Liam Tharme

Join Liam Tharme, a data expert at The Athletic, and Jacob Whitehead, a seasoned writer, as they delve into the transformative England DNA Project. They unpack the shift from past tournament failures to a renewed cultural identity under Gareth Southgate. The conversation highlights the importance of tactical flexibility, youth development, and adapting lessons from the Lionesses' incredible success. With insights into player strengths and strategies, they paint a hopeful picture of England's football renaissance.

Michael Cox, a renowned football tactics writer, joins Mark Carey and Liam Tharme from The Athletic’s data department to discuss the Premier League's nostalgic return to classic football. They dive into the rising prominence of long throw-ins and traditional No. 9s, exploring how newly promoted teams are making their mark. The trio debates the changing nature of physicality in football, with a focus on striker roles and recruitment strategies, challenging the myth that taller players always have the edge. Tune in for tactical insights that remind us of the game's roots!

Liam Tharme and Mark Carey, tactics and data experts from The Athletic, dissect the Champions League final between Inter Milan and PSG. They analyze each team's contrasting styles and how Inter's formation can challenge PSG's strategy. The discussion covers PSG's tactical evolution under Luis Enrique and their newfound pressing approach, alongside the critical roles of goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma and Jan Sommer. Expect an insightful look into the financial models and philosophies shaping modern football as these titans clash in Munich.

Join football tactics aficionado Michael Cox, alongside data gurus Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, as they dive into the fascinating world of strikerless formations. They discuss how these systems are reshaping modern gameplay and team dynamics. The trio analyzes the role of wing-backs versus full-backs in varying formations and highlights the tactical success stories of teams like Arsenal and Liverpool. Get insights into strategic player movements and the evolving nature of striking roles in this engaging conversation.

Join James Horncastle, an expert in Italian football, Adam Crafton, a savvy correspondent on football culture and business, and Liam Tharme, a tactical analyst, as they explore PSG's remarkable Champions League triumph. They dive into the emotional weight of their victory and the impact on Inter Milan. Discover PSG's strategic evolution, aggressive playing style, and the influence of U.S. capital on their growth. The conversation also covers the challenges ahead for both PSG and European football, making it a fascinating listen for football fans!

Michael Cox, a respected football tactics writer, joins fellow analysts Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to dissect the contrasting styles of Italian managerial giants Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte. They delve into Ancelotti’s adaptable coaching versus Conte's dominance in domestic leagues. The discussion also touches on Ancelotti's upcoming challenge with Brazil, the tactical innovations shaping Italian football, and the dynamic between individual player capabilities and team strategies in modern football. Insights into tactical evolution and psychological strategies are featured throughout.

Michael Cox, a revered football tactics writer at The Athletic, along with Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, dive into why Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Manchester United is failing. They discuss the challenges of adapting player roles and the systemic issues in defensive organization. The trio debates whether a rigid system can succeed and highlights the importance of tactical flexibility for team performance. They also compare United's approach to Chelsea's, pondering how tactical familiarity influences success in the Premier League.

In this discussion, football tactics expert Michael Cox joins Mark Carey and Liam Tharme from The Athletic's data department to dissect the 2024-25 Premier League season. They analyze statistical trends, including the recent decline in goal-scoring and the rise of counter-attacking play, highlighting teams that surprised or disappointed. The trio also explores the evolution of goalkeeping tactics, the impact of innovative managers on mid-table clubs, and the dynamics that shape today's competitive landscape in football.

Jacob Whitehead, a writer for The Athletic who has interviewed key figures in modern football, joins Liam Tharme, a tactics analyst familiar with the intricacies of the game. They dive into Johan Cruyff's revolutionary influence on Ajax, exploring his philosophies that redefined the club's identity and youth development. Discussion includes Ajax's tactical evolution under Cruyff, the restructuring of their youth academy, and the lasting legacy he left after his passing in 2016, all crucial elements of Ajax's resurgence in European football.

Jacob Whitehead, a Football writer for The Athletic, and Liam Tharme from the tactics and data department dive into Belgium's remarkable rise to the top of FIFA's world rankings. They discuss the evolution of a unique footballing DNA, the seamless integration of talent in youth development, and the challenges faced by the golden generation led by stars like Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne. The conversation highlights Belgium’s strategic innovations, their emotional journey, and the promising future of emerging talents in football.