⏰️Time to launch🚀 My sixth book is go, go, go! Slot's Masterstroke is live and just waiting for you to dig in! All 56 games of Arne Slot's title winning debut season with Liverpool examined, pulling out the key principles and tactics that were keys to success! Check it out!

Principles are Universal Preferences are Personal Different styles can succeed. The core principles remain. #SundayShare

The game builds So should training Add opposition Increase decisions

As Brazil kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign today here is a mix of history, analysis and fantasy that I wrote in 2023. (very long read, enjoy!) WHAT IF BRAZIL 1970 PLAYED SPAIN 2008–12? What is the greatest football team of all time? People delight in absolutes and having heated but ultimately pointless debates about the word ‘greatest’. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon with friends. The discussion will inevitably split between club and international teams. Equally inevitably, Brazil 1970 will be brought up. If we were to pick a marquee international fixture to decide the greatest team of all time, Brazil 1970 would undoubtedly be involved. For a generation the 1970 FIFA World Cup was the most important and most eye-opening event . It was the first tournament broadcast in colour, which immediately provided added vibrancy. England went into the tournament as defending world champions, decked out in an iconic, pure, all-white kit. Then there was the mystique and magic of Brazil, whose distinct bright yellow shirts came to polychromatic life. Brazil offered an irresistible cocktail for the global audience, the primary attraction being a global legend at the apex of his career, Pelé. At the 1958 World Cup Pelé made a huge impact as a teenager. In 1962 he was injured early on in the tournament, Brazil victorious despite his absence . In 1966 Pelé received notoriously rough treatment from opponents, with injury hampering his involvement and Brazil’s progress. By 1970 Pelé had a point to prove . The Brazil squad was packed with attacking talent . As well as Pelé the line-up featured Tostão, Jairzinho, Gerson, Rivellino and Clodoaldo . The team was captained by Carlos Alberto, an aggressive, attacking right-back . Brazil played six games at the tournament, winning all six . In the group stage Brazil cruised past Czechoslovakia 4-1 before facing England. The defending champions would be beaten 1-0 in a game laced with iconic moments . That tackle by Moore. What a save by Gordon Banks! Jeff Astle fizzing a low, left-footed chance a fraction wide with the score still 0-0. Jairzinho ripping a shot into the net following a Pelé assist. Bobby Moore and Pelé embracing at the end of the game. Brazil then beat Romania 3-2 in their final group game. Next was Peru 4-2 in the quarter-final. Uruguay 3-1 in the semi-final. They provided further iconic moments as they progressed to the final with spectacular swerving free kicks and dazzling skills but Pelé was creating his own personal highlight reel. As well as scoring the goals he was creating them . Yet it was the almost moments that resounded most. Almost scoring from halfway. Almost scoring after an outrageous dummy, leaving a long through ball then running round a bamboozled goalkeeper, the shot from a tight angle trundling just wide. Slamming a miscued goal kick immediately back at goal. In the final Brazil met the notoriously outstanding Italian defence. The glorious passing of Gerson, dazzling dribbling of Rivellino, thunderous shooting of Tostão and hunger for goals of Jairzinho were far too much for Italy. Pelé opened the scoring with a gravity-defying leap and pneumatic pump of the neck muscles. The final goal of the game is one of the most iconic goals in football history. A sweeping team move capped with Pelé’s glorious lay-off to Carlos Alberto, made all the more memorable because Pelé appears to pass into a completely empty space until Carlos Alberto gallops into the frame and lashes a right-foot shot into the corner. The game is won 4-1 . This is the measuring stick for all Brazilian teams that have followed the. Who would they face off against though? In over 100 years of internationals football has witnessed many fantastic teams. How do we select and define their greatness? The team has to have two features . It has to have won a major trophy and enchant the imagination in some way. Numerous teams fulfil one of these but not many secure both. Greece were successful but were the antithesis of enchanting. Hungary 1954, Netherlands 1974 and Brazil 1982 enchanted but failed to bring home the trophy, so they are out. Brazil have had many great teams, with the 1958–62 side strong contenders, but I am not convinced anyone really wants to watch Brazil vs Brazil. Besides, Pelé would really struggle to play for both 1958–62 and 1970 at the same time. None of the West German or German teams have captured the imagination. The same can be said of Italy . France from 1998–2000 are very strong contenders with a mix of wonderful individuals, fine football and trophy wins. However, using the criteria there is a group better suited to the task. Spain did not quite have the individual flair of Brazil 1970 in any of their three great teams . They were true teams. In 2008 the first task of Luis Aragonés was to bring together the rival Real Madrid and Barcelona players. In 2008 Barcelona were pre-Guardiola and Spain pre- the tiki-taka brand of football. Their style was somewhat more direct than they would become but the keys to the performances were the talents in midfield, something that would only become increasingly important across the coming tournaments. An axis of Xavi and Iniesta was cemented, with Fernando Torres the spearhead as the sole striker. David Villa was a key to the team, playing as a second striker but with the freedom to drift across the pitch. However, his tournament was cut short by an injury, leaving Torres isolated in the final. That glorious isolation would lead to the only goal of the 2008 European Championship Final – Torres sprinting on to a Xavi through-ball to dink a finish over the advancing goalkeeper. By 2010 Spain had developed further, now managed by Vicente del Bosque and heavily under the stylistic influence of Pep Guardiola. Spain’s possession football was criticised at times for lacking a cutting edge and they opened the tournament with a 1-0 loss against Switzerland. From there they won every game but scored few goals. In the group stage they scored twice to beat Honduras and then beat Chile 2-1. From the last 16 through to the final all of their games were won by the scoreline of 1-0. By now the defence was well established: Iker Casillas in goal, Sergio Ramos at right-back, Carles Puyol and Gerard Piqué as the central defenders and Juan Capdevila at left back. The midfield was the Spanish powerhouse. Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi were the core. Xavi and Iniesta are synonymous as a central midfield paring but Iniesta was used as a wide player by Spain. Such was the midfield depth that David Silva, Juan Mata and Cesc Fàbregas were substitutes. It was from the bench that Fàbregas slipped a killer pass to Iniesta to stroke in the only goal of the final versus a rough, tough Netherlands team. In 2012 Spain were in their final, apex form. The tiki-taka style had fully embedded into the team and the side played mostly without a centre-forward, using Cesc Fàbregas in the false nine role, dropping from a traditional centre-forward position into deeper midfield areas. Torres came off the bench to play as a more traditional forward but in the final against Italy they started with six players who could be classified as playing in central midfield roles: Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, David Silva, Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fàbregas. This relied on players making forward runs from deeper and wider positions. If the runs did not come or the passes were not picked out Spain could become turgid, as they were in the semi-final against Portugal, drawing 0-0 and only coming through after a penalty shoot-out. However, when it clicked into gear the style was fluid, exciting and impossible to stop . This was the case in the final as Spain produced a wonderful show of fast passing and off-the-ball movement to win 4-0. We have our teams for this fantasy match-up – now we must make a few adjustments to set the scene fully. For Brazil the team squad and manager are clear and straightforward. For Spain, spanning three tournaments, it is less transparent. In terms of manager we will take Del Bosque as he won two of the three trophies and coached the Spanish side when they performed in the manner that most would associate with them. The high-possession, counter-pressing style adapted from Guardiola’s Barcelona was most apparent in 2012, therefore the majority of the team will be that 2012 line-up. A few changes should be made. Ramos should be moved from his 2012 central defender position to his 2010 and 2008 right-back position. This makes room for Carles Puyol. Capdevila played in both the 2008 and 2010 finals but Jordi Alba’s overlapping runs are so key to the style of the 2012 team, he gets the start. Switching Puyol in does not impact the playing style to the same extent. In the forward positions David Villa takes one of the spaces. He comes in for David Silva, moving to the left side of an extremely narrow midfield. Iniesta has to shift across to the right. Fàbregas remains as a false nine. We will assume that Brazil have adopted modern fitness methods and neither team will have a physical advantage. The game requires a neutral venue. We will select Wembley Stadium, but not the new Wembley topped with a metallic arch, but the Wembley with the Twin Towers. A ball should also be selected, given footballs have changed a great deal over time, a ball from a neutral time period would be suitable. The Italia 90 World Cup is 20 years after Brazil’s win and 20 years before Spain’s. The ball for the game will be the Adidas Etrusco Unico from the 1990 tournament. What we cannot do is give Brazil modern tactics. They can only use the tactics they displayed in 1970. Similarly, Spain will only use the 2012 tactics. While the 2008 team would sling in crosses this was rare for the 2012 side. Spain will be using a short passing style. The Spanish team of 2008 had more in common with Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Madrid in terms of formation. The system was a highly flexible 4-2-3-1 that morphed into 4-2-4 or 4-2-2-2. The team set up in a mid-block, looking for opportunities to regain the ball close to the halfway line rather than being committed to applying pressure close to the opponent’s penalty area in a high press . By 2010 this had changed – the system was 4-2-3-1, built upon a triangular axis of Xavi, Busquets and Xabi Alonso . All three were capable of acting as playmakers, while Busquets could drop into the defensive line when required. This triangle remained in place by 2012. In 2010 David Villa was a clear striker for the Spanish side. By 2012 he had signed for Barcelona and played wide on the left. Spain used him there before his injury in the early stages. Cesc Fàbregas played as a false nine, with Andrés Iniesta wide. This is the system that will face Brazil. One built around a narrow midfield, packed with possession experts who make clever runs in behind defences, the spaces for these runs created by the movement of the false nine, dragging central defenders out of position. The narrow formation relied on clever midfielders pulling wide (Silva or Iniesta) or the full-backs overlapping aggressively (Alba and Arbeloa in 2012, Ramos in our line-up). Possession for Spain had multiple purposes. To control the tempo of the game. To allow players to conserve energy and tire out the opposition. To prevent the opposition from scoring. To pull opponents out of position. Possession was the key, thus at restarts Spain would use their goal kicks to pass the ball short and start the passing cycle all over again. Spain were the epitome of system and team; their reward was three consecutive tournament victories Brazil were the masters of individuality and finding ways for their elite talents to flourish. Tactically Brazil were sophisticated if not complicated. Defensively the team sat off in a somewhat passive deep block, not really looking to regain the ball until it had progressed deep inside their territory. Central defenders Brito and Piazza stayed deep, with left-back Everaldo not straying too far forward. Right-back Carlos Alberto provided attacking thrust on the right-hand side of the back four. The shape ahead of the back four is often characterised as a ‘Brazilian box’, a 4-2-2-2 with two players sitting deep, two as attacking midfielders and two strikers, but the system was far more fluid and flexible than that. Clodoaldo generally remained closer to the back four, playing shorter, connecting passes. Gerson performed a playmaking role, spraying longer passes and using his long-range shooting ability. The brilliant dribbler Rivellino largely stuck to the left-hand side but would tuck inside behind the forwards, into a number ten position. It is the relationship between Pelé, Tostão and Jairzinho where the sophistication emerges. Jairzinho played nominally as a right-winger, but he had licence to arrive in the centre-forward position .This was possible because both Pelé and Tostão had total freedom to take up any position on the pitch, pulling away from the centre-forward role, creating space for Tostão to arrive into. Pelé spent much of the tournament dropping deep, rather than running in behind – Jairzinho did the running in behind . Pelé then got into the box when the ball was in wide areas to exploit his heading ability.The Brazilian attack functioned much in the way we would consider the relationship between a false nine and modern goalscoring wide men. With the tactical approaches clear, just how does our game play out? Brazil’s start is as bright as their shimmering yellow strip. They have early possession with Gerson spraying passes from flank to flank. One switch of play picks out Rivellino on the left. He tricks a couple of defenders, slithering into the penalty area. His thunderous left-boot strike is brilliantly fingertipped on to the post by Iker Casillas. Spain’s possession and technical football is much discussed but far less discussed is that in goal they had a match-winner. At times Real Madrid were porous defensively but Casillas pulled off remarkable saves to keep the opposition at bay. Spain’s defending was far better but Iker still possessed the same match-winning capabilities. The tempo of the game settles down. Brazil keep their distance from Spain, who stroke the ball around. They are happy to keep possession and unwilling to take risks early in the game. Possession without penetration, almost sterile football. Brazil pinch possession in the centre of the pitch through Clodoaldo . He passes short to Tostão, who sets the ball back to Gerson. Jairzinho begins his run in behind and Gerson picks him out. Jairzinho’s touch takes him a fraction too wide to shoot so he clips a ball back towards the penalty spot. Pelé leaps and powers a header down and into the bottom corner beyond the dive of Casillas. Brazil take the lead inside the first quarter of an hour. Spain crank things up a gear. They begin to counter press with more ferocity, regaining possession frequently. Their probing passes force some desperate Brazilian defending leading to corner kicks, but Brazil scramble them away. Just. Brito finally gets sucked in by Fàbregas’ movement. Fàbregas drops short and receives the ball. Brito follows him, leaving a gap in the Brazilian back line. Fàbregas passes to Xavi, who lays the ball off to Xabi Alonso. Alonso punches a pass into the gap vacated by Brito . David Villa races on to it. As he strikes the shot Carlos Alberto recovers brilliantly, deflecting the shot on to the bar and behind for a corner. There are mere moments before half-time. Alonso fizzes a corner into the near post area, and Sergio Ramos, master of the big goal, adds another to his collection, flicking the ball into the roof of net. Half-time and the scores are level. The pattern of the second half is one of Spanish possession punctuated by Brazilian breakaways. Now that Spain are level they have returned to risk-averse mode. Slowly passing higher and higher up the pitch. Pushing Brazil further back. By the midway point of the second half Spain’s central defenders are camped almost 15 yards inside the Brazil half. This leaves acres of space behind the Spanish defence with Brazil poised to break. Pelé pounces on a stray pass and sets Jairzinho away. Puyol struggles to keep up and brings Jairzinho down 35 yards out. Controversially, he escapes with only a yellow card. It seems like half of the Brazil team are interested in taking the free kick. Eventually they back away, leaving Tostão, Pelé and Rivellino. Tostão unleashes a swerving effort, dipping late and flicking off the top of the Spanish crossbar. Inside the last ten minutes Spain have been unable to create a real chance despite having almost 70 per cent of possession. Brazil have held firm but when they lose the ball in their own half as Spain press the Brazilian defenders hard. They have to be more cautious when the midfielders regain possession because their technical ability enables them to play through the press on a number of occasions, Casillas having to be alert and sweep up the danger. Finally, Xavi flicks a pass into the Brazilian penalty area . Iniesta times his run perfectly. For the first time Spain have a runner from midfield and Iniesta controls the ball perfectly with the laces of his right foot. Almost instantly he pokes the ball through the legs of the onrushing Felix . Spain take the lead, 2-1 with five minutes remaining . Brazil dig deep. In stoppage time Tostão finds Pelé on the edge of the Spanish penalty area. He shimmies and twists. Casillas is fractionally off his line. Of course, the master has spotted this. Pelé floats a chipped effort goalward. Casillas is stranded, an onlooker just like everyone else as the ball drifts towards goal … and it keeps drifting a fraction wide of the post. Spain have won 2-1, ultimately starving Brazil of enough of the ball for their individuals to do too much damage. Victory for the team over the individuals, but it was mighty close.

Complex, not complicated. This is the first in a poster series exploring the principles of play — the ideas beneath formations, tactics, styles, and coaching preferences. Part 1: strip the game back to its essential truths. It's Principles.

🚨52 Top Tips 🚨 Tip 44 - Learn From The Past If you want all 52 Top Tips in one go visit the Gumroad link in my pinned post. I am running a "pay what you want offer for the document. You can pay 50p, £1, £10 or £1000 it is completely up to you! #SundayShare

As the World Cup is kicks off today a reminder. Pele is football. For generations if you thought of the sport you immediately thought of the great Brazilian. Transcendent.

3v3 and a 1v1 Magic

The Coach Is An Architect Change The Environment Players Learn From The Problems We Create

Create More Games Rather Than One Big Game

I had the great pleasure of reviewing Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait for a magazine (I had two years as a part time film reviewer). It was utterly magnificent.

And Bam! Iraola is confirmed as the new Liverpool manager. A choice that has raised the levels of interest and excitement amongst supporters.

Iraola is confirmed as the new Liverpool manager. Will Liverpool immediately look to Bournemouth for new signings?

"Call me"

Rebuilding Liverpool - Series Summary (long read) This series was only intended to be the four original parts. Liverpool changed so much in a week. Konate was definitely out. Slot was sacked. Iraola was in. A small series became a week long saga. As the dust settles and we all wait for the official announcement of Andoni Iraola as manager, here is my final summary of rebuilding Liverpool. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen (Brighton) An experienced and Premier League proven goalkeeper, but still only 23 years-old. Verbruggen would bring size, excellent ability with the ball at his feet and the potential to fill the goalkeeper position for a decade. (note - in terms of budget the best solution might be simply to retain Alisson for another year) Centre Back Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace) Lacroix is a good fit as a like for like replacement for Konate. Physically powerful and with the required speed to cover the right side channel. Should Liverpool want to look at different type of defender, less physical, more technical van Hecke or Brighton and Antonio Silva of Benfica would be good signings. Right Back Michael Kayode (Brentford) Dynamic, explosive and still young. Kayode has been fantastic defensively. Kayode can offer attacking threat but is a offers better balance of defensive and attacking skills than the current squad members. Central Midfield Eliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) Anderson is the standout defensive midfielder in the Premier League. At the top or near the top of all statistical categories. Manchester City and Manchester United lead the race, but Anderson would strengthen Liverpool in an area that really needs strengthening. Attackers Yan Diomande and Jarrod Bowen Diomande is young and exciting. He had an outstanding season with RB Leipzig. The ability to beat defenders and cross or shoot with both feet is a valuable commodity, one which Diomande possesses. West Ham were relegated yet Bowen managed to produced a season where he contributed 20 goals and assists combined. Fantastic numbers for any team, let alone a relegated team. Bowen can play on the flanks and is capable in the centre forward position. Manager Julian Nagelsemann Nagelsmann has long impressed me with his style of play and tactical flexibilty. Iraola is about to be announced as the next Liverpool manager and I am very pleased with that choice. Another manager who plays attacking, counter pressing football. Bournemouth Signings Alex Scott A dynamic defensive midfielder who would bring an immediate understanding of Iraola's system while strengthening an area of weakness. Thank you to everyone who followed this series. It was great fun and almost 600k people viewed the write ups. There will surely be more discussions about the rebuild in the coming days. So, what would you prioritse? Goalkeeper Central Defender Right Back Central Midfield Attack

Rebuilding Liverpool - Part 6 Who Should Liverpool Sign From Bournemouth? (long read) Andoni Iraola, the next Liverpool manager. With Arne Slot departing Liverpool seemed to have an immediate plan. Iraola had declared that he would be leaving Bournemouth and was available. They moved quickly opening talks. Iraola is expected to bring a fast paced attacking style, with a mixture of possession and verticality. Hard pressing and high energy. A return to Heavy Metal football. Or something like it. It will take time for the players to fully learn the intricacies of their new manager’s tactics. A potential short cut towards tactical cohesion could be to bring in players that Iraola is already familiar with. Who from Bournemouth might Liverpool sign? Which players fit Liverpool’s needs will help Iraola’s style settle quickly? Alex Scott Long earmarked as one of the brightest prospects in the Championship, it was Bournemouth who made the move to sign Scott from Bristol City. Scott can play as both a defensive midfielder (no.6) and box to box midfielder (no.8). In the 25-26 season Iraola utilised him mainly as defensive midfielder, a role that Liverpool need to strengthen. Scott is a good passer, has the ability to carry the ball forward and wins a high percentage of his duels on the ground and in the air. In some respect he offers similar skills to Ryan Gravenberch, which might be a good thing. Junior Kroupi Kroupi had an eye catching season in front of goal. Thirteen league goals for the versatile teenage forward who played a central striker or as a second, deeper striker. Kroupi looked sharp around the penalty area, able to find opportunities with both feet and his head. Quick to run in behind and possessing quick feet, Kroupi has been an elusive presence for defences to keep tabs on.Undoubtedly he is an exciting talent, but is he a player that Liverpool need? Perhaps, with Ekitike out injured now would be the right time to try to bring him in. Much will depend on who else Liverpool look to sign. The longer teams wait the more expensive Kroupi will become. Rayan “Brazilian wonderkid” is a phrase that excites the imagination of most football fans. Rayan only signed for Bournemouth in January 2026 but did more than enough to attract the attention of the bigger teams. A 19 year-old left footed, right winger who could be a long term Salah replacement. Much would depend on Rayan’s development opportunities and who Liverpool bring in. Yan Diomande is reported to be Liverpool’s top transfer target and his prime position is the right wing. Rayan would be a good signing but low down the list of Liverpool’s needs. James Hill Few Premier League players can be described as under the radar, but James Hill might just fit that bill. Bournemouth recruited Hill from Fleetwood Town before sending him on loan to gain experience. With central defenders leaving in the summer of 2025 it was Hill’s chance. Which he grabbed. Twenty one Premier League starts with impressive defensive statistics. Hill won 64% of his duels and 65.5% of his aerial duels, very impressive numbers. With Konate leaving Liverpool now have a vacancy at right sided centre back. Hill might not be a glamour name but he could be an excellent fit. My Pick Alex Scott Scott fits Liverpool’s biggest need. The central midfield has been far too easy to bypass this season and Scott offers strength in that area. Kroupi is probably the most exciting option, but would be low down the list of Liverpool’s needs. Hill fits one of Liverpool’s major needs but might be too much of a left field signing.

Rebuilding Liverpool - Part 2a (long read) You should never assume anything. Yet, I assumed that Ibrahima Konate would be signing a new contract with Liverpool. Reports seemed to be indicating he would. Liverpool seemed to be indicated that he would. Now, there will be a Konate sized hole in the right side of the Liverpool defence. When I originally wrote about defenders there were two highly experienced centre backs and two promising young defenders. Now Konate’s positioned needs to be filled with a player who is Premier League ready. Senesi appears to be all but signed for Tottenham (never assume) and van de Ven is left sided. A whole new list of candidates is required. Konate is not easy to replace. His mix if pace, strength and ability in the air narrows down the possible targets immediately. When factoring in ability on the ball because Liverpool will dominate possession against half the teams they face, the fit becomes even narrower. The Contenders Maxence Lacroix - Crystal Palace Lacroix has been outstanding for Crystal Palace as they have enjoyed a period of success unparalleled in the club’s history. Two trophies in two seasons is amazing overachievement. His Premier League experience makes him an attractive proposition, however, the majority of this has been playing in a back three. He may adapt easily, he also may not be as defensively adept in a different system. Lacroix has excellent pass completion (88%) and won 61% of all duels. Not quite as good as Konate in the air but still very competitive. Lacroix has the speed and strength to cover the right side defensive channel, which was one of Konate’s biggest roles in the team. If Liverpool persist with an attacking right back the ability to cover the space behind in transition will be vital. Ousmane Diomande - Sporting Lisbon Though he is only twenty two Diomande has title winning experience and over 100 first team games played. Physically, Diomande is an imposing presence, 6 feet 3 inches tall and well over 90kg. His reputation is as a player who is strong in the air and fast across the ground. During the 25-26 season Diomande missed a lot of games and if Liverpool were to sign him it might be a move based more on potential and reputation than current form. Like Lacroix, Diomande has a lot of experience in a back three but less experience in a back four. Oumar Solet - Udinese Serie A based Solet comes from the Red Bull school of talent ID. Konate, Upamecano and Gvardiol being three prominent graduates. Liverpool have signed many players with Red Bull lineage who have been great successes. Solet completed 90% of his passes, carried the ball forward succesfully 41 times and won 54% of his aerial contests. He is an aggressive, front foot defender who represents a possibly lower price point. The issue is that he is still a little bit of a gamble due to his lack of top team experience. Loic Bade - Bayer Leverkusen Bade made 26 starts for Leverkusen at right side centre back in the 25-26 season. Leverkusen are another team that plays a back three but at Sevilla he regularly featured in a four man defence as the right sided central defender. Bade completed 92% of his passes and won a high 64% of his aerial duels. He is not as fast as Konate or some of the other players on this list, which could cause issues when covering the channels and space behind the full back, however, if Liverpool change their full back approach and use an inverted shape Bade is one to consider for his aerial prowess and in possession play. Antonio Silva - Benfica Young but highly experienced, a title winner in Portugal, over 100 games for Benfica and 20 plus caps for Portugal. Antonio Silva might be the best elite central defender in Europe who won’t carry a huge price tag. Silva is a different profile to Konate, not quite as fast, not quite as strong, but assured in possession and confident defensively. Silva’s strength out of possession is his ability to read the game, anticipating danger. His recover speed is good but his top speed does not reach Konate levels (low 30s kph compared to mid 30s kph). Silva is ready to move away from Portugal to a top European league, maybe that move is to Anfield? Jan Paul van Hecke - Brighton Brighton’s production line of developmental talent unearthed another diamond in jan Paul van Hecke. Four seasons of Premier League experience for van Hecke is a big plus for a club looking to recruit him. He has been robust enough to play over thirty league games in the last two seasons and at 25 years-old he is the perfect age for a central defender to make a big move. Highly experienced in a back four but not an exact fit when it comes to replacing Konate, van Hecke is another player who represents a slight change of style. Brighton play in the modern manner, high pressing, high line, happy to have possession but looking for opportunities to counter attack. In possession van Hecke has been highlighted as one of the best central defenders in the Premier League, but some doubts have been raised over him defensively. In 1v1 situations he doesn’t compare well to Konate or van Dijk, having been dribbled past 21 times. His duel success is good with 61% overall and 58% in the air. It should be remembered that in general teams exert more attacking pressure on Brighton than on Liverpool, even with Liverpool having a poor season. My Pick Maxence Lacroix Lacroix is the best like for like replacement for Konate. He has the physical attributes and Premier League experience to slot into the starting eleven. If Liverpool do not wish to go like for like then Silva and van Hecke would be good players to come into a Premier League starting eleven.

#FF @insidewrite1957 @Tengushee @SundayShare10 @CarlWild75 @gary_piggot @CoachRobPorter @EmmaStonePT @Leecosgrove10 @Tad690 @GAZT7 @coachtonymee @ContactCounts @ben_andreos @ProAcademyDrill @power_ray @Coach_Osku @JustcoachMD @JB_SoccerCoach @coach_kevin_m @Jon_Mackenzie @jonarnett8 @BreakthruSoccer @TheS_Resource @rf14coach @johnwalker_1986 @D10Football @DanAbrahams77 @ItsYourGame @Tactx_ @morton1984 @davidpreece12 @nasthe3rd @RobMcKay86 @CraigBirtwistle @SessionShareNet

A good session doesn’t always look organised. It can look chaotic. But inside that chaos: Players are thinking Solving problems Making decisions That’s where the magic happens.

🚨52 Top Tips 🚨 Tip 43 - Be Careful When Using Touch Limits If you want all 52 Top Tips in one go visit the Gumroad link in my pinned post. I am running a "pay what you want offer for the document. You can pay 50p, £1, £10 or £1000 it is completely up to you! #SundayShare @SundayShare10 @CarlWild75 @CoachRobPorter @gary_piggot

In 3v3 The Game Finds You #SundayShare