Archive
How Bob Bradley Sees Soccer
An interview on tactics, coaching, data, the influence of Sacchi's Milan, the evolution of Guardiola's City, and everything in between.
This is the Year of the Elbow Back
The fastest-growing trend in the Champions League is using a hybrid defender to switch shapes on the fly.
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?