola always wanted and taking up the mantle of a key performer in a City team that needs him, and has changed a lot from last season.

Foden’s emergence has been vital with City having both less options and contending with Kevin de Bruyne’s injuries. His dribbling ability and penchant to take full-backs on was always there, but he’s more of a complete threat this season, typified by most of his 11 Premier League goals coming from inside the box.

As Julián Álvarez and Jeremy Jérémy Doku have been rotated on one wing, Foden has firmly held down his spot. It’s been salient to see how much more of a threat City have possessed on the wing Foden has been positioned on, compared to the other throughout the season, no less in the recent game against Liverpool where it feet as though neither Doku or Álvarez could really get going.

Looking ahead to this summer’s Euros, one imagines the possibilities for England with Foden on one wing and and in-form Bukayo Saka on the other.

Guardiola mentioned how much Foden’s mistake, rashly conceding a penalty vs. Crystal Palace back in December, was a turning point for the Englishman: “Since Crystal Palace, he learned a lesson and then Urawa, Fluminense, Everton, Sheffield United, he has been outstanding, all four he has been top, top class: playing good, scoring goals, assists and all the important things we need from him.”

When quizzed as to whether this was because Foden could play in the middle, Guardiola said “Not in the middle, in the World Cup in Saudi Arabia he played really good, he understands more the game. His work ethic, how he runs, everything. He has become a top-class player. Right now he’s the best in the league. To be world-class you have to win games, he’s winning games.”

This may be of interest to Gareth Southgate, with the England manager previously having stated that Foden is not a midfielder. Much like the addition of Kobbie Mainoo however, his performances this season may indicate that Southgate will have no choice but to include Foden in his first choice tournament XI for the summer.

Raheem Sterling might’ve been the best player at the last Euros, but with him out of the England setup and finding things difficult at Chelsea, Foden may need to be the wide player that makes the difference for the Three Lions this time around.

Foden already has 18 league goal contributions and has scored more than he ever has this season. Foden was always an attacking threat but typically under Guardiola he always wants more than that – which Foden can now provide.

He can be the attacker that takes players on and the provider for others, but also the player that can slow things down and give City the control they need. He’s become a multi-faceted player meaning whichever way Southgate wants England to play this summer, Foden may have the versatility to slot in.

You can see his all round game improvement in his passing stats. City tend to control games, and could be accused of passing teams to death. Foden now averages 45 successful passes per 90 with his passing accuracy in the top 92% percentile in the league, whilst not dropping the ball on his creative goal contributing numbers.

There is a plethora of talent in the current England side and the prospects are tantalising heading into the Euros. The fact that arguably the best manager in the world is relying more and more on Foden speaks volumes of development as a player into a world class match-winner.

When Southgate is deliberating how to set his team up he may look to Foden’s excellent form and ability to perform in a number of different positions.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Man City and England game live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2024

The MLS Team of the Week: Matchday 6

Here are some of the standout players from MLS Matchday 6, as chosen by our MLS expert James Nalton, including his two North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) Player of the Matchday votes.

By James Nalton

There was a busy schedule of MLS games at the weekend as the league continues apace even during international breaks.

Many teams were missing players, which can lead to some unexpected results and new faces among the highlight reels.

One particular result caught the eye and included two of the best performances of the round.

The Top Two

9.6 FotMob rating: Lewis Morgan – New York Red Bulls

That standout result was the New York Red Bulls’ 4-0 win against the stars of Inter Miami, and the standout player in this win was hat-trick hero, Morgan.

Miami were without Lionel Messi through injury, but Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets were present.

Morgan outshone them all with three well-taken goals, accurately and coolly finished past Miami goalkeeper CJ dos Santos.

Though the most obvious aspect of Morgan’s play this weekend was his three goals, he also played a key role in the Red Bulls’ other goal on the night.

The Scotsman showed great determination to keep a loose ball in on the left wing before beating a defender and passing to Dante Vanzeir who then set up Wikelman Carmona.

The finishes were full of finesse but on a cold, soggy, rainy night in New Jersey, work rate and desire were just as important, and Morgan showed plenty of that, too.

9.4 FotMob rating: Dante Vanzeir – New York Red Bulls

All three of Morgan’s goals against Inter Miami were assisted by Belgian forward Vanzeir.

Indeed, all four of the goals the Red Bulls scored on the night were assisted by the 25-year-old.

The opener displayed a level of understanding between the two standout players that will excite Red Bulls fans as Vanzeir played a neat, flicked backheel to send Morgan in on goal.

Vanzeir didn’t even have to look where his teammate was as he knew the run Morgan would be making.

The other assists were nice, simple passes setting up Carmona, and Morgan twice more, but their weighting and placement made it easy for the recipients to find the net.

Vanzeir may not have scored a goal yet this season, but four assists in one game against the league’s team to beat more than made up for it.

“We haven’t actually played too much football together,” Morgan said of his relationship with Vanzeir.

“But I still feel we still have an amazing connection. We’re close off the field and I think that helps on the field. Today was a culmination of all that.”

Three more standout performers

9.6 FotMob rating: Denis Bouanga – LAFC

Los Angeles FC had gone three games without scoring but made up for it with a 5-0 drubbing of Nashville.

As will often be the case when LAFC put up such goalscoring numbers, Bouanga was heavily involved.

He scored a penalty in the first half to make it 2-0, emphatically finding the corner, before curling one in from the left side of the area in typical fashion to add his second and LAFC’s third.

He could have had another goal as he cut in from the left but saw his shot saved by Joe Willis at the near post, and could have had an assist when a cross found Cristian Olivera whose shot from close range was also saved by Willis.

But another goal contribution eventually came in the second half when he set up the impressive Eduard Atuesta for a diving header to make it five in added time.

Bouanga finished the game with an xG plus xA of 3.01

8.9 FotMob rating: Julián Carranza – Philadelphia Union

Union haven’t exactly set the league alight up to this point in 2024, but a 3-1 win at Phil Neville’s Portland Timbers showed they have the potential to do so.

Games like this are where a winless run turns into an unbeaten one. This first victory in MLS in 2024 means they are one of two teams in the Eastern Conference who remain unbeaten, along with FC Cincinnati.

After weathering an early storm, Union took the lead via the head of Carranza from a Kai Wagner corner.

Union rode their luck at times, and have goalkeeper Oliver Semmle to thank for keeping the Timbers to just one at the other end.

But Quinn Sullivan added a second for Jim Curtin’s side before Carranza turned in a nice cross from Mikael Uhre, who will have been pleased to contribute having missed a couple of chances himself.

8.6 FotMob rating: Dagur Dan Thórhallsson – Orlando City

Icelandic right-back Thórhallsson was a constant threat to Austin FC as Orlando secured a much-needed 2-0 win at home—their first victory of the season.

The 23-year-old had a couple of shots at goal in the first half, but his most noticeable contributions to the game came from his delivery from the right into the box

He crossed for Jack Lynn to open the scoring, finding the forward at the far post who netted his first MLS goal.

Thórhallsson created six chances in total, driving forward in the inside right channel as well as crossing from wider areas and, for good measure, was part of the Orlando back four that kept a clean sheet.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from MLS live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2024

MLS: Five storylines from Matchday Six

A Lionel Messi-less Inter Miami were given a reality check by the New York Red Bulls on Saturday while the LA Galaxy pulled off a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to beat Sporting KC. The international break might have robbed many teams of some of their best players, but there was no shortage of drama and excitement across the league on Saturday. Here are five of the biggest storylines from the weekend in MLS.

By Graham Ruthven, MLS Expert

Lewis Morgan hat trick highlights the importance of his return to RBNY

Messi wasn’t at Red Bull Arena for Inter Miami on Saturday, but Lewis Morgan stepped in as the headline act for the New York Red Bulls. In Scottish weather, the Greenock-born forward scored a hat trick in a 4-0 victory for the hosts, highlighting the importance of his return having missed the majority of last season through injury.

With five goals in five games, Morgan is tied with Dejan Joveljić in the early-season Golden Boot standings, but this only hints at his value to the Red Bulls. The 27-year-old’s work rate makes him the perfect forward for Sandro Schwarz’s approach while the relationship he has with Emil Forsberg and Dante Vanzeir is strong. Morgan has finally picked up where he left off in 2022.

Charlotte FC’s statement win over Columbus undermined by baffling refereeing

Charlotte FC made it two wins from two home games this season by beating the Columbus Crew 2-0 on Saturday. However, their statement victory over last season’s MLS Cup winners was undermined by a baffling refereeing display that shaped the match. Dean Smith won’t care, but this game underlined why MLS must bring an end to the ongoing referee lockout.

First, Derrick Jones was sent off after just 26 minutes for an innocuous-looking foul. Then Columbus had a goal ruled out for an offside that appeared impossible to spot on the available camera angle. Then Charlotte’s Kerwin Vargas was awarded a dubious penalty kick at the end of 16 minutes of first half stoppage time. The farce was impossible to avoid.

LA Galaxy are making themselves the team to beat in the West

For 60 minutes, the LA Galaxy’s positive start to 2024 appeared to be coming to an abrupt end. They were being dominated by Sporting KC who held a 2-0 advantage and were seemingly cruising to three points. Three goals in an eight-minute span, however, changed the dynamic of the match and saw the Galaxy run out 3-2 winners.

On the evidence of what we have seen in the early stages of this season, the LA Galaxy are making themselves the team to beat in the Western Conference. Joveljić and Riqui Puig are developing a connection while Joseph Paintsil is in the conversation for being the best signing of the off-season. The Galaxy have given themselves a good platform.

Denis Bouanga is off the mark for 2024 – and so are Los Angeles FC

The cork came out the bottle for Los Angeles FC – and Denis Bouanga – on Saturday. The 2023 MLS Cup finalists scored just once in four league fixtures, but against Nashville they bagged five with Bouanga helping himself to a brace. The 2023 Golden Boot winner is off the mark and it will be difficult to stop him from now on.

There is a sense that LAFC are waiting until the summer to add another key piece to their attack (discussions with Olivier Giroud have reportedly taken place), but Bouanga remains one of the most dangerous forwards in MLS. Having the Gabon international back in form will be a game changer for Steve Cherundolo’s side.

Philadelphia’s unexpected win at Portland could spark their season into life

Missing six starters, the Philadelphia Union weren’t expected to gain much from their away match at the Portland Timbers. Against the odds, though, Jim Curtin’s team claimed their first win of the season, beating Portland 3-1. “This group tends to be at their best when maybe they’re counted out,” said Curtin afterwards.

Until Saturday, Philadelphia had looked a bit flat this year. They had drawn consecutive matches against Chicago, Sporting KC, and Austin FC and needed something to spark their season into life. Against Portland, the Union sat deeper than usual and allowed the hosts to control possession. When they had the chance, though, Philly were incisive in the final third. This was more like it.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from MLS live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2024

Lawrence Shankland deserves his chance

Nobody has scored more goals in the Scottish Premiership this season than Lawrence Shankland. The Hearts striker has found the back of the net 20 times in just 30 games with 14 of them coming in his last 15 outings. Until recently, Shankland was an outside bet to make Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad. Not anymore.

By Graham Ruthven

Shankland is in the Scotland squad for the upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland and will almost certainly be on the plane to Germany this summer. Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes are more experienced at international level, but Shankland offers a different dimension. He is a natural goalscorer.

Such has been the success Shankland has enjoyed this season, many now believe he should be a lot more than just a squad figure for Scotland at Euro 2024. Indeed, it is increasingly being argued that Shankland should be in line for a starting role in Germany. He could provide the firepower Scotland need.

Scotland didn’t exactly struggle for firepower during Euro 2024 qualification. Steve Clarke’s team scored 17 goals in just eight matches including two against Spain and five in two games against Norway who they finished ahead of to qualify automatically. However, only one of those goals came from Scotland’s first and second-choice strikers – Adams and Dykes.

John McGinn and Scott McTominay shouldered the majority of the goalscoring burden through qualification with the latter sensationally out-scoring Erling Haaland by finding the back of the net no fewer than seven times. Clarke’s system is designed to allow for late runners from midfield and it has squeezed the most out of McGinn and McTominay. They are Scotland’s most reliable difference-makers.

Even accounting for this, though, Scotland could do with a number nine who is on the pitch to do more than just facilitate midfield runners. Shankland has already demonstrated his ruthlessness at international level by scoring a late equaliser away to Georgia last year and deserves another opportunity to prove himself in a Scotland shirt.

In many ways, Shankland lacks some of the qualities that top-level centre forwards require. He doesn’t have a turn of pace. In fact, there are times the Hearts forward looks downright slow. Shankland, however, has the intelligence and positional awareness to make up for this. He knows where to be and when to be there and that counts for a lot.

While Shankland is certainly a natural goalscorer, he is far from a penalty box poacher. Indeed, the 28-year-old’s highlight reel of long-range strikes is an impressive one. He can finish from inside the box, he can score from outside it, he’s physically strong, he’s dangerous in the air, his first touch is exceptional – there is a lot for Clarke to work with.

“Just experience, more experience,” said Clarke when asked what had made the difference for Shankland in recent times. “More responsibility – he’s captain of the club. Playing in a Hearts team that is competitive at the top end of the table. All those little factors come together. He’s a goalscorer. A goalscorer playing in a good Hearts team that’s creating chances and Lawrence is scoring the goals. He’s done well.”

Under Clarke, the Scotland squad has been a tight-knit group. He has sought to create a club-like environment with Scotland benefiting from the continuity of having a core of experienced players who have played together for a number of years. It’s unlikely there will be any surprises in his Euro 2024 squad selection. Clarke will also have just 23 places to hand out compared to the 26 he had at Euro 2020.

It had been reported that Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon would be pursued to switch international allegiance from England to Scotland before this summer, but the latter has taken another step in his development this season and the former has struggled for much of the campaign through injury.

That Barnes and Gordon were even on the radar suggests Clarke is open to remoulding his attack should he feel there is an option who could improve Scotland in the final third. Shankland has been part of the national team picture for years, but his form this season suggests he could be that option.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Hearts game live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2024

Lewis Ferguson’s Italian Renaissance

Rising high above everyone in the Bologna sky, Lewis Ferguson thunders home a header, from a corner, to open the scoring against Atalanta last December.

By Ross Kilvington

The goal sealed a 1-0 win for Bologna and continued their fine start to the 2023/24 campaign, yet it had an even greater significance for the Scottish midfielder.

Once the ball nestled into the net, Ferguson became the highest scoring Scotsman in Serie A. His 11^th goal surpassed greats such as Denis Law (10), Graeme Souness (8) and Joe Baker (7), since adding another two goals to make it 13 in the Italian top flight.

Looking at his performances this season, it is hard to fathom that he was playing for Hamilton Academical just six years ago, but his rise should ignite confidence among young players in his homeland who seek brighter lights.

The midfielder has worked hard for years to become an overnight success and his displays for Bologna this season could catapult him to even bigger things in the future.

Humble beginnings

While nothing is set in stone in the world of football, it was clear Ferguson was going to make the grade at senior level. His father, Derek, played 148 times for Rangers between 1983 and 1990, while Barry, his uncle, made 428 appearances during his spell at the Ibrox side.

Despite spending time as a youngster at Rangers, it was Hamilton who gave him his senior bow during the 2017/18 season before signing for Aberdeen in 2018.

Family ties to Rangers clearly proved not to be a problem for the talented midfielder as he began to make the North East his own.

The next four seasons saw Ferguson make 169 appearances for the Dons as he emerged as one of the finest young players in the Premiership. His big game mentality was also apparent, scoring the winner against Rangers – much to the displeasure of Derek and Barry – in the 2018 League Cup semi-final.

By the summer of 2022, his displays were beginning to attract attention and it was clear that Aberdeen had to cash in on their prized asset.

The Italian adventure begins

There were rumours that Rangers were tracking his progress with regards to making a move, but Aberdeen were never going to let him move to another club in Scotland.

Enter Bologna. The Serie A side completed the signing of the player for a fee of just £3m in July 2022. Not only was this a good deal for Aberdeen, but it has since turned out to be an absolute steal for Bologna, especially with how well he settled during his maiden season in Emilia-Romagna.

While a ninth placed finish in the top flight was respectable, the performances of Ferguson indicated that he may not be at the club for very long.

Typically operating in an attacking midfield position, Ferguson scored seven goals in 32 Serie A matches throughout the season. Many felt it was perhaps a one season success story, yet he has continued to mature and his statistics during 2023/24 have been sensational thus far.

Thiago Motta took over from the late Siniša Mihajlović in September 2022, gradually working his magic with the Italian side.

Motta has his team playing a possession based system by utilising a 4-2-3-1 formation, which plays exactly into Ferguson’s hands.

At the time of writing, Bologna occupy fourth place in the league, three points clear of AS Roma, with the Scot shining in the number ten role.

While he drags opposition defenders out of space, often in order, to create space for the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, the Scot has proven to be just as big a danger in the final third.

Indeed, the 24-year-old has created 30 chances in Serie A so far this term along with managing 54 shots and taking 73 touches in the opposition penalty area.

Whilst these are impressive, it is perhaps his passing abilities that rank him as one of the finest midfielders in Serie A.

This season, Ferguson ranks in the top 2.4% when it comes to successful passes in the Italian top flight (50.7 per 90), while ranking in the top 3.7% for pass accuracy (88.2% per 90), suggesting that the Scot is at ease with dictating the play during games.

His main focus will be to maintain this level of performance over the next couple of months in order to seal a place in Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad, although this already seems like a foregone conclusion.

A better question to ask would be just exactly what role will Ferguson have in the Scotland side that make their way to Germany for just their fourth ever European Championship finals?

Scotland could be dark horses at Euro 2024

Steve Clarke recently admitted that he will keep faith with the players who helped Scotland qualify for the tournament in Germany, but Ferguson had to rely on appearances off the bench against Spain, Georgia, and Norway, totalling just 72 minutes of action.

Clarke used a 4-3-3 system against Georgia before deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation against the Norwegians a few days later. With a plethora of midfield options to choose from, John McGinn and Scott McTominay look virtually guaranteed to secure a place in the starting XI against Germany in the opening game on June 14^th.

The Scotland manager may have a harder time filling in the rest of the gaps, but Ferguson should certainly be included in the conversations for a place in the lineup for the clash in Munich.

Slotting in behind someone like Lawrence Shankland, who has scored 27 times for Hearts this season, could see Scotland offer plenty of attacking threat against a frail German defence.

Becoming the highest scoring Scot in Serie A while being named captain of Bologna imply this season has already been a glowing success.

Starring for Scotland at a major international tournament? Now that would be the icing on the cake.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Bologna game on FotMob – with deep stats, xG, and players ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2024

Tyler Adams is back just in time for the USMNT

A US men’s national team squad without Tyler Adams doesn’t really feel like a US men’s national team squad. Indeed, the 25-year-old is a central pillar of Gregg Berhalter’s team and so the thought of playing tonight’s CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against Jamaica – and possibly a final against Mexico or Panama after that – was apparently unpalatable.

By Graham Ruthven

Despite making his Premier League debut off the bench for Bournemouth a week ago following a long injury layoff, Adams was included on the USMNT roster. It might be too early in Adams’ recovery for him to start against Jamaica on Thursday, but he is the national team’s heart and soul. Berhalter clearly wants him around in whatever capacity possible.

“I think everybody from top to bottom is excited to have him back,” said USMNT assistant manager B.J Callaghan on Adams’ call-up. Goalkeeper Matt Turner also echoed this sentiment, calling Adams “a huge part of this team, a huge part of our culture.” Adams’ return comes at the right time for the US.

Until now, Berhalter has had time to experiment. He didn’t return to his role as USMNT head coach until last summer – six months after the 2022 World Cup – largely due to a messy scandal which involved Gio Reyna and his family, but the second half of 2023 afforded him an opportunity to recalibrate.

Now, though, it is time for the USA’s preparations for this summer’s Copa America and the 2026 World Cup on home soil to reach another level. This perhaps explains why Adams has been called up ahead of schedule. Ideally, the midfielder would have been given more time to get some minutes under his belt at club level before playing for the USMNT again. Berhalter, however, didn’t have that luxury.

Adams has been the USA’s first-choice number six for the last three years. He is the foundation upon which Berhalter has built his midfield unit, the strongest part of his entire set-up. Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah started every game at the 2022 World Cup, highlighting their importance as a trio.

Berhalter has other midfield options. Reyna, for instance, is capable of playing in a deeper midfield role. Malik Tillman has operated in the centre of the pitch for PSV this season, but neither are capable of playing at the base of the midfield like Adams. His pitch coverage and defensive instincts set him apart.

Johnny Cardoso has emerged as a good option for the USMNT as a number six with the 22-year-old thriving in LaLiga after joining Real Betis in the January transfer window. This week’s match against Jamaica could be a chance for him to be fully integrated into the lineup with Adams not expected to be fit enough to start.

There are many American fans who believe Berhalter shouldn’t have been re-hired. The USMNT head coach has faced a lot of criticism from supporters who argue another manager with greater pedigree would stand a better chance of success at the 2026 World Cup. José Mourinho’s name gets mentioned from time to time.

This analysis, however, doesn’t do justice to the work Berhalter has done to establish a core group and positive culture within the USMNT camp. He inherited a national team that had just failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and was in desperate need of renewal in all areas. Adams is just one part of a nucleus that will sustain the USMNT for years to come.

Against the likes of Argentina and Brazil – and Uruguay, who Adams and co. will face in the group stage – this summer’s Copa America will provide a good gauge of where the USMNT is in its development between World Cups. A deep run into the knockout rounds would suggest they are on the right path.

To achieve this, Berhalter needs his best players to peak between now and the end of the season. Adams is certainly someone who must play his way into form, starting with the CONCACAF Nations League. The midfielder might be a big part of the national team’s culture, but they need him to be a big part of the team on the pitch too.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Mar

2024

Jarrad Branthwaite: Born in Carlisle, made at Goodison Park

In just under three months’ time, the attention of the football world will switch from club to national team interests as Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany. One of the bookmakers’ favourites are England and with a wealth of exciting talent at manager Gareth Southgate’s disposal, the Three Lions are expected to do well at the tournament.

By Nathan Evans

From Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka out wide, to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham in the middle of the park, few nations have produced better talent over the past decade, but in defence, England are currently lacking a true stand-out young star. With Southgate favourite Harry Maguire somewhat struggling for Manchester United – albeit he’s always performed admirably for his county – and others such as Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, Milan’s Fikayo Tomori and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi seemingly not favoured as much by the ex-Middlesbrough boss, there’s undoubtedly an opening on the left-hand side ready to be seized upon.

With plenty of stand-out performances under his belt this season with Everton, that spot could prove to be Jarrad Branthwaite’s to snatch in the coming years.

Coming through the academy at Carlisle United, in his hometown, the now 21-year-old only made nine first-team appearances for the Cumbrian outfit before the Toffees swooped in to bring him to Goodison Park. In a deal worth around £1m – plus a percentage of any future profit if he’s sold by Everton – there’s no doubt that the transfer represents one of the best value for money singings in recent league history, especially given the fact that this season, Branthwaite has played 31 times in all competitions for the Merseyside outfit during his break-out campaign.

In fact, as of the 14th of March, only Burnley’s James Trafford and Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi have played more minutes this season in the Premier League amongst players aged 21 or under. That represents just why Branthwaite is viewed as one of the best defensive prospects in England at present, and why several of the biggest clubs across the continent are now tracking his progress, including Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Standing at 6″5′ ft., not only is Branthwaite powerful from a physical stand-point, but he’s also blessed with quick pace for a central defender. His large frame allows him to win aerial duels frequently, whilst his agility – despite his height – sees him regularly take the ball under control and burst towards midfield if the situation allows. Having the ability to seemingly ‘do it all’ means that the former Carlisle man can additionally read the game extremely well for a defender of his age, especially in his own box, which has helped Everton to concede just 39 goals in 29 league matches this term.

In essence, what’s stood out most in the 21-year-old’s performance so far this season has been the maturity he’s shown beyond his years. That’s been exceptionally true defensively, where he’s quickly established himself as the left-sided centre back for Sean Dyche’s side. In fact, in the Premier League when ranked amongst all other players in his position league-wide, Branthwaite ranks very highly in all the basic areas needed. With 27 successful tackles, 133 duels won, 41 interceptions made and 144 ball recoveries logged, he sits amongst the top 5% of all central defenders in the competition, with his possession won stat sitting as the highest amongst all Everton players this campaign.

There’s also the added extra level to his game in terms of winning aerial battles, clocking in 65 such duels won this campaign which highlights him as a central defender who can seemingly thrive in any area necessary on the field.

As well as his defensive duties though, Branthwaite exudes a cool and calm demeaner when in possession of the ball. In truth, it’s this part of his game that likely appeals most to the ‘bigger’ clubs that are reportedly set to fight it out for his signature during the upcoming summer transfer window. Not only is he incredibly tidy on the ball overall, but he rarely looks panicked when picking out passes either to his fellow defenders around him or into the midfield. His 79.42% passing accuracy is the current fourth-highest of any Everton player in the Premier League this term and when you consider his wide array of passing, that’s an impressive feat. That’s because alongside the simple passes that he completes, Branthwaite has additionally recorded 52 successful long passes – the third-most for his side – and has attempted 98 passes into the final third to boot.

On top of that, his ability to advance up the pitch whilst in possession, due to his advanced ability to dribble with the ball, also adds another string to his bow, and again, will be of particular interest to those elite sides in Europe who would rely on his skillset if they were to make a move for him this summer.

Of course, there are improvements that need to and likely will be made to take Branthwaite to the next level. Most of those are based upon gaining more and more playing time which will, in turn, build experience and will help the 21-year-old to shine even further. Although he’s shown a high level of defensive maturity, as mentioned before, his attempt to stop Erling Haaland earlier in the season, during a one-on-one battle highlighted that he is still a young defender in the Premier League, as he was brushed aside too easily after getting himself into an uncomfortable position. There’s also other small adjustments that need to be made to his game to reach the very top, namely not to go to ground too easily, but again, those weaknesses should be nullified further by getting more and more appearances under his belt.

Now announced in the England squad for the first time by Southgate for his country’s upcoming pre-Euro 2024 friendly matches against Belgium and Brazil, Jarrad Branthwaite’s immediate ambition will be to gain some valuable minutes for the Three Lions. Beyond that, the sky genuinely seems to be the limit for Everton’s 21-year-old defender.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Mar

2024

Assessing Germany’s striker situation: Spoilt for choice?

It would be far from controversial to say that the German men’s national side have experienced something of a crisis in the striker department since the retirement of a certain Miroslav Klose. A number of options have been experimented with in his stead – Mario Götze, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, to name a few.

By Ninad Barbadikar

It wasn’t until the introduction of Niclas Füllkrug that the problem had a stable solution. The now-Borussia Dortmund forward has emerged somewhat unexpectedly to become the defacto number nine for the national team. A good showing in Qatar at the World Cup has certainly cemented his claim to that.

Now though, Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann may be spoilt for choice ahead of the 2024 Euros in Germany. He has at least four credible options who will back themselves to be in the final team. Let’s look at each of them.

Deniz Undav

In what is only his fourth full season as a professional footballer, Deniz Undav has undoubtedly been one of the big surprise packages of the season.

On loan at VfB Stuttgart from Brighton and Hove Albion for the 2023-24 season, Undav has notched 14 goals and laid on a further six assists in just over 1400 Bundesliga minutes.

Serhou Guirassy has made headlines for his goal-scoring feats for Die Schwaben, but Undav’s own tally is nothing to sneeze at either. What makes the 27-year-old standout and be effective is his ability to generate shots and constantly be a threat inside the opposition box.

The German has averaged an incredible 0.74 xG per 90 in the Bundesliga this term, whilst his 14 goals have come from a tally of 11.62 xG. His strong underlying numbers can be attributed to just how many shots he gets away on a regular basis.

For a striker at 5”8’ ft. in height, Undav is no pushover in the air and even more effective in ground duels as well. He has a strong stocky build which is not as common in modern-day 9s. What he lacks in pace, he more than makes up for with his hold-up play and capacity to be a net-positive in possession.

Under Nagelsmann’s command for Germany, Undav would likely be best used in a strike pairing, with someone like Füllkrug. This would allow him to drop into pockets, link with Germany’s creative attackers and then attack opposition defences with well-timed runs into the box.

Maximilian Beier

From one late bloomer to a rookie making all the right noises, Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier is a star on the rise.

In what is his first full season in the Bundesliga, the 20-year-old has 12 goals from 25 appearances – a superb return for a forward who is very much still a raw talent.

Above all things, Beier is direct and fearless when taking on his markers. He excites audiences and devastates defences with his pace, and ability to time his runs on the counter.

The youngster’s lanky tall build also makes him a handful to contain, and yet, the most promising aspect of his skillset as a forward is his sense of positioning in and around the box.

Beier is a manager’s dream not only because of all the things he brings on the ball but off the ball as well, he works his socks off whilst pressing and has punished teams that have failed to live with his intensity. Borussia Dortmund experienced that first-hand at home in the 3-2 defeat to Hoffenheim.

Combining his off-ball strengths with explosiveness in transition, Beier makes for the perfect super-sub for Nagelsmann’s Germany at the Euros.

Marvin Ducksch

Another late bloomer in contention for a spot in Nagelsmann’s squad is Werder Bremen star Marvin Ducksch.

The former Dortmund youth academy product was first called up in November last year following an excellent start to the season.

“He brings a good amount of madness, which we need. He can be very valuable, especially as a joker,” said Nagelsmann, explaining his decision to call up the Bremen man back then.

Ducksch has carried Bremen on his back following Niclas Füllkrug’s departure last summer, scoring nine goals and making five assists in the league this season. The two strikers formed a fearsome pairing in the 2022-23 season, combining for some 39 goal contributions.

Nowadays, Ducksch is the main man at Bremen. Although he is physically quite similar to Füllkrug in being a target-man striker who can receive, hold-up the ball, and link play as well, Ducksch’s creative strengths are what help him stand out as a forward.

Standing at 6 ‘1 ft, Ducksch has a gangly yet strong frame which makes him a highly effective outlet for long balls into the final third. Once in possession of the ball, much like Füllkrug did last year at Bremen, Ducksch is usually the one making the final pass for runners around him.

The 30-year-old’s strong creative underlying numbers are also supplemented by his ability from set-pieces, he’s already shown his threat in those situations on multiple occasions this term.

Nagelsmann’s comments in the past do suggest that if Ducksch finishes the season strongly, he could well be a serious contender to be part of the final squad. The former Dortmund man enjoys a close relationship with first-choice Füllkrug, and brings a lot of variety to the table with what he can do as a striker.

Niclas Füllkrug

Finally, we close with the main man himself, Niclas Füllkrug.

Replacing Erling Haaland hasn’t been the easiest of tasks for the Dortmund hierarchy, but in Füllkrug, they seem to have struck gold for the short-term.

The Hanover native is on course to get over 20 goal contributions once again in the Bundesliga, having scored 11 and assisted eight so far this season.

Six of those 11 goals have come since the turn of the year, coinciding with Dortmund’s best run of form too. Though the goals have dried up more recently, he has struck up an excellent partnership with Donyell Malen and other Dortmund forwards. This bears positive omens for the upcoming Euros too.

What makes Füllkrug so perfect for Germany today is his combination of being the perfect link-play striker as well as being an old-school throwback nine, rough and ready to rumble, but equally delicate with his final actions.

Averaging some 1.39 chances created per 90 in the league, Fullkrug is well above his peers across the top European leagues when it comes to the volume of chance creation. A lot of these assists from him have come as a result of superb back-to-goal play and delicate passes or flick-ons into space.

He may not be the most aesthetically pleasing forward to watch, but there is a lot to like about a striker who can both be a battering ram or the scalpel stabbing perfect passes for his team-mates.

The great thing about Füllkrug’s presence as a striker is also his unselfishness in front of goal. Speaking to Sky Germany about his assist figures, he said, “If you think about it, we also have wide players who have played the central striker role at other clubs.”

“They are also determined players who like to finish chances and have the ability to show their individual quality. That’s why I often find myself in the role of the creator. As long as I can help and it’s good for the team, I’m completely okay with that”

He may not lift the Golden Boot again this term, however, Füllkrug comfortably remains Germany’s best number nine up front, who has what it takes to bring the best out of the hugely talented group of attackers around him.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Germany game live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2024

Charles De Ketelaere’s second act in Serie A

Some months ago, it seemed as if Charles De Ketelaere’s stint at the highest level of football was going to be short-lived after a horrendous season at Milan. But the Belgian is thriving and exciting at Atalanta and is quickly becoming a regret for Milan.

By Kaustubh Pandey

If there’s something which is common between Lucas Paquetá and De Ketelaere, it is that they joined Milan while being unfairly compared to the legendary Kaka but they could never truly make an impact at the Rossoneri. But after leaving, they grew in stature and while Paquetá was linked with a move to Manchester City last summer, De Ketelaere might well be preparing for a major move in the future too.

That move may not come right away, as Atalanta seem set to land him permanently in the summer and considering how much of a mark the Belgian has made, he deserves to become a permanent feature of La Dea’s project.

Milan days

At Milan, it never felt as if the Rossoneri were not supporting De Ketelaere. Till the very end of last season, manager Stefano Pioli backed him to the hilt despite his tally of no goals in all competitions. Pioli was also constantly complimentary of De Ketelaere’s abilities too and this gave the impression that the Rossoneri would be ready to bide their time with the player.

But right from the very beginning of the stint at San Siro, there was a feeling that De Ketelaere’s best position wasn’t quite known. Franck Kessié was used in the attacking midfield spot towards the end of time at Milan and Brahim Díaz hadn’t quite been consistent in the same role. And De Ketelaere was played in that position at various points of the season, but he failed to make a mark. He was also played upfront at times, while also being used on the right. In every role that he played, dilemmas persisted.

He perhaps wasn’t quick enough to play as an out-and-out winger and didn’t have the instincts to play as a proper striker. At No. 10, the game often seemed to pass him by. It was ironic because during his time at Club Brugge, De Ketelaere would play on either flanks, upfront or in attacking midfield. In his younger days, he even played in central midfield. At Milan, his strength turned into a weakness.

Paolo Maldini departed the club in the summer of 2023 and that didn’t help De Ketelaere’s case. During his time as club director, Maldini had signed De Ketelaere and had later stated that signing him made more sense for the Rossoneri than signing Paulo Dybala, even though La Joya would’ve been easier to land.

He told Sky Italia: “We have an idea and want to build a young and talented team. It is risky to sign young players. Sandro [Tonali] struggled in his first season; the same happened with Charles this year. But this is our idea of football, our idea of investment.”

Maldini’s exit, though, brought the end of De Ketelaere’s time at Milan. And if not for that, the 23-year-old might still be at the club and would’ve been handed the right time to make a mark at a massive footballing institution.

Atalanta move

Atalanta presented a completely new context to the ex-Brugge man and it has arguably been a big reason for his success in Bergamo.

The Belgian arrived at La Dea when Rasmus Højlund had departed the club for Manchester United and Duván Zapata sealed a late move to Torino. The duo was the chief source of goals for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side and Jérémie Boga was also sold to Nice after a rather underwhelming spell in Bergamo. Luis Muriel’s waning influence at the club also meant that attacking signings were needed.

On top of that, El Bilal Touré was signed from Almería but he picked up a long-term injury very early on. This put a fair amount of burden on De Ketelaere (and Gianluca Scamacca) to get the goals and while some players could have struggled, De Ketelaere took to the situation like a fish to water. He didn’t let a turbulent first season in Italy impact whatever was about to unfold at Atalanta.

De Ketelaere seems so much more involved in the final third in what is a possession-based, high-pressing and a sometimes full-throttle attacking setup under Gasperini. That is why his touches are in the 95 percentile and he’s also creating chances in the 99 percentile.

In Atalanta’s narrow front three that usually operates in a 3-4-2-1 or a 3-4-1-2, De Ketelaere has shown that he’s capable of playing everywhere. When Atalanta have played two upfront, he has played as the centre-forward. When they’ve played one man upfront, he has played as an attacking midfielder usually alongside Teun Koopmeiners.

In Atalanta’s setup under Gasperini, the two behind the striker are arguably the most important players and that is precisely why the likes of Papu Gómez and Josip Iličić gained so much acclaim. The system relies on the overloads they create in the final third and out wide and on the goals they provide to the side. De Ketelaere’s dynamism makes him a perfect fit for this and his tally of six goals and six assists shows that.

He is regularly involved in the final third and he is getting 52.6 touches per 90 minutes and also getting 6.10 touches in the opposition’s box per 90 minutes. For a player who couldn’t find his best at Milan, Atalanta’s system has helped him gain a huge boost of confidence at a crucial point of his career. Because he gets a high amount of touches, De Ketelaere can create more and score more too.

The 23-year-old has created 2.22 chances per 90 minutes, which is an excellent number. While he has completed 0.40 crosses per 90 minutes, Atalanta don’t rely on crosses. And De Ketelaere isn’t a crosser either. He is someone who uses shorter grounded passes to create and combine and that also is a natural demand from La Dea.

De Ketelaere is only slightly overperforming on his xG metric and that is actually a positive and suggests that he is finishing exactly as he can should. When Scamacca has often been in and out of the side, De Ketelaere has definitely been of help to Gasperini.

He is oozing confidence too, something which was unheard of last season when he looked like a shadow of his true self. Gasperini said exactly that after Atalanta beat Lazio earlier in the season and De Ketelaere grabbed a brace.

“He found an environment where he feels comfortable and in the last few months has gained confidence exponentially. You just have to look at the way he converted that penalty, how he tries moves that are not simple. He loses the ball rarely and is starting to win it back too.

“We always knew De Ketelaere was a quality player, but he is now playing with confidence and becoming a real reference point for the squad. I can think of no better compliment for him.”

In a way, Gasperini nails it. Atalanta have acquired the reputation for providing forward players the right environment to progress and become better than they were. Quite the same has happened for De Ketelaere.

He might yet prove to be an enigma once he leaves Atalanta because of his rather unique profile and stature but as far as living in the moment goes, the club have given him exactly the sort of foundation he needed to recover.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Serie A game on FotMob – with deep stats, xG, and players ratings. Download the free app here.