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.
Archive
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?
The 2020-21 Champions League Breakout XI
Most of their teams are done, but here are the kids who made a name for themselves this year.
The Big Book of Buildups, Day 4: Circulation
Part four of a four-part survey of Champions League buildup tactics.
The Big Book of Buildups, Day 3: Switches
Part three of a four-part survey of Champions League buildup tactics.
Black Friday: Read More Soccer Writing
A two-for-one deal to check out some of my favorite soccer newsletters.
The Big Book of Buildups, Day 2: Pass and Move
Part two of a four-part survey of Champions League buildup tactics.