Archive
Five Theories on Why Bayern's Defense Sucks Now
The reigning champions of Europe are falling apart at the back. What's wrong?
What Exactly is Frenkie de Jong Good At?
There are three Frenkies, and none of them can save Barcelona.
Asymmetric Warfare
Man City's new tactics are baffling England, but the trip to Anfield showed why asymmetry works better on the ball than off it.
The Seven Styles of Soccer
I forced a bot to become Marcelo Bielsa. Here's how it categorized every team in Europe's top leagues.
The No. 10 is Dead. Long Live the Wide Creator.
The world's best all-purpose playmakers work in from the wings, not between the lines.
Do Home Teams Even Need Fans?
New pandemic research finds that home teams are doing worse without crowds in some leagues but better in others. What's going on?
Diego Simeone Is on a Voyage to the End of Goals
Switching to five at the back has Atlético Madrid on pace to be an all-time great defense. Here's how the new shape works.
Why is Everybody Passing Backwards?
Defenders are closing down less. Attackers are passing backwards more. Has everyone just given up?
Stop Blaming the Manager. It's the Sporting Director's Fault.
Players win games. Money buys players. And it's some person in a conference room, not the guy on the sideline, who decides how that money's spent.
Meet the People Who Explained Soccer in 2020
A look back at some big projects that shed new light on the game this year.
How to Watch Di Stéfano Like a Possession Value Model
What would soccer look like if we saw it less like video and more like data?
The Future is Now in Milan
The new Rossoneri are young, fun, and just might be about to end a decade of Juve dominance.
The Anatomy of a Heist
Tottenham’s counterattacks are a by-the-numbers caper. So how does José Mourinho keep getting away with it?