The Devil's DNA
@thedevilsdna.bsky.social
👔: Football Tactical Analysis / Data Viz / Writer
🔍: Manchester United / EPL / Europe's top 5 leagues
🌐: www.thedevilsdna.com
🐦: @TheDevilsDNA
✉️: thedevilsdna@gmail.com
✍️: Analytics FC, Goalkeeper xG, UtdDistrict
🎙️: GetFootball Tactics Podcast
🔍: Manchester United / EPL / Europe's top 5 leagues
🌐: www.thedevilsdna.com
🐦: @TheDevilsDNA
✉️: thedevilsdna@gmail.com
✍️: Analytics FC, Goalkeeper xG, UtdDistrict
🎙️: GetFootball Tactics Podcast
Pinned
The Devil's DNA
@thedevilsdna.bsky.social
· Nov 13
Ruben Amorim's Manchester United Blueprint - thedevilsdna.com
This article will cover Amorim’s tactical philosophy, analyzing his principles and key patterns, a breakdown of each role in his ideal starting XI and how the current Manchester United squad fits Amor...
thedevilsdna.com
[NEW ARTICLE]
Amorim’s Manchester United Blueprint
In this in-depth analysis, I break down Amorim's tactical philosophy, detail each role in his system & assess Man Utd’s squad fit for each position. I also predict potential ins & outs. RTs appreciated!
thedevilsdna.com?p=274244
Amorim’s Manchester United Blueprint
In this in-depth analysis, I break down Amorim's tactical philosophy, detail each role in his system & assess Man Utd’s squad fit for each position. I also predict potential ins & outs. RTs appreciated!
thedevilsdna.com?p=274244
- Recovery from a rocky start
- Shift from back 5 to back 4
- Superb use of subs & 2nd half impact
- Season outlook and predictions
Can Atletico Madrid Sustain Their La Liga Title Challenge?
Link: podfollow.com/get-football...
With @jamiemkemp.bsky.social & @shelatneel.bsky.social ttx
- Shift from back 5 to back 4
- Superb use of subs & 2nd half impact
- Season outlook and predictions
Can Atletico Madrid Sustain Their La Liga Title Challenge?
Link: podfollow.com/get-football...
With @jamiemkemp.bsky.social & @shelatneel.bsky.social ttx
Get Football: The Tactics Podcast | Can Atletico Madrid Sustain Their La Liga Title Challenge?
In this episode of the Get Football Tactics Podcast, Neel and Varun are joined by Spanish football expert Jamie Kemp to discuss Atlético Madrid's season so far. They touch on their interesting sum...
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January 18, 2025 at 8:24 AM
- Recovery from a rocky start
- Shift from back 5 to back 4
- Superb use of subs & 2nd half impact
- Season outlook and predictions
Can Atletico Madrid Sustain Their La Liga Title Challenge?
Link: podfollow.com/get-football...
With @jamiemkemp.bsky.social & @shelatneel.bsky.social ttx
- Shift from back 5 to back 4
- Superb use of subs & 2nd half impact
- Season outlook and predictions
Can Atletico Madrid Sustain Their La Liga Title Challenge?
Link: podfollow.com/get-football...
With @jamiemkemp.bsky.social & @shelatneel.bsky.social ttx
This week's episode is about AC Milan. We discussed in detail why Fonseca was fired & what was good & bad about his stint, but also zoomed out to figure out where Milan are headed in terms of 2 managerial hires in quick succession & Conceicao's tactics.
podfollow.com/get-football... ttx
podfollow.com/get-football... ttx
Get Football: The Tactics Podcast | Pioli to Fonseca to Conceicao: Are Milan on the Right Track?
In this episode of the Get Football Tactics Podcast, Neel, Varun and Alex discuss Milan's recent coaching changes. After analysing the circumstances around Paulo Fonseca's arrival at the start of t...
podfollow.com
January 10, 2025 at 5:03 PM
This week's episode is about AC Milan. We discussed in detail why Fonseca was fired & what was good & bad about his stint, but also zoomed out to figure out where Milan are headed in terms of 2 managerial hires in quick succession & Conceicao's tactics.
podfollow.com/get-football... ttx
podfollow.com/get-football... ttx
Hojlund's next steps to evolve - THREAD
Great piece below on Hojlund. Nuanced & insightful. Matches my thoughts from the article I did on him + threads on him since move to Man Utd. Have comments on issues raised & solutions to help him evolve & reach his potential.
Short 🧵
Great piece below on Hojlund. Nuanced & insightful. Matches my thoughts from the article I did on him + threads on him since move to Man Utd. Have comments on issues raised & solutions to help him evolve & reach his potential.
Short 🧵
January 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Hojlund's next steps to evolve - THREAD
Great piece below on Hojlund. Nuanced & insightful. Matches my thoughts from the article I did on him + threads on him since move to Man Utd. Have comments on issues raised & solutions to help him evolve & reach his potential.
Short 🧵
Great piece below on Hojlund. Nuanced & insightful. Matches my thoughts from the article I did on him + threads on him since move to Man Utd. Have comments on issues raised & solutions to help him evolve & reach his potential.
Short 🧵
Are you tired of mainstream awards based on popularity, PR & trophies?
We cover:
- Our 3 Best XIs
- Team awards (Best high press, Best build up etc)
- Coach awards (Best in-game subs, Most overrated coach etc)
podfollow.com/get-football...
@shelatneel.bsky.social @alexanderbarker.bsky.social ttx
We cover:
- Our 3 Best XIs
- Team awards (Best high press, Best build up etc)
- Coach awards (Best in-game subs, Most overrated coach etc)
podfollow.com/get-football...
@shelatneel.bsky.social @alexanderbarker.bsky.social ttx
Get Football: The Tactics Podcast | 2024 Team of the Year and Awards
In this episode of the Get Football Tactics Podcast, Neel, Alex and Varun look back at 2024. They start with a team of the year draft, with each host building an XI for their coach of the year pick...
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January 1, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Are you tired of mainstream awards based on popularity, PR & trophies?
We cover:
- Our 3 Best XIs
- Team awards (Best high press, Best build up etc)
- Coach awards (Best in-game subs, Most overrated coach etc)
podfollow.com/get-football...
@shelatneel.bsky.social @alexanderbarker.bsky.social ttx
We cover:
- Our 3 Best XIs
- Team awards (Best high press, Best build up etc)
- Coach awards (Best in-game subs, Most overrated coach etc)
podfollow.com/get-football...
@shelatneel.bsky.social @alexanderbarker.bsky.social ttx
Tottenham have scored the most goals in the PL (39) & yet have 4 losses in their last 5 games and are in the bottom half. Our experts investigate.
Is Ange Postecoglu's Tottenham Project On Track?
Link: podfollow.com/get-football...
With @shelatneel.bsky.social & @alexanderbarker.bsky.social ttx
Is Ange Postecoglu's Tottenham Project On Track?
Link: podfollow.com/get-football...
With @shelatneel.bsky.social & @alexanderbarker.bsky.social ttx
Get Football: The Tactics Podcast | Is Ange Postecoglu's Tottenham Project On Track?
In this episode of the Get Football Tactics Podcast, Neel, Varun and Alex analyse Tottenham Hotspur's season so far. They look at how the team has evolved since Ange Postecoglu's arrival at the sta...
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December 29, 2024 at 1:45 PM
Tottenham have scored the most goals in the PL (39) & yet have 4 losses in their last 5 games and are in the bottom half. Our experts investigate.
Is Ange Postecoglu's Tottenham Project On Track?
Link: podfollow.com/get-football...
With @shelatneel.bsky.social & @alexanderbarker.bsky.social ttx
Is Ange Postecoglu's Tottenham Project On Track?
Link: podfollow.com/get-football...
With @shelatneel.bsky.social & @alexanderbarker.bsky.social ttx
ttx
[Impact of winger at wingback, Amorim's first 7 Manchester United games, EPL 24/25]
When a winger plays WB, team has ~2x carries & 30% more progressive carries & carries into final 3rd. This leads to better shots within box, resulting in 9 goals compared to 0 when FBs play WBs.
When a winger plays WB, team has ~2x carries & 30% more progressive carries & carries into final 3rd. This leads to better shots within box, resulting in 9 goals compared to 0 when FBs play WBs.
December 29, 2024 at 10:52 AM
ttx
[Impact of winger at wingback, Amorim's first 7 Manchester United games, EPL 24/25]
When a winger plays WB, team has ~2x carries & 30% more progressive carries & carries into final 3rd. This leads to better shots within box, resulting in 9 goals compared to 0 when FBs play WBs.
When a winger plays WB, team has ~2x carries & 30% more progressive carries & carries into final 3rd. This leads to better shots within box, resulting in 9 goals compared to 0 when FBs play WBs.
December 29, 2024 at 6:37 AM
[Impact of winger at wingback, Amorim's first 7 Manchester United games, EPL 24/25]
When a winger plays WB, team has ~2x carries & 30% more progressive carries & carries into final 3rd. This leads to better shots within box, resulting in 9 goals compared to 0 when FBs play WBs.
When a winger plays WB, team has ~2x carries & 30% more progressive carries & carries into final 3rd. This leads to better shots within box, resulting in 9 goals compared to 0 when FBs play WBs.
Was looking at Man Utd data of when a winger plays WB vs when both fullbacks play at wingback. The headline stat is - all 9 goals in PL under Amorim have come when a winger played WB. We are yet to score with FBs at WB.
More insight into why that happens in a viz later today.
More insight into why that happens in a viz later today.
December 28, 2024 at 9:54 AM
Was looking at Man Utd data of when a winger plays WB vs when both fullbacks play at wingback. The headline stat is - all 9 goals in PL under Amorim have come when a winger played WB. We are yet to score with FBs at WB.
More insight into why that happens in a viz later today.
More insight into why that happens in a viz later today.
Reposted by The Devil's DNA
Varun's work is outstanding if you're interested in a) Manchester Utd, and/or b) tactical and data analysis (football/soccer) in general. Highly recommend following him and his work^^
[Manchester United Progression Patterns under Amorim - Data Viz Thread]
Where do Amorim's United progress from? Which players are contributing most/least? I divide each player's playing time by position in the 3-4-3, plot their prog passes & carries & derive insights.
Lets go!🧵
Where do Amorim's United progress from? Which players are contributing most/least? I divide each player's playing time by position in the 3-4-3, plot their prog passes & carries & derive insights.
Lets go!🧵
December 25, 2024 at 5:37 PM
Varun's work is outstanding if you're interested in a) Manchester Utd, and/or b) tactical and data analysis (football/soccer) in general. Highly recommend following him and his work^^
[Manchester United Progression Patterns under Amorim - Data Viz Thread]
Where do Amorim's United progress from? Which players are contributing most/least? I divide each player's playing time by position in the 3-4-3, plot their prog passes & carries & derive insights.
Lets go!🧵
Where do Amorim's United progress from? Which players are contributing most/least? I divide each player's playing time by position in the 3-4-3, plot their prog passes & carries & derive insights.
Lets go!🧵
December 25, 2024 at 4:58 PM
[Manchester United Progression Patterns under Amorim - Data Viz Thread]
Where do Amorim's United progress from? Which players are contributing most/least? I divide each player's playing time by position in the 3-4-3, plot their prog passes & carries & derive insights.
Lets go!🧵
Where do Amorim's United progress from? Which players are contributing most/least? I divide each player's playing time by position in the 3-4-3, plot their prog passes & carries & derive insights.
Lets go!🧵
Will reveal the data and insights tonight in a detailed thread but want to see your answers before that:
Which positions in the 3-4-3 do you think have seen most progressive actions under Amorim so far? Basically, where do we actually progress from?
Which positions in the 3-4-3 do you think have seen most progressive actions under Amorim so far? Basically, where do we actually progress from?
December 25, 2024 at 1:18 PM
Will reveal the data and insights tonight in a detailed thread but want to see your answers before that:
Which positions in the 3-4-3 do you think have seen most progressive actions under Amorim so far? Basically, where do we actually progress from?
Which positions in the 3-4-3 do you think have seen most progressive actions under Amorim so far? Basically, where do we actually progress from?
A major caveat for single game xG is gamestate. A team trailing for majority of the game will accrue xG simply because they are the ones attacking & taking lots of shots vs an opponent that is sitting back.
We had 22 shots vs BOU with none being a big chance (>0.38 xG).
We had 22 shots vs BOU with none being a big chance (>0.38 xG).
December 24, 2024 at 7:21 AM
A major caveat for single game xG is gamestate. A team trailing for majority of the game will accrue xG simply because they are the ones attacking & taking lots of shots vs an opponent that is sitting back.
We had 22 shots vs BOU with none being a big chance (>0.38 xG).
We had 22 shots vs BOU with none being a big chance (>0.38 xG).
If you're looking for a pre-game understanding of Iraola's Bournemouth's tactics, we did an episode a few weeks ago with the wonderful @jonmackenzie.bsky.social. Give it a listen to understand why they are overperforming, threats to be aware of & possible gaps that can be exploited today.
- What is hybrid pressing?
- Bournemouth's disruptive intent
- Can anti-establishment tactics go far?
Andoni Iraola's Countercultural Bournemouth
Episode links:
Spotify: tinyurl.com/irabou1
Podfollow: tinyurl.com/irabou2
With @jonmackenzie.bsky.social & @shelatneel.bsky.social
- Bournemouth's disruptive intent
- Can anti-establishment tactics go far?
Andoni Iraola's Countercultural Bournemouth
Episode links:
Spotify: tinyurl.com/irabou1
Podfollow: tinyurl.com/irabou2
With @jonmackenzie.bsky.social & @shelatneel.bsky.social
The Tactics Podcast | Andoni Iraola's Countercultural Bournemouth
Get Football Daily · Episode
tinyurl.com
December 22, 2024 at 8:40 AM
If you're looking for a pre-game understanding of Iraola's Bournemouth's tactics, we did an episode a few weeks ago with the wonderful @jonmackenzie.bsky.social. Give it a listen to understand why they are overperforming, threats to be aware of & possible gaps that can be exploited today.
Ttx
2 reasons for Man Utd's box attacking issues
Below are typical Sporting box moments in final ball situations (usually from WB/AM). They were good at loading box in a timely & positional way (who attacks which part of box & when). It's not a formation/tactic issue IMO.
Short🧵
Below are typical Sporting box moments in final ball situations (usually from WB/AM). They were good at loading box in a timely & positional way (who attacks which part of box & when). It's not a formation/tactic issue IMO.
Short🧵
December 21, 2024 at 6:39 PM
Ttx
2 reasons for Man Utd's box attacking issues
Below are typical Sporting box moments in final ball situations (usually from WB/AM). They were good at loading box in a timely & positional way (who attacks which part of box & when). It's not a formation/tactic issue IMO.
Short🧵
Below are typical Sporting box moments in final ball situations (usually from WB/AM). They were good at loading box in a timely & positional way (who attacks which part of box & when). It's not a formation/tactic issue IMO.
Short🧵
December 21, 2024 at 5:15 PM
2 reasons for Man Utd's box attacking issues
Below are typical Sporting box moments in final ball situations (usually from WB/AM). They were good at loading box in a timely & positional way (who attacks which part of box & when). It's not a formation/tactic issue IMO.
Short🧵
Below are typical Sporting box moments in final ball situations (usually from WB/AM). They were good at loading box in a timely & positional way (who attacks which part of box & when). It's not a formation/tactic issue IMO.
Short🧵
I often see online transfer targets discourse like Khvicha vs Leao vs Musiala vs Wirtz for Man Utd. We are not getting established UCL team starters when we won't even make UCL ourselves. Even if they come, they'll cost the entire budget or require massive wages to get convinced.
December 21, 2024 at 9:40 AM
I often see online transfer targets discourse like Khvicha vs Leao vs Musiala vs Wirtz for Man Utd. We are not getting established UCL team starters when we won't even make UCL ourselves. Even if they come, they'll cost the entire budget or require massive wages to get convinced.
I feel good about my takes in the Yoro article from last summer. Many were skeptical of his progression from fbref bars but having seen a lot of him, I knew there was a very progressive (and secure) ball-playing CB in Yoro who also had high defending potential.
Monster talent.
Monster talent.
December 20, 2024 at 5:26 PM
I feel good about my takes in the Yoro article from last summer. Many were skeptical of his progression from fbref bars but having seen a lot of him, I knew there was a very progressive (and secure) ball-playing CB in Yoro who also had high defending potential.
Monster talent.
Monster talent.
This week we discussed how Real Madrid's season is going. Majority of the discussion was on Mbappe's struggles to fit seamlessly, his ideal conditions to thrive & some solutions to get the best out of him. Plus we discuss Real's attacking & defensive tactics.
podfollow.com/get-football...
podfollow.com/get-football...
Get Football: The Tactics Podcast | Can Mbappe Still Click at Real Madrid?
In this episode of the Get Football Tactics Podcast, Neel, Varun and Alex discuss Real Madrid's season so far. They go through a myriad of issues, mostly focusing on Real Madrid's tactics in posses...
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December 18, 2024 at 3:14 PM
This week we discussed how Real Madrid's season is going. Majority of the discussion was on Mbappe's struggles to fit seamlessly, his ideal conditions to thrive & some solutions to get the best out of him. Plus we discuss Real's attacking & defensive tactics.
podfollow.com/get-football...
podfollow.com/get-football...
Maguire appreciation tweet.
At NFO, he came on & completely nullified their attack. Today, he had the same effect on Man City from start to end. Locked up Haaland (5 interceptions, 3 clearances, 4/4 ground duels. 0 shots by Haaland) & built up well from the back.
Unbreakable.
At NFO, he came on & completely nullified their attack. Today, he had the same effect on Man City from start to end. Locked up Haaland (5 interceptions, 3 clearances, 4/4 ground duels. 0 shots by Haaland) & built up well from the back.
Unbreakable.
December 15, 2024 at 7:15 PM
Maguire appreciation tweet.
At NFO, he came on & completely nullified their attack. Today, he had the same effect on Man City from start to end. Locked up Haaland (5 interceptions, 3 clearances, 4/4 ground duels. 0 shots by Haaland) & built up well from the back.
Unbreakable.
At NFO, he came on & completely nullified their attack. Today, he had the same effect on Man City from start to end. Locked up Haaland (5 interceptions, 3 clearances, 4/4 ground duels. 0 shots by Haaland) & built up well from the back.
Unbreakable.
Best part about today - it was completely deserved. We were very strong defensively & didn't give anything away bar the set piece goal. We had moments in transition consistently, a penalty not given, a penalty given & attacked them for the winner to get a brilliant goal.
Proud.
Proud.
December 15, 2024 at 6:42 PM
Best part about today - it was completely deserved. We were very strong defensively & didn't give anything away bar the set piece goal. We had moments in transition consistently, a penalty not given, a penalty given & attacked them for the winner to get a brilliant goal.
Proud.
Proud.
HT: MCI 1-0 MUN
Not too unhappy with that half.
Pros:
- Good OOP structure. Proactive pressing on each man thanks to formation match (5-2-3 on 3-2-5) & also good block organization
- Maguire has been good marking Haaland and being good in build esp to find WBs
Not too unhappy with that half.
Pros:
- Good OOP structure. Proactive pressing on each man thanks to formation match (5-2-3 on 3-2-5) & also good block organization
- Maguire has been good marking Haaland and being good in build esp to find WBs
December 15, 2024 at 5:31 PM
HT: MCI 1-0 MUN
Not too unhappy with that half.
Pros:
- Good OOP structure. Proactive pressing on each man thanks to formation match (5-2-3 on 3-2-5) & also good block organization
- Maguire has been good marking Haaland and being good in build esp to find WBs
Not too unhappy with that half.
Pros:
- Good OOP structure. Proactive pressing on each man thanks to formation match (5-2-3 on 3-2-5) & also good block organization
- Maguire has been good marking Haaland and being good in build esp to find WBs
Between the team leaks, Garnacho stories, Rashford hit pieces & general negativity about our players & tactics within just a month of a new manager arriving & trying something very different - it's been tough reading about Man Utd on social media. Trying to ignore most of it.
December 15, 2024 at 2:18 PM
Between the team leaks, Garnacho stories, Rashford hit pieces & general negativity about our players & tactics within just a month of a new manager arriving & trying something very different - it's been tough reading about Man Utd on social media. Trying to ignore most of it.
[Europe's attacking threats, 23/24 to 24/25 till Dec 13, 2024]
🔵Haaland, Kane, Boniface, Guirassy high goal threats
🟣Son, Stoger, Saka, Dimarco, Yamal best creators
🟢Raphinha, Salah, Palmer, Leao, Musiala, Vinicius elite at both
Who is the best attacker in the world today?
🔵Haaland, Kane, Boniface, Guirassy high goal threats
🟣Son, Stoger, Saka, Dimarco, Yamal best creators
🟢Raphinha, Salah, Palmer, Leao, Musiala, Vinicius elite at both
Who is the best attacker in the world today?
December 14, 2024 at 6:17 PM
[Europe's attacking threats, 23/24 to 24/25 till Dec 13, 2024]
🔵Haaland, Kane, Boniface, Guirassy high goal threats
🟣Son, Stoger, Saka, Dimarco, Yamal best creators
🟢Raphinha, Salah, Palmer, Leao, Musiala, Vinicius elite at both
Who is the best attacker in the world today?
🔵Haaland, Kane, Boniface, Guirassy high goal threats
🟣Son, Stoger, Saka, Dimarco, Yamal best creators
🟢Raphinha, Salah, Palmer, Leao, Musiala, Vinicius elite at both
Who is the best attacker in the world today?
Ttx
The CCB bounce pass move🧵
Just a short thread on yesterday's build up mistake between Onana & De Ligt. Who's mistake was it? What is the intention & regular pattern of that move? Why does the CCB step up to recieve back-to-goal in Amorim's system?
I'll explain in brief.
Just a short thread on yesterday's build up mistake between Onana & De Ligt. Who's mistake was it? What is the intention & regular pattern of that move? Why does the CCB step up to recieve back-to-goal in Amorim's system?
I'll explain in brief.
December 13, 2024 at 5:43 PM
Ttx
The CCB bounce pass move🧵
Just a short thread on yesterday's build up mistake between Onana & De Ligt. Who's mistake was it? What is the intention & regular pattern of that move? Why does the CCB step up to recieve back-to-goal in Amorim's system?
I'll explain in brief.
Just a short thread on yesterday's build up mistake between Onana & De Ligt. Who's mistake was it? What is the intention & regular pattern of that move? Why does the CCB step up to recieve back-to-goal in Amorim's system?
I'll explain in brief.
December 13, 2024 at 5:38 PM
The CCB bounce pass move🧵
Just a short thread on yesterday's build up mistake between Onana & De Ligt. Who's mistake was it? What is the intention & regular pattern of that move? Why does the CCB step up to recieve back-to-goal in Amorim's system?
I'll explain in brief.
Just a short thread on yesterday's build up mistake between Onana & De Ligt. Who's mistake was it? What is the intention & regular pattern of that move? Why does the CCB step up to recieve back-to-goal in Amorim's system?
I'll explain in brief.