The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast How to build a Premier League squad
Aug 29, 2024
Michael Cox is a revered football tactics writer, while Mark Carey and Liam Tharme are experts in tactics and data analysis at The Athletic. Together, they dive into the chaos of Chelsea's squad building, discussing the crucial balance between player versatility and depth. The trio highlights the evolving strategies in football recruitment, emphasizing the role of stats and AI. Additionally, they examine the vital impact of youth academies and the integration of under-21 players in creating competitive Premier League teams.
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Value of Versatile Players
- Having a small number of versatile players provides more tactical flexibility than having two players fixed per position.
- Versatile 'pods' of players can create multiple combinations for different team variations each game.
Planning for Injuries is Crucial
- Teams often plan for injuries as they expect some players to be unavailable during the season.
- If no injuries occur, it can create squad management challenges due to limited playing opportunities.
Raise the Floor, Not Just Ceiling
- Improving the weakest player ('floor') in a squad can yield more consistent season results than relying on a few superstars ('ceiling').
- Teams with adaptable players and a strong floor are more flexible and resilient in tactics and performance.