Opta Analyst

@optaanalyst.optajoe.com

Data-driven storytelling for sport. 📈 U.S. sports @optaanalystus.optajoe.com https://www.theanalyst.com Sign up for our Stat, Viz, Quiz football newsletter: http://theanalyst.com/sign-up

The prevailing narrative of Marc Skinner’s time at Manchester United was a failure to really turn the club into one of the Women's Super League’s powerhouses on the pitch. As it turned out, consistently competing with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City was a step too far for Skinner and Co.

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Max Dowman grabbed the headlines as Arsenal's breakout star last season, but Marli Salmon was developing rapidly alongside him. The 16-year-old defender made four senior appearances for the Gunners last campaign and was a defensive colossus in the Premier League 2.

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Since Marc Skinner became Manchester United manager, they have comfortably been the fourth best team in the Women's Super League. Unfortunately, fourth doesn't quite cut it for a team that wants to win the WSL title by 2028 😬

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Yan Diomande was one of the Bundesliga's best creators last season but it didn't translate to him coughing up possession on a regular basis. "I was particularly struck by how few passes he misplaced," his Leganés coach, Borja Jiménez, told Coaches' Voice about working with him.

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Manchester City had two of the most creative attacking midfielders in the Premier League at their disposal last season in the form of Rayan Cherki and Jérémy Doku. But do they have enough strength in depth in attacking positions?

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London City Lionesses' rise has been nothing short of remarkable. This summer, they have shown their ambition in the transfer market, signing big-name players like Alexia Putellas as well as the versatile Janni Thomsen, who has played in a plethora of positions for her country.

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John Stones is reportedly close to joining Italian giants Internazionale. The 32-year-old struggled for fitness last season, but possesses immense quality on the ball and is an excellent box defender.

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Alex Scott has reportedly rejected a new contract at Bournemouth, seemingly alerting the Premier League's biggest clubs. Scott lit up the Vitality Stadium last campaign with his dribbling ability, which also helped him draw more fouls than most.

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Tottenham didn't play like a Roberto De Zerbi team as he saved them from relegation last season. They have spent a lot of money this summer trying to become the team he wants them to be. And there will be more signings to come, too.

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Tottenham's record signing Alice Sombath is one of Europe's most impressive young defenders. Since her OL Lyonnes debut in 2021, she's led all U23 defenders in various Champions League metrics.

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Only 3 players tallied more carries ending in a shot/chance created in the Premier League last season than Morgan Rogers (46). Even if Xabi Alonso's system at Chelsea doesn't maximise that side of his game, he can find a way to be useful in pretty much any team. theanalyst.com/articles/mor...

Morgan Rogers Doesn’t Need to Be Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers to Succeed at Chelsea | Opta Analyst

While Morgan Rogers' record move to Chelsea raised some eyebrows, there are plenty of reasons to expect he'll be a success at Stamford Bridge.

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Although he has struggled with injuries at times, John Stones is undoubtedly still one of the world's most talented central defenders when fit. After almost 10 years at Manchester City, he will be looking to find a new club this summer.

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🚨The Opta 2026 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament is here. The XI features four players from Spain's World Cup-winning side, and we have shuffled Kylian Mbappé out to the left wing to accommodate the excess of attacking talent present at the tournament.

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Ayyoub Bouaddi came into the 2026 FIFA World Cup as somewhat of a wildcard. Then he started Morocco's opening game against Brazil and bossed the midfield. His performances in North America have meant he has left the tournament as one of the hottest prospects in world football.

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Argentina are only the second team ever to go through the first half of a World Cup final without attempting a shot. The first team? France in 2022. That final ended up being one of the greatest of all-time ... there's hope yet, right?!

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