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Marvelous Analysis, Bulawayo (2026)

11/04/2025

JULIAN ALVAREZ TACTICAL ANALYSIS

Description: Julian Alvarez is a 25 year old striker, who plays for Atletico Madrid and Argentina. Similar in profile to Lautaro Martinez, Omar Marmoush, Marcus Thuram and Jonathan David.

Style of play and Best Attributes: Alvarez is a versatile forward, who can play as a centre forward, second striker, or even be deployed as a winger. Great finisher, good ball striking ability with both feet, has a natural striker poacher instinct, hence sometimes finishes awkward chances. Has intelligent movement, and excels in linking up play, and creating chances. Direct, quick and with decent drilling skills hence very effective in quick transitions. Alvarez is also a diligent presser with high workrate. Good penalty and freekick taker.

Weaknesses: Alvarez can be dominated in aerial duels and doesn't normally get involved in a lot of them.

Stats and Achievements: Check pics

Final Assessment: Alvarez is almost a perfect striker because he has intelligent movement and a natural finisher whose only weakness is not dominating in the air. A winner as well from World Cup to every top Cup one can think of.

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04/04/2025

PAU CUBARSI TACTICAL ANALYSIS

Description: Paul Cubarsi - 18 year old Spanish Centre Back. Similar in profile to players like Ruben Dias, Levi Colwill, Marquinhos, Daley Blind, and Lewis Dunk

Style of play and Best Attributes - One of the most technically gifted defenders in the world, excellent ball playing ability. Composed under pressure, with good range of passing from short to long passes, hence builds attacks from the back and can create chances with his progressive passes. Intelligent player, reads the game like a book, hence good timing of interceptions and tackles, aerial duels, which helps him because he is not a physical monster that bullies defenders. Can play as a right or left sided center-back. Has excelled in Barca's highline, doing offside traps etc. Hybrid between a ball winning aggressive defender and a sweeper.

Weaknesses: He is not an aerial, physical monster hence not ideal for playing a low block and consistently defending the box. 58% aerial duel success, which is decent, but the eye test shows you don't want him to be defending the box consistently. Cubarsi is of decent speed and accelaration hence may struggle against speedy opponents, with quick change of direction.

Stats and Achievements: Check attached pics.

Final Assessment: Perfect defender if the team builds from the back, and playing a highline.

06/09/2024

What Man Utd needed to do against Liverpool and areas of improvement in going forward.

Build up patterns need improvement (ie coaching). Everytime Licha or De Ligt had possession, it looked like they didn't have options, the team failed to create or utilise any overloads in the first phase, second phase and last phase. The ex*****on of whatever they were trying to do was belo

Show more urgency, 7when Bruno or anyone upfront starts to press, others need to follow to connect the press, if you can't do that, just stay in a mid block and block passing lanes, basically be compact.
We need Dalot, Licha, De Ligt, Mazraoui to play a high line, so as to reduce the space between defense and the midfield which doesn't have legs (Casemiro). Licha aggressive role, De Ligt act as a sweeper. Onana also act as a sweeper

Zirkzee and Bruno should have clearly defined roles from the coach. I personally would want Bruno to run in behind which Zirkzee drops because l dont thin Zirkzee can push the opposition defense back like how Bruno or someone like Hoijlund would.

15/07/2024

Player Analysis series: number 7

RB Leipzig and Spain Attacking midfielder Dani Olmo who is linked to Liverpool, FC Barcelona and Arsenal among other clubs.

A THREAD

Description: 26 year old Leipzig attacking midfielder who can play as a winger as well. Came through the Espanyol (2006 - 2007), Barca (2007 - 2014) Dinamo Zagreb (2014 - 2017) academy. Similar to players like Cole Palmer, Xavi Simons, Joao Felix and Isco in style of play.

Style of play and Best Attributes: Characterised by directness, agility and creativity. Creative midfielder who is good with key passes, through balls, crosses, defense splitting passes. Great passing range which is useful in opening up a low block or counter attacking.

Great dribler with good balance and strength, hence excels in tight spaces. High workrate defensively, with FBREF below showing evidence of his high numbers in Interceptions, tackles and clearances. He has got a good shot in him from outside the box.

Weaknesses: Injury prone player. Has only played more than 30 matches a season in 1 of his last 8 seasons. Due to his injuries, Olmo's goal contribution numbers are not high (highest of 14 in two of the last 8 seasons) despite being very good offensively.

Stats and Achievements: Won Euros 2024 with Spain and was the joint top goalscorer. Has got 29 goals and 34 assists in 148 appearances for Leipzig. Managed 4 goals 5 assists last season. FBREF shows how much of a balanced player he is. More achievements and Stats below:

Final Assessment: A solid hard-working player who can excel in possession teams due to being ball secure, and ability in maneuvering tight spaces. Can also excel in counter attacking system because of his directness, good passing range, and defense splitting passes.

10/07/2024

Player Tactical Analysis series - number 6

Girona LB Miguel Gutierrez who is linked to Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid

A THREAD

Description: 22 year old Spanish footballer who plays as a left back for Girona. Versatile, and has played at Centre Back, Centre Mid and Left Wing. Came through the Getafe (2006 - 2011) and Real Madrid (2011 - 2022) academy, appearing 9 times for the senior team before leaving.

Similar to fullbacks such as AC Milan's Theo Hernandez, Leverkusen's Grimaldo and Napoli's Di Lorenzo in style of play, strengths and weaknesses.

Style of play and Best Attributes: Amazing dribler, dangerous in 1v1s. Has the end product for it as he excels in making accurate crosses. Technically gifted, hence can maneuver in tight spaces. Progresses play very well through breaking opposition defensive lines using ball Carrying and his good passing range. Generally looks ball secure even under pressure hence a great asset for building play from the back. Has some pace to deal with fast wingers as well as work a yard to deliver crosses. Intelligent player with good reading of the game.

An asset in delivering set pieces and scoring penalties.

Weaknesses: Defensively weaker. FBREF shows his low numbers in tackles, interceptions, blocks, clearances and aerial duels.

Stats and Achievements: 7.1 overall rating for 2023/24 season. Helped Girona qualify for Champions league by finishing 3rd in Laliga. 2 goals and 7 assists in 35 matches.

Final Assessment: Exciting talent who can excel in both direct and possession based systems due to his direct nature, vision and technical ability. Although with defensive weaknesses, he is still quite solid off the ball.

As a fan, would you love your club to buy Gutierrez?

08/07/2024

Player Tactical Analysis series: number 5

Italy and FC Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who seems headed to Arsenal, was linked to Juventus, Liverpool among other clubs. A THREAD

Description: 22 year old versatile defender who has played as Centre Back, Left Back and Left Wingback for his current and previous clubs. Similar to players like Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund), Piero Hincapie (Leverkusen), Jules Kounde (Barcelona) and Benjamin Pavard(Inter Milan).

Strengths: Progresses play very well through carries and passes. Good passing range which makes him great at ball distribution. Technically gifted allowing him to be press resistant. Good strength, uses it to shield the ball when driving forward. Dominant in ground and...Aerial duels. Great in build up as he is ball secure and can play line breaking passes. Has great anticipation and reading of the game allowing for a lot of interceptions hence ranks in top 3% for interceptions compared to othe CBs. Versatile, can be used as CB, LB and LWB.

Weaknesses: No significant weaknesses. Opposition can exploit the space he leaves behind when he drives forward and teammates fail to cover for him quickly. Suffered a major injury that almost ended his career, meaning he may be susceptible to injuries.

Stats: Had a rating of 7.3 in the 2023/24 season for Bologna in Serie A. 2 goals and 5 assists in 33 appearances. Ranks in 99 percentile for assists, 97 shot creating actions, 88 percentile for progressive passes and 96 for interceptions. More of his stats from the FBREF below

Final Assessment: Solid modern defender with World class potential. Offensively and defensively sound, can defend the box, and also press high and play a high line.

As a fan would you like to see him in your team?

04/07/2024

Player Assessment series: number 4 Joao Palhinha, who is set to sign for Bayern Munich

Player profile and tactical analysis THREAD

Description: 29 year old Portuguese defensive midfielder, who has played for Fulham, Sporting CP, Braga among other teams. Similar to players like Manchester United's Casemiro, PSG's Manuel Ugarte, Everton's Amadou Onana in style of play, strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths: Ball winning is his game. Dominates ground and aerial duels. Strong with his tackles. Has good positional awareness hence knows when to apply pressure or maintain his position in order to cut a passing lane. Excels in ball retention. Good with long balls when...

Switching play. A set piece threat in the box through heading on getting on second balls. Aggressive and strong enough to be physical and press high.

Weaknesses: Commits too many fouls when he doesn't win duels. He lacks creativity going forward and can't dictate play like elite defensive midfielders (eg Rodri). Progressing play through a carry or pass is also a weakness as shown by the FBREF from 2023/24 season.

Stats: Had a 7.1 rating in the 2023/24 season for Fulham. Managed 4 goals and 1 assist. Ranks in 99th percentile for tackles and is also in the 90s for interceptions, blocks. 84 for clearances and 73 percent aerial duels won.

My Assessment: A traditional number 6 who is Elite in ball winning but comes short in other aspects of the game hence needs a playmaker next to him in the midfield in order to create a strong partnership.

01/07/2024

Player Assessment series number 3: Joshua Kimmich. A THREAD
linked to Arsenal, FC Barcelona, Liverpool among others.

Description: 29 year old (born 8 February 1995) FC Bayern and German International who plays as a right back or defensive midfielder. Similar to fullbacks.....Like Napoli's Di Lorenzo, Bayer Leverkusen's Grimaldo, Liverpool’s Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson. Similar to midfielders like Brighton's Pascal Gross, Man Utd's Christian Eriksen, Barcelona's Pedri and Girona's Aleix Garcia in style of play, strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths: A technically gifted player. A playmaker, with goof vision and good ex*****on of long and shot passes. Excels in crossing and utilises that ability in set piece taking. Defensively he has a high workrate and good with his tackles. Versatile player that can be........Deployed in different positions and still excel offensively and defensively. Has a good shot in him although he doesn't score many.

Weaknesses: Aerial duels. 1 v 1 defending against good driblers. Can be easily by passed or dribled past sometimes due to his aggression......Stats: Overall rating of 7.5 in the Bundesliga 2023/24 season. Managed 6 assists and 1 goal in 28 matches. Had a 91.2 pass accuracy. 15 goal contributions in the league in the 2021/22 season was his best so far in his career.

My Assessment: An experienced, versatile, creative..Player who has been regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the world due to being reliable with his strengths and since he is also not injury prone. Won UEFA Chammpions league defender of the season when Bayern won the treble in the 2019/20 season. An all rounded payee with..Few weaknesses

As a fan of the teams linked to Joshua Kimmich, would you love for your club to buy him?

27/06/2024

Transfer linked player assessment.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool among other teams linked to Portuguese and Wolves Winger Pedro Neto.

Description: 24 year old (born 9 March 2000) Wolves winger, has played as a centre forward and a central attacking midfielder at some point Left footed but decent with his right as well. Similar to players like West Ham's Mohammed Kudus, PSG's Ousmane Dembele, Girona's Savio, Bayern's Leroy Sane, and AC Milan's Rafael Leao in strengths, weaknesses and general style of play.

Strengths: Crossing is his major strength. Strength which he uses to get a lot of assists and utilises it in set piece taking. Excels in dribbling and ball carrying which forms a larger part of how he progresses play. Good in 1v 1 situations. A counter attacking threat with his pace and ability. Creative and Unselfish... Winger who excels in key passes as he prefers to provide a cutback or cross over cutting inside and shooting which is common in most direct forwards.

Weaknesses: Struggles with Aerial duels. His general defensive contributions are a weakness. Finishing is also a weakness as....Evidenced by his stats. He strikes the ball well and scores bangers but doesn't score many. Injury prone player.

Stats: Had a rating of 6.99 in the 2023/24 EPL season. Scored 2 and assisted 9 in 18 league matches. 0 goals and 0 assists in 18 league matches in the 2022/23 season. His highest goal contributions for Wolves have been 11 goal contributions in 18 matches which he attained last season. Has another 11 goal contributions during the 2020/21 season for Wolves.

My Assessment: Quality winger who can excel in a direct as well as possession based....System. His injury challenges hinder his progress and he is most likely going to end up not reaching his maximum potential.

As a fan of the clubs linked to Pedro Neto, would you be happy to sign him?

24/06/2024

Liverpool, Man Utd amongst other clubs interested in signing Juventus CM Adrien Rabiot.
Description: 29 year old (born 3 April 1995) Central Midfielder, has played as a left wingback, and Defensive midfielder. Similar to players like Newcastle's Joelinton, Tottenham’s Pape Sarr, Bayer Leverkusen's Andrich and Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente in terms of his style of play, strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths: Physicality is his game. Excels in winning possession through breaking up play using interceptions and strong tackles. Good with ground and aerial duels. Has a high workrate, someone who can cover ground and defend wide areas when covering for a fullback. He is a great ball carrier, that largely progresses play in this manner more than through passing.

Weaknesses: Discipline and Concentration.

Stats: Had a rating of 7.28 in the 2023/24 Serie A. Registered 5 goals and 4 assists in 31 league matches. 8 goals and 4 assists in the 2022/23 season.

My Assessment: Jack of all trade and master of non type of a player for me. Good player who can recover possession, good passer as well, has some creativity in him but not an elite player.His stats show us that he can't be relied upon to assist and score goals. He is also not someone who will dictate play.

As a fan of the linked clubs, would you like to see them sign Adrien Rabiot?

24/06/2024

In the next coming weeks, up until the 2024/25 seasons kickoff, l will be doing some series on player transfer targets, looking at their profiles, what type of a player they are, strengths and weaknesses, basically a tactical assessment. Reports say Liverpool, Man United are ....Interested in Juventus' Adrien Rabiot. Will start with this one. Share other transfer targets that you would like me to write about.

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