TheStaff

TheStaff Football Labs: Delving into football strategies, teams, and tech through research and data analysis while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity.

[TheStaff @TheStaff__]

We have come to the end of our @farenet #BlackLivesMatter in Football activities, finishing it off with an open community event celebrating marginalized communities.

Thank you to @farenet for allowing us to amplify the unique and inspiring stories of our guests of the podcast.

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Nothing new, but honestly sometimes in awe of Williams’ ability on the ball + the importance it brings to build-up. vs Zim he repeatedly created space for midfielders to receive on the half-turn & trigger runs through midfield, baiting press from the forwards & playing through it

[Brian @Big_B_10]

More than happy to see the back of this year. but, it had its ⚽️ moments. Few of my favourites, from 🇿🇦 to 🇫🇷

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Not surprised Beerschot are pushing for Maidingidi – great add in the Challenger Pro League and could help close the attacking gap to Kortrijk.​

Already shown flashes in the 1/3, and the clip vs Golden Arrows is another example: smart run in behind, good timing, tidy finish

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Cinel has certainly got Cercle to perform certain in/out of possession actions - attempting + winning the ball really high & transitioning forward quickly.

Still, conceding a lot of (easy) goals & underperforming in attack (-8.1 G/xG) = severe underperformance on the table.

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Also, how important is Camara?

[Chicago Fire FC @ChicagoFire]

Welcome to Chicago, TLB! 👋🇿🇦

We have acquired defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Orlando Pirates of South Africa’s Betway Premiership. #cf97

[iDiski Times @iDiskiTimes]

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚‼️

Talented Cape Town City duo Shakeel April & Jody Ah Shene are set to jet out of the country for Belgium where they will undergo assessment with Jupiler Pro League side Royal Antwerp.

Story by Sinethemba Makonco (@Makonco_M). ✍️

https://t.co/UUqzd9Ip8F

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Shandre Campbell, insane tekkers for his goal for @ClubNxt

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Shared a long read last week on RAAL La Louvière—and how well they managed the jump up. Last season, they were new in the Challenger Pro League, yet straight away, you could see the difference

https://t.co/7ec42SVhTA

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Spent the Int break bouncing around a few games. Ghanaian eligibility drama aside, alos gave some tough to which clubs are serving up real player value this season. Zulte, back up after promotion, making steady are a strong shout.

https://t.co/X5NOYh5icH

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Sometimes a player just appears. That’s kind of Oumar Diouf for me. No real buzz, then 6 in 8. living off the penalty spot for Liège and eating up every loose ball. Box data? Real, real good. Creativity & pressing? Not so much.

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Working on something about Opoku for SV Zulte Waregem. Really finding form, impactful in the final third this weekend, pulling strings and looking more confident every time out.

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Some thoughts on how a few European leagues are quietly building value rather than chasing it.
Denmark, Belgium, Austria, Czech Republic, all finding ways to turn smart player trading into actual profit while getting better on the pitch.

[TheStaff @TheStaff__]

Belgium exporting like it’s standard, Austria at 3x returns. Norway building self-sustaining talent trains. I’ve been deep-diving strategies, investment models, and those niche club approaches.

https://t.co/aZzqaODeSD

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Belgium, €384M in total transfer revenue, a net profit of €237.4M, and 102 outgoing deals, more than any other league globally. That’s five times the volume of just three years ago + more ROI on African talent.

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Foster is tasked with dropping deep, connecting spells, and driving phases forward. His positive numbers for goal and shot creating actions per 90 underscore a willingness to combine and create in advanced zones, even if his shot quality lags.

[Brian @Big_B_10]

Wrote some words on Lyle Foster his past, the numbers behind his mixed season at Burnley, and what a fit, focused future could look like for club and country. Data never tells the whole story, but it matters.

https://t.co/dcVNJAX9sQ

[Fare @farenet]

Refugees are being created in EVERY corner of the 🌎 EVERY day.

More than 84 million people in 2021.

How can ⚽️ work with refugees, especially women + girls?

At 5pm CET hear from Barcelona Foundation, UN refugees, Irish FA + leading experts.

Register https://t.co/atMLNhFovV

[Fare @farenet]

𝔾ℝ𝔸𝕊𝕊ℝ𝕆𝕆𝕋𝕊 𝔽𝕆𝕆𝕋𝔹𝔸𝕃𝕃 👀

We are pleased to be working with @adidasfootball and #UCL #UWCL on a fund to support grassroots football.

The fund is offering €100,000 through 100 grants of 1K each.

Apply now 👉🏼 https://t.co/q6OmjgbKIs

[Fare @farenet]

WATCH: This is real live solidarity in action
👊🏿👊🏽👊🏽👊🏻

From the players on the pitch supporting their colleague, to the supporters who took action, to the clubs who were clear in their stance.

More of this in 2022!