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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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...
I'm going to make a conscious effort to use this app more often again.
September 16, 2025 at 7:42 PM
I'm going to make a conscious effort to use this app more often again.
I forgot to post this yesterday. Whilst I try to post here, I've not yet brought myself to use X less.
Anywho, though I'm not a fan of the sportswashing, PSG have been the best team in Europe this season, and were brilliant on Saturday. They could rely on dribbler types. Inter had none.
Anywho, though I'm not a fan of the sportswashing, PSG have been the best team in Europe this season, and were brilliant on Saturday. They could rely on dribbler types. Inter had none.
Paris Saint-Germain’s first Champions League title win shows there will always be a place in football for dribbling.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cA
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cA
PSG dominate Inter in Champions League final with a combination of pressing and dribbling
Paris Saint-Germain’s first Champions League title win shows there will always be a place in football for dribbling.
wp.me
June 2, 2025 at 1:57 PM
I forgot to post this yesterday. Whilst I try to post here, I've not yet brought myself to use X less.
Anywho, though I'm not a fan of the sportswashing, PSG have been the best team in Europe this season, and were brilliant on Saturday. They could rely on dribbler types. Inter had none.
Anywho, though I'm not a fan of the sportswashing, PSG have been the best team in Europe this season, and were brilliant on Saturday. They could rely on dribbler types. Inter had none.
Paris Saint-Germain’s first Champions League title win shows there will always be a place in football for dribbling.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cA
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cA
PSG dominate Inter in Champions League final with a combination of pressing and dribbling
Paris Saint-Germain’s first Champions League title win shows there will always be a place in football for dribbling.
wp.me
June 2, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Paris Saint-Germain’s first Champions League title win shows there will always be a place in football for dribbling.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cA
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cA
Wide duels, short-distance combinations, running, pressing, and long balls, Tactical features which could determine the end result of the PSG v Inter Champions League final.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cl
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cl
Tactical features which could decide the Champions League Final
Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, are set to face each other in Munich on Saturday, in a mouth-watering Champions League final tie. This will be Inter’s second final in three years, whils…
wp.me
May 29, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Wide duels, short-distance combinations, running, pressing, and long balls, Tactical features which could determine the end result of the PSG v Inter Champions League final.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cl
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cl
A work in progress. It'll be on the website later this week! 👍
May 13, 2025 at 12:03 PM
A work in progress. It'll be on the website later this week! 👍
This made for a really good read. Interesting, subtle contrast between the approach to beating the Barcelona defensive line across both legs. Ultimately part of what made both matches the blockbusters they were too.
Piece on Denzel Dumfries' counter-attacking threat in Inter's 4-3 victory against Barcelona last night.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/633...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/633...
Is Denzel Dumfries the best counter-attacking wing-back in the world?
The Inter defender was the key player for his side in both legs of the Champions League tie against Barcelona… but in subtly different ways
www.nytimes.com
May 7, 2025 at 4:44 PM
This made for a really good read. Interesting, subtle contrast between the approach to beating the Barcelona defensive line across both legs. Ultimately part of what made both matches the blockbusters they were too.
Originally published on Monday, I forgot to share it here - my bad!
Anywho, I wanted to cover McTominay's impact in the final-third for Napoli.
Anywho, I wanted to cover McTominay's impact in the final-third for Napoli.
Scott McTominay’s brace against Torino has handed Napoli the upper hand over Inter in a tense title race.
Thoughts on Conte maximising McTominay’s output via his role, the 4-3-3 set up, and a look at the data which helps back it up.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cg
Thoughts on Conte maximising McTominay’s output via his role, the 4-3-3 set up, and a look at the data which helps back it up.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cg
Scott McTominay is leading Napoli’s Serie A title charge
Napoli went three points clear of reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan, following a convincing 2-0 victory against Torino. Both goals came courtesy of Scott McTominay, who has now scored 5 goals …
wp.me
April 30, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Originally published on Monday, I forgot to share it here - my bad!
Anywho, I wanted to cover McTominay's impact in the final-third for Napoli.
Anywho, I wanted to cover McTominay's impact in the final-third for Napoli.
Scott McTominay’s brace against Torino has handed Napoli the upper hand over Inter in a tense title race.
Thoughts on Conte maximising McTominay’s output via his role, the 4-3-3 set up, and a look at the data which helps back it up.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cg
Thoughts on Conte maximising McTominay’s output via his role, the 4-3-3 set up, and a look at the data which helps back it up.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cg
Scott McTominay is leading Napoli’s Serie A title charge
Napoli went three points clear of reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan, following a convincing 2-0 victory against Torino. Both goals came courtesy of Scott McTominay, who has now scored 5 goals …
wp.me
April 30, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Scott McTominay’s brace against Torino has handed Napoli the upper hand over Inter in a tense title race.
Thoughts on Conte maximising McTominay’s output via his role, the 4-3-3 set up, and a look at the data which helps back it up.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cg
Thoughts on Conte maximising McTominay’s output via his role, the 4-3-3 set up, and a look at the data which helps back it up.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2cg
Thinking back to what I saw of him last season, and what I've seen this season, I'd like to see Hamer in the Premier League again next season, regardless of where Sheffield United end up.
April 18, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Thinking back to what I saw of him last season, and what I've seen this season, I'd like to see Hamer in the Premier League again next season, regardless of where Sheffield United end up.
Hello! I have announced this before, but I'm looking for freelance work. 😀
If you are an editor, and are looking for someone to write about football tactics, I have a decades worth of articles online analysing matches, players, and all sorts.
If you are an editor, and are looking for someone to write about football tactics, I have a decades worth of articles online analysing matches, players, and all sorts.
April 15, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Hello! I have announced this before, but I'm looking for freelance work. 😀
If you are an editor, and are looking for someone to write about football tactics, I have a decades worth of articles online analysing matches, players, and all sorts.
If you are an editor, and are looking for someone to write about football tactics, I have a decades worth of articles online analysing matches, players, and all sorts.
20/21, 22/23 were better seasons overall, of course, with Fernandes playing well in them. But I just find something in him playing to a similar level for a side still a work in progress, in the bottom half of the table, that really deserves merit. #MUFC
In a strange way, I feel 2024/25 could been thought of as Fernandes' best season for United, and I tried to explain why. His performances have often stood out amongst other players on the pitch, and he's still putting up admirable numbers. #MUFC
wp.me/p6lWW3-2c7
wp.me/p6lWW3-2c7
Has 2024/25 been Bruno Fernandes’ best season for Manchester United?
Bruno Fernandes was the standout player for United in a goalless Manchester derby. He once again provided an important, and equally sublime assist last night against Lyon in the Europa League Quart…
wp.me
April 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM
20/21, 22/23 were better seasons overall, of course, with Fernandes playing well in them. But I just find something in him playing to a similar level for a side still a work in progress, in the bottom half of the table, that really deserves merit. #MUFC
In a strange way, I feel 2024/25 could been thought of as Fernandes' best season for United, and I tried to explain why. His performances have often stood out amongst other players on the pitch, and he's still putting up admirable numbers. #MUFC
wp.me/p6lWW3-2c7
wp.me/p6lWW3-2c7
Has 2024/25 been Bruno Fernandes’ best season for Manchester United?
Bruno Fernandes was the standout player for United in a goalless Manchester derby. He once again provided an important, and equally sublime assist last night against Lyon in the Europa League Quart…
wp.me
April 11, 2025 at 5:59 PM
In a strange way, I feel 2024/25 could been thought of as Fernandes' best season for United, and I tried to explain why. His performances have often stood out amongst other players on the pitch, and he's still putting up admirable numbers. #MUFC
wp.me/p6lWW3-2c7
wp.me/p6lWW3-2c7
From earlier today: Covering Leverkusen's and Getafe's contrasting 4-4-2s, to Inter's 3-5-2, to B'mouth's 4-2-3-1. It's principles, and players that determine whether a formation and what it inhabits is attacking, or defensive.
Analysis of past and present examples of formations being used in different ways, and how it suggests they aren’t defensive, nor offensive by default, with different teams principles, and usage of shapes impacting what they are stylistically.
wp.me/p6lWW3-2bJ
wp.me/p6lWW3-2bJ
Formations are neither inherently defensive, nor offensive. Tactical trends, principles, and game plans determine things
A formation is the base on which a team executes its principles, and its plans for a particular match. In modern football, formations are not the be all and end all of how a team plays against the …
wp.me
March 29, 2025 at 6:05 PM
From earlier today: Covering Leverkusen's and Getafe's contrasting 4-4-2s, to Inter's 3-5-2, to B'mouth's 4-2-3-1. It's principles, and players that determine whether a formation and what it inhabits is attacking, or defensive.