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Today’s TFA Posts ⚽

Gian Piero Gasperini’s AS Roma have won four out of their last five league games, conceding just three goals this entire campaign.

This is a far cry from the teams Gasperini had at Atalanta, which scored goals galore after he effectively changed the attack time and time again.

Creating stars like Josip Iličić, Ademola Lookman, Papu Gomez, Luis Muriel, and Duván Zapata, Gasperini was not afraid to change key players often and, in a Sir Alex Ferguson-esque manner, successfully built new teams after new teams.

Gasperini has admirably changed his tactics and philosophy since arriving in Rome.

The 2025/2026 camp was built on the back of the league’s best defence.

French midfielder Manu Koné is a key part of this team.

Koné, valued at €50m by Transfermarkt, has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League giants Manchester United as they aim to continue their rebuild under Rúben Amorim, as well as the current defending European champions, PSG.

After moving to Roma in August 2024, I Giallorossi couldn’t believe how quickly Koné became indispensable to the team.

It’s hard to imagine this Roma side without Manu Koné.

Gasperini seems to agree, as Koné has played all eight league games this season thus far and is suited to a 3-4-3 system.

Whilst Koné isn’t necessarily an all-action midfielder and may have had a different role under the former Atalanta manager, it’s worth looking at the midfielder’s game.

This Manu Koné scout report examines the Roma midfielder and explains why he has become so in-demand.

The 2025/2026 Premier League season has revealed a striking tactical shift: the resurgence of the long ball.

After several years defined by controlled possession and methodical build-up play, English clubs have once again embraced a more direct and vertical approach.

Data from the opening nine gameweeks highlights a clear rise in long passes, faster transitions, and notably higher direct speed metrics, signalling a collective move away from sustained sequences.

This data analysis examines the numbers behind this transformation, from long passing trends and accuracy rates to the balance between direct speed and sequence length.

It explores how Premier League teams are redefining efficiency through risk-taking and territorial gains, prioritising penetration over patience.

Crucially, the report also focuses on Liverpool’s current difficulties within this new landscape, as Arne Slot’s side struggle to impose their familiar possession structure against opponents increasingly comfortable with bypassing the press through rapid, direct progression.

Under new coach Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have adopted a strategy focused on structured control and smart positioning for the 2025/2026 season.

Arda Güler has thrived in this new system, transforming from a promising player into a key creative force for the team.

Playing mainly in the right half-space as No. 10 in a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3 formation.

As a right winger within Alonso’s flexible formations, Güler has become the model player for this new era.

He constantly scans the field, excels in tight situations, and controls the game’s rhythm.

His sharp first touch, clever passing, and ability to handle pressure make him a perfect fit for Alonso’s style of play.

Güler is now involved in every stage of the attack, from building up plays to creating chances in the final third, effectively connecting the midfield with the forwards.

This scout report analyses Arda Güler’s performance in the 2025/2026 season under Xabi Alonso’s management.

It examines his role, on-ball skills, creative choices, and defensive growth using examples from La Liga matches.

The football analysis reveals how his development has made him a vital part of Real Madrid’s new identity on the field.

TFA Archives 📆

Pedro has decided to leave Lazio at the end of the season, when his contract expires.

“I want Lazio to qualify in Europe and then it will be time to leave”, Pedro says.

Take a deep dive to his 2020 scout report, can he help them qualify for Europe.

Liverpool are one of the clubs keeping a close eye on the progress of Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven.

The Dutchman could cost up to £88M.

Take a look at his Wolfsburg 2023 scout report.

Tottenham are considering a move for West Ham's England forward Jarrod Bowen and would be prepared to spend around £60M for the 28-year old.

Take a dive back to his 2021/2022 scout report.

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