- Total Football Analysis
- Posts
- Tactical Trends In Direct Free-Kicks & Anthony Elanga Scout Report
Tactical Trends In Direct Free-Kicks & Anthony Elanga Scout Report
Today, we have a set-piece analysis article on new trends in direct free-kicks along with a scout report on Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga.
The Home Of Tactical Analysis
Get A Free Demo of Playmaker AI & Discover Top Talent in Seconds
Top clubs, agents, and scouts worldwide are turning to Playmaker AI, the football analytics platform that’s changing the game.
Save Time: Instantly spot standout players across hundreds of leagues.
Save Money: Cut back on travel and streamline decisions with precise, data-driven insights.
Gain Tactical Edge: Access in-depth player and tactical analysis in seconds.
Ready to scout smarter?
Schedule a free demo of PlayMaker.AI today!
Today’s TFA Posts ⚽
We have all observed how Declan Rice scored two goals from direct free kicks to facilitate Arsenal‘s victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
It is widely recognised that direct free kicks can be decisive in football, particularly when a team possesses skilled takers.
Who could forget the legendary contributions of David Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Juninho Pernambucano, and Andrea Pirlo, followed by more recent masters such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, among many others?
With the advancement of goalkeeper training and the availability of video footage, data analysis and set-piece analysis, goalkeepers can now access extensive information on free-kick takers—including their preferred angles and shooting techniques.
As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for takers to surprise their opponents.
This tactical analysis will examine recent innovations and tactical developments in direct free-kick strategies.
Whilst he featured in 55 games for Manchester United and was seen by former interim manager Ralf Rangnick as a player that the club should build their first team around, the truth of the matter is that Anthony Elanga was never more than a bit-part player during his time at Old Trafford.
Once Rangnick’s successor, Erik ten Hag, was appointed, he was quickly sidelined and given appearances that were few and far between, with it clear that the former Ajax head coach never rated him in the same way.
As a result, it came as little surprise when Manchester United accepted an offer from Nottingham Forest to sign the Sweden international in the summer of 2023, with Elanga penning a five-year deal at the City Ground.
Whilst some might have initially raised eyebrows at the move, time has shown that it was a smart piece of business by Nuno Espírito Santo’s outfit.
Elanga quickly established himself as a key part of the Portuguese coach’s tactics and became a player that the club simply can’t be without.
With that in mind, this tactical analysis will take a closer look at why Elanga has become so irreplaceable for his current employers.
The scout report will highlight his strengths in different areas of the field and show where he can continue to improve as he and Nottingham Forest attempt to challenge for even more in the future.
TFA Archives 📆
Arsenal stunned Real Madrid in the first leg, dominating 3-0—set-pieces playing a key role.
Take a look at how Arsenal are using crosses to consistently create chances & goals, and why it could work again today.
If one team can pull off a historic UCL comeback, it’s Real Madrid.
Take a look at Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded attack and how their firepower could still tear through Arsenal today.
Newcastle United host Crystal Palace in EPL action tonight — recap the Toon’s EFL Cup Final victory via our tactical analysis of the match!
