Ryan Quinn
@quinntactics.bsky.social
Freelance football writer, covering football tactics and analysis.
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com
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Ryan Quinn
@quinntactics.bsky.social
· Mar 19
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What is The Conventional Playmaker? As noted in the about page, and as you can tell when scrolling through past articles, it’s a website focused on analysing tactics, and players, and aims to…
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United took more risks on the ball than Arsenal on Sunday, and that was notable in the lead up to the second, and third goals. Movement in pockets of space, passing, and so on.
Analysis of United's close combination play against Arsenal. #MUFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2026/01/27/u...
Analysis of United's close combination play against Arsenal. #MUFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2026/01/27/u...
United’s risky passes, and close combinations inspired victory over Arsenal
Not only did Manchester United win the Manchester derby against the second placed team in the Premier League, they then followed that up with an impressive 2-3 win away from home against league lea…
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com
January 28, 2026 at 10:30 AM
United took more risks on the ball than Arsenal on Sunday, and that was notable in the lead up to the second, and third goals. Movement in pockets of space, passing, and so on.
Analysis of United's close combination play against Arsenal. #MUFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2026/01/27/u...
Analysis of United's close combination play against Arsenal. #MUFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2026/01/27/u...
I wrote one mailbag piece a few years back, where I answered questions a number of people sent in, and it was really fun.
I'd like to do another mailbag, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask them.
I'd like to do another mailbag, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask them.
January 26, 2026 at 8:02 PM
I wrote one mailbag piece a few years back, where I answered questions a number of people sent in, and it was really fun.
I'd like to do another mailbag, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask them.
I'd like to do another mailbag, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask them.
- Out ball on the left, much like Amad on the right; long switches of play
- Penalty-box runs; to the back post and across defender
- Closing down in compact 4-4-2
- Tracking back; 2v1 vs. opp. winger
More detail on all of that in my analysis of Dorgu vs. City. #MUFC
wp.me/p6lWW3-2i4
- Penalty-box runs; to the back post and across defender
- Closing down in compact 4-4-2
- Tracking back; 2v1 vs. opp. winger
More detail on all of that in my analysis of Dorgu vs. City. #MUFC
wp.me/p6lWW3-2i4
Patrick Dorgu dominated the left flank in superb Manchester derby win
In the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of conversation over what exactly is Manchester United’s DNA. United’s enthralling display in Saturday’s Manchester derby, ending in a 2-0 victory,…
wp.me
January 19, 2026 at 1:57 PM
- Out ball on the left, much like Amad on the right; long switches of play
- Penalty-box runs; to the back post and across defender
- Closing down in compact 4-4-2
- Tracking back; 2v1 vs. opp. winger
More detail on all of that in my analysis of Dorgu vs. City. #MUFC
wp.me/p6lWW3-2i4
- Penalty-box runs; to the back post and across defender
- Closing down in compact 4-4-2
- Tracking back; 2v1 vs. opp. winger
More detail on all of that in my analysis of Dorgu vs. City. #MUFC
wp.me/p6lWW3-2i4
First piece of 2026!
Como 1-3 Milan: Como impress going forward, but Maignan imperious, and Milan take their chances
wp.me/p6lWW3-2hv
Como 1-3 Milan: Como impress going forward, but Maignan imperious, and Milan take their chances
wp.me/p6lWW3-2hv
January 17, 2026 at 10:34 AM
First piece of 2026!
Como 1-3 Milan: Como impress going forward, but Maignan imperious, and Milan take their chances
wp.me/p6lWW3-2hv
Como 1-3 Milan: Como impress going forward, but Maignan imperious, and Milan take their chances
wp.me/p6lWW3-2hv
Thierno Barry, and Igor Jesus, have not been the most prolific scorers for their sides (at least in the league), but they always guarantee a proper shift up front. They hold up play, run the channels, win duels, giving defenders something to think about.
December 28, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Thierno Barry, and Igor Jesus, have not been the most prolific scorers for their sides (at least in the league), but they always guarantee a proper shift up front. They hold up play, run the channels, win duels, giving defenders something to think about.
Retro analysis of Bobby Charlton to be on the website for Christmas (Rooney analysis shelved for the time being)!
Followed by aforementioned Man. United mid-season review.
Followed by aforementioned Man. United mid-season review.
December 19, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Retro analysis of Bobby Charlton to be on the website for Christmas (Rooney analysis shelved for the time being)!
Followed by aforementioned Man. United mid-season review.
Followed by aforementioned Man. United mid-season review.
Reposted by Ryan Quinn
Analysis of Harry Wilson's tendencies in the final-third, which have seen him in such a rich vein of form. He's been creating, and scoring goals! #FFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
Why has Harry Wilson been in such good form of late?
Fulham currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, but are now within reach of the top half, having won four of their last seven matches, after enduring a four-match losing streak. Much of that…
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Analysis of Harry Wilson's tendencies in the final-third, which have seen him in such a rich vein of form. He's been creating, and scoring goals! #FFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
A threat from both open play, and from set-pieces. What has also been helping Wilson, is that he's been starting matches more often compared to last season.
Analysis of Harry Wilson's tendencies in the final-third, which have seen him in such a rich vein of form. He's been creating, and scoring goals! #FFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
Why has Harry Wilson been in such good form of late?
Fulham currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, but are now within reach of the top half, having won four of their last seven matches, after enduring a four-match losing streak. Much of that…
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:33 PM
A threat from both open play, and from set-pieces. What has also been helping Wilson, is that he's been starting matches more often compared to last season.
Analysis of Harry Wilson's tendencies in the final-third, which have seen him in such a rich vein of form. He's been creating, and scoring goals! #FFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
Why has Harry Wilson been in such good form of late?
Fulham currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, but are now within reach of the top half, having won four of their last seven matches, after enduring a four-match losing streak. Much of that…
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Analysis of Harry Wilson's tendencies in the final-third, which have seen him in such a rich vein of form. He's been creating, and scoring goals! #FFC
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/w...
Reposted by Ryan Quinn
Frank Lampard's Coventry side is currently 1st in the Championship, and on pace for 100+ points with a ridiculous goal difference
This week's article for @thetransferflow.bsky.social looks at a crucial reason for their great form this season: set-pieces!
www.thetransferflow.com/p/coventry-s...
This week's article for @thetransferflow.bsky.social looks at a crucial reason for their great form this season: set-pieces!
www.thetransferflow.com/p/coventry-s...
Coventry's set piece prowess has them in promotion pole position
Frank Lampard's boys are really good at corners.
www.thetransferflow.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Frank Lampard's Coventry side is currently 1st in the Championship, and on pace for 100+ points with a ridiculous goal difference
This week's article for @thetransferflow.bsky.social looks at a crucial reason for their great form this season: set-pieces!
www.thetransferflow.com/p/coventry-s...
This week's article for @thetransferflow.bsky.social looks at a crucial reason for their great form this season: set-pieces!
www.thetransferflow.com/p/coventry-s...
Reposted by Ryan Quinn
Article on Cherki’s sublime assist, his influence in the final-third, and what I made of Guardiola’s comments - Guardiola was right, but I also feel flamboyance, in Cherki’s case, is part of what makes him effective.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
Rayan Cherki’s rabona assist, and the need to nurture creative expression
‘’Whatever you do, uhDo it good, uhWhatever you do, do, do, Lord, LordDo it goodOh yeah’’ (‘Express Yourself’ – Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, 1970) Rayan Cherki pro…
wp.me
December 9, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Article on Cherki’s sublime assist, his influence in the final-third, and what I made of Guardiola’s comments - Guardiola was right, but I also feel flamboyance, in Cherki’s case, is part of what makes him effective.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
Cherki is one of my favourite players to watch, and at City/under Guardiola, he could become even better than he already is. I feel, though, that it's still worth encouraging Cherki to do what comes naturally to him on the pitch.
Article on Cherki’s sublime assist, his influence in the final-third, and what I made of Guardiola’s comments - Guardiola was right, but I also feel flamboyance, in Cherki’s case, is part of what makes him effective.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
Rayan Cherki’s rabona assist, and the need to nurture creative expression
‘’Whatever you do, uhDo it good, uhWhatever you do, do, do, Lord, LordDo it goodOh yeah’’ (‘Express Yourself’ – Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, 1970) Rayan Cherki pro…
wp.me
December 9, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Cherki is one of my favourite players to watch, and at City/under Guardiola, he could become even better than he already is. I feel, though, that it's still worth encouraging Cherki to do what comes naturally to him on the pitch.
Article on Cherki’s sublime assist, his influence in the final-third, and what I made of Guardiola’s comments - Guardiola was right, but I also feel flamboyance, in Cherki’s case, is part of what makes him effective.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
Rayan Cherki’s rabona assist, and the need to nurture creative expression
‘’Whatever you do, uhDo it good, uhWhatever you do, do, do, Lord, LordDo it goodOh yeah’’ (‘Express Yourself’ – Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, 1970) Rayan Cherki pro…
wp.me
December 9, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Article on Cherki’s sublime assist, his influence in the final-third, and what I made of Guardiola’s comments - Guardiola was right, but I also feel flamboyance, in Cherki’s case, is part of what makes him effective.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
wp.me/p6lWW3-2gR
Reposted by Ryan Quinn
Today's video is all about how Man United destabilise teams by playing direct. Enjoy!
October 20, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Today's video is all about how Man United destabilise teams by playing direct. Enjoy!
I laid out some of my recent thoughts on #MUFC work on the ball, and combinations, as well as the trend of direct football in the early stages of the season.
Any feedback is much appreciated!
Any feedback is much appreciated!
So far, United have often relied on long passes to create chances. They bring a lot out of Mbeumo, and Sesko, but United can’t afford to rely on long passes too much. Meanwhile, United’s fondness for long balls is part of a much discussed wider trend.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2fv
wp.me/p6lWW3-2fv
Manchester United’s fondness for long passes is part of a wider trend
We are seven matches into the 2025/26 Premier League season, and no team has completed more long passes this season than Manchester United, with 283. Only Bournemouth, Wolves, and Tottenham Hotspur…
wp.me
October 17, 2025 at 7:27 PM
I laid out some of my recent thoughts on #MUFC work on the ball, and combinations, as well as the trend of direct football in the early stages of the season.
Any feedback is much appreciated!
Any feedback is much appreciated!
So far, United have often relied on long passes to create chances. They bring a lot out of Mbeumo, and Sesko, but United can’t afford to rely on long passes too much. Meanwhile, United’s fondness for long balls is part of a much discussed wider trend.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2fv
wp.me/p6lWW3-2fv
Manchester United’s fondness for long passes is part of a wider trend
We are seven matches into the 2025/26 Premier League season, and no team has completed more long passes this season than Manchester United, with 283. Only Bournemouth, Wolves, and Tottenham Hotspur…
wp.me
October 17, 2025 at 7:02 PM
So far, United have often relied on long passes to create chances. They bring a lot out of Mbeumo, and Sesko, but United can’t afford to rely on long passes too much. Meanwhile, United’s fondness for long balls is part of a much discussed wider trend.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2fv
wp.me/p6lWW3-2fv
Reposted by Ryan Quinn
imagine telling someone 25 years ago that 8 of the 10 Premier League games would be televised - but that the exceptions would be the Man Utd game and the Arsenal game
October 4, 2025 at 1:09 PM
imagine telling someone 25 years ago that 8 of the 10 Premier League games would be televised - but that the exceptions would be the Man Utd game and the Arsenal game
The end to Bournemouth v Fulham was great. All four goals were great in their own right, even if Leno could have done better with Semenyo's first.
Regarding Semenyo, he's only getting better, I think. Such a good, two-way winger, who's great with both feet, and can play on both flanks.
Regarding Semenyo, he's only getting better, I think. Such a good, two-way winger, who's great with both feet, and can play on both flanks.
October 4, 2025 at 9:48 AM
The end to Bournemouth v Fulham was great. All four goals were great in their own right, even if Leno could have done better with Semenyo's first.
Regarding Semenyo, he's only getting better, I think. Such a good, two-way winger, who's great with both feet, and can play on both flanks.
Regarding Semenyo, he's only getting better, I think. Such a good, two-way winger, who's great with both feet, and can play on both flanks.
I’ve written my fair share on Palace in recent times. But I wanted to offer my two cents on Adam Wharton this time round. He reads the game very well, and seems to always make the right choice of pass. #CPFC
I think he definitely warranted a call-up to the NT.
I think he definitely warranted a call-up to the NT.
#CPFC enjoyed a bright start to the Conference League phase last night, with Wharton keeping the ball moving forward from midfield. Words on Wharton’s involvement, and the connection between players, and system.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2f5
wp.me/p6lWW3-2f5
Adam Wharton keeps the ball moving forward
Enjoying a remarkable run of 19 consecutive matches in all competitions without defeat, is where Crystal Palace currently find themselves. And they enjoyed their first taste of victory in European …
wp.me
October 3, 2025 at 6:15 PM
I’ve written my fair share on Palace in recent times. But I wanted to offer my two cents on Adam Wharton this time round. He reads the game very well, and seems to always make the right choice of pass. #CPFC
I think he definitely warranted a call-up to the NT.
I think he definitely warranted a call-up to the NT.
#CPFC enjoyed a bright start to the Conference League phase last night, with Wharton keeping the ball moving forward from midfield. Words on Wharton’s involvement, and the connection between players, and system.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2f5
wp.me/p6lWW3-2f5
Adam Wharton keeps the ball moving forward
Enjoying a remarkable run of 19 consecutive matches in all competitions without defeat, is where Crystal Palace currently find themselves. And they enjoyed their first taste of victory in European …
wp.me
October 3, 2025 at 5:37 PM
#CPFC enjoyed a bright start to the Conference League phase last night, with Wharton keeping the ball moving forward from midfield. Words on Wharton’s involvement, and the connection between players, and system.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2f5
wp.me/p6lWW3-2f5
I looked at a few examples, including Liverpool, who utilise clearances to get at the opposition on the break.
As much as they attack, the 161 clearances they have already made is an indication of how much defending they have had to do too.
As much as they attack, the 161 clearances they have already made is an indication of how much defending they have had to do too.
Clearances offer benefits defensively (they can help a team regain shape), and offensively (they can kick-start counter-attacks). I looked at past and present examples, tried to review their effect, and how analysis can lead to extended topics.
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/09/26/w...
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/09/26/w...
What makes an effective clearance?
WyScout defines a clearance as when a player, while having other options, either to pass, or hold the ball, is instead clearing it, either with a long pass without a precise target, or for a corner…
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com
September 26, 2025 at 4:26 PM
I looked at a few examples, including Liverpool, who utilise clearances to get at the opposition on the break.
As much as they attack, the 161 clearances they have already made is an indication of how much defending they have had to do too.
As much as they attack, the 161 clearances they have already made is an indication of how much defending they have had to do too.
Clearances offer benefits defensively (they can help a team regain shape), and offensively (they can kick-start counter-attacks). I looked at past and present examples, tried to review their effect, and how analysis can lead to extended topics.
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/09/26/w...
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/09/26/w...
What makes an effective clearance?
WyScout defines a clearance as when a player, while having other options, either to pass, or hold the ball, is instead clearing it, either with a long pass without a precise target, or for a corner…
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com
September 26, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Clearances offer benefits defensively (they can help a team regain shape), and offensively (they can kick-start counter-attacks). I looked at past and present examples, tried to review their effect, and how analysis can lead to extended topics.
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/09/26/w...
theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/09/26/w...
I think it's really impressive how the likes of Rashford, and Luis Diaz generate such zip, and power on shots without a huge amount of back lift. Brilliant stuff.
September 18, 2025 at 9:59 PM
I think it's really impressive how the likes of Rashford, and Luis Diaz generate such zip, and power on shots without a huge amount of back lift. Brilliant stuff.
I've been revisiting Gerald Vanenburg tape. A really good dribbler, with a nice change of direction, and had a penchant for a stepover. So always makes for a good watch.
September 17, 2025 at 4:50 PM
I've been revisiting Gerald Vanenburg tape. A really good dribbler, with a nice change of direction, and had a penchant for a stepover. So always makes for a good watch.
Reposted by Ryan Quinn
An appreciation for the lesser-heralded near-post cross.
Who targets that zone the most? Which players get across their man most often? How does it compare to far-post deliveries?
Full piece below for @theathleticfc.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
Who targets that zone the most? Which players get across their man most often? How does it compare to far-post deliveries?
Full piece below for @theathleticfc.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
September 17, 2025 at 7:55 AM
An appreciation for the lesser-heralded near-post cross.
Who targets that zone the most? Which players get across their man most often? How does it compare to far-post deliveries?
Full piece below for @theathleticfc.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
Who targets that zone the most? Which players get across their man most often? How does it compare to far-post deliveries?
Full piece below for @theathleticfc.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...