Something is brewing in the depths of Carrington.

Some have watched, and much has been made, but few have truly borne witness.

In the quiet corners of the training grounds, amidst the whispers of past glories, a new talent is emerging.

His name: Shea Lacey — 'The Redeemer.'

His presence on the field is not just seen; it is felt, he resonates with an energy that captivates and compels. The anticipation is electric, the possibilities endless.

Make no mistake. The question is not if Shea Lacey will make his mark, but how deep and how lasting that mark will be.

Today, we delve into the player and the profile, focusing on his:

1. Footballing origins

2. Technical Profile

3. Mental Profile (One-Pointed Consciousness) *Must Read*

4. Challenges and Limitations

5. Central Tendencies and Further Strengths

Unlike previous articles, I will limit the implementation of clips into the writing. I have made a comp, “Shea Lacey - Cold Little Heart,” live on X @utdbaroc, that contains all you need to see.

Footballing Origins

Lacey burst onto the scene in a manner eerily reminiscent of Brazilian legend Neymar Jr. — by dazzling scouts and analysts alike on futsal courts.

Futsal, an ideal environment for youth development through its emphasis on technique, ball-manipulation, and creativity, played a pivotal role in shaping Lacey's style of play.

Just as Neymar carried a youthful joy and an innate understanding of motion on the futsal court, Lacey exhibits these same qualities with an infectious enthusiasm that sets him apart.

Lacey's futsal roots are evident in his approach to the game.

The tight spaces and rapid tempo of futsal created a player with exceptional close control, swift decision-making, and a natural ability to navigate through congested areas—all traits that Lacey has seamlessly integrated into his in-game repertoire. 

As Lacey transitioned from the futsal court to the football pitch, he carried with him this philosophy of play that emphasizes a deep connection with the ball. 

His movements are fluid and purposeful, his dribbling a dance that mesmerizes defenders. 

The joy he finds in playing the game is palpable, much like Neymar in his early years. This joyous approach not only makes him a delight to watch but also instills a sense of freedom and confidence in his play, allowing him to express his full range of abilities.

His futsal background has equipped him with a unique set of tools that make him a versatile and dynamic player, capable of adapting to various roles and situations on the field.

Technical Profile

To be an elite wideman, a forward must either be an elite creative passer or possess an elite physical profile.

Shea Lacey, with his current Phil Foden-esque frame, has the potential to excel in both areas. His creative passing is already beyond what is expected for his age, and his physical capabilities continue to develop, promising a bright future.

Lacey's dribbling at speed is also nothing short of spectacular.

His ability to maintain close control while accelerating and maneuvering through defenders is a testament to his exceptional skill.

This mastery of step-count in dribbling allows him to glide past opponents, creating space and opportunities where none seemed possible.

Creative Passing from Wide Positions

One of Lacey’s standout qualities is his creative passing from wide positions. His execution of killer passes consistently sets up goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. The range and volume of crosses, through-balls, underlap finds, and set peace delivery are remarkable. Additionally, his mid and long-range shooting skills add another dimension to his game, making him a constant threat from various distances.

When Shea Lacey gets the ball, the chaos of the pitch seems to settle into a structured pattern. The frenetic energy and rapid movements of the game slow down, allowing Lacey to survey the field with remarkable clarity. His touch exudes calmness, instantly bringing a sense of control and purpose to the play. This ability to impose order on the inherent disorder of a match is a testament to his advanced spatial awareness and tactical acumen. It sets the stage for his mental profile and is a critical marker for his potential.

Counter-Attack Threat

On the counter-attack, Lacey is a devastating weapon. His dangerous pace and movement enable him to exploit spaces behind the defense, he recognizes the movement from defenders, and times his runs often perfectly.

Sometimes, his tendency to seek the ball can inhibit his runs. He plays with a supreme confidence — like the ball belongs to him.

Truly, Shea’s ability to strike fear into the hearts of defenders is his most important quality. It unbalances and destroys their approach to the game.

As Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan, until you step on the pitch and Lacey is dribbling at you” (or something like that).

Mental Profile

Perhaps his most captivating quality, however, is Lacey’s mental profile on the football pitch. 

When rewatching matches for this analysis, I noticed something elusive. It wasn’t the nostalgia of watching history repeat itself; it felt more like an echo, an evolution from the same first principles.

Then it struck me – the key has always been his mental approach to the game.

It belongs to a supreme class of footballer – shared by Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., Luis Suarez, and Maradona. 

Let me explain.

In eastern philosophy, there is a concept of the Ekaggata, or the ‘one-pointed consciousness.’

Achieved through years of meditation, it is a state of mind-unification where the mind becomes still but doesn't merge with the object of focus.

In western terms, it is referred to as the ‘flow state.’

It is said that in this state, some monks gain a limited ability to transcend the mental category of time, often becoming one with the activity they engage in, predicting its events meticulously, and effectively ‘seeing’ into the future.

Shea Lacey plays this sport stuck in that state. 

Football is his meditation, the game his fixed point.

When Lacey gets the ball, everything seems to slow to a stop. 

The situation gains clarity, the correct choice becomes exceedingly obvious.

It is a gift – the gift of all gifts – for a forward. 

This realization of Lacey’s time-dilation effect and ‘Ekkagata’ was inspired partially by Isaac Netero’s “Hundred-type Guanyin Bodhisattva” in the Chimera ant arc of Hunter x Hunter. 

Just as Netero's mastery allows him to anticipate and respond with unparalleled precision, Lacey's command of the pitch is almost supernatural.

He doesn't play football; he becomes it, embodying the game's rhythm and flow.

Lacey’s information acquisition and implementation is absolutely top. His ability to pause, to see the game unfold in slow motion, gives him an edge that is both mesmerizing and lethal.

Understanding Lacey’s mental game is key to appreciating his extraordinary potential (see section 5).

His ability to harness ‘Ekaggata’ on the pitch is a rare gift, one that elevates his play to a level that few can reach.

The way he reads the game, anticipates movements, and executes with precision speaks to a football IQ that is just as impressive as his dribbling.

Challenges and Limitations

By now, you must be wondering, if this guy is as good as you say he is, why isn’t he a starter in the premier league? Surely, there are limitations?

Indeed It is true. He is not perfect.

So, let's address the elephants in the room: his physical development and angle bias.

Physical Development

To maximize Shea Lacey's physical and biomechanical potential, a renewed focus on enhancing core and lower body strength is imperative.

His current capabilities are an unfinished sculpture, with raw material ready to be chiseled into form.

By incorporating Anthony Elanga-esque plyometrics into his regimen, Lacey can maximize the explosive power and agility.

These drills will not only increase his first step and acceleration but also improve his ability to maintain balance during high-intensity duels, essential for retaining his instinct for outmaneuvering more seasoned defenders.

Furthermore, an additional two-three inches of height would place Lacey at an optimal 5'9" or 5'10", a stature that strikes a perfect balance for a footballer of his ilk (a perfectly feasible possibility considering familial heights and recent growth).

This height allows for a low center of gravity, optimizing equilibrium and control during rapid changes in direction.

Furthermore, this longer frame would enhance his ability to shield the ball effectively, utilizing his body as a fortress against aggressive challenges.

Lacey should also take inspiration from Bukayo Saka’s use of body shielding and strength.

Though Lacey doesn’t struggle with this at his current level, Saka’s ability to leverage hip strength to protect the ball and maintain possession under duress is a skill that Lacey must emulate in further levels.

Developing these techniques significantly bolsters his resilience on the pitch, making him a tougher adversary to dispossess and enhancing his game presence.

The inherent fearlessness Lacey exhibits in duels is a promising trait.

This bravery, when combined with increased physical strength and power, indicates the potential for a duel-monster.

His propensity to engage physically, without hesitation, will become a defining feature of his play, enabling him to dominate his zones beyond the tactical and mental paradigms he does now.

Angle Bias

Shea Lacey’s angle bias is a fascinating case study in the double-edged nature of exceptional talent. His extraordinary proficiency with his left foot, particularly in executing incisive passing or curling strikes, has become a hallmark of his play.

However, this reliance at the professional level will introduce a level of predictability, which can be exploited by astute defenders.

The challenge lies in harnessing this talent without becoming one-dimensional.

Progress is evident, as coaching efforts have refined Lacey’s ability to strike powerfully and accurately with his right foot. He’s no Antony, by any stretch.

Yet, the journey towards a complete footballer demands more.

To transition seamlessly into central or half-space roles, Lacey must address this bias, particularly concerning the in-swinger with his right foot.

Developing ambidexterity in dynamic ball carrying, akin to the versatility shown by players like Jack Moorhouse, will add a layer of unpredictability to his arsenal.

Lacey's future potential hinges on his ability to diversify his attacking angles. By honing his right foot and perfecting his technique for carrying the ball on both sides, he will become a more versatile and dangerous player. 

This evolution will enable him to exploit spaces in rest defense more effectively, creating and capitalizing on opportunities with a level of sophistication that keeps him unreadable.

Central Tendencies and Further Strengths

Drawing back to his mental profile, one of Lacey's most remarkable attributes is his ability to demonstrate pausa, the art of holding the ball at the most critical moment.

This trait, essential for offensive or possession-focused teams, has developed in Lacey akin to the way it developed in Bernardo Silva, a low to the ground and ‘greedy’ control of the situation. 

Pausa is about understanding when to take a breath, to let the chaos around you settle, and to make the most calculated decision.

Lacey embodies this philosophy on the pitch, his moments of stillness creating the clarity needed for brilliance.

Lacey’s pattern recognition in offenses is another facet of his game that stands out.

He has an uncanny ability to make the ‘unexpected’ choice, consistently staying one step ahead of his defender.

This complex understanding of how opponents will react to his actions allows him to manipulate the game, creating space and opportunities that others can’t see. It’s this unpredictable nature that makes him such a formidable player, as he continuously disrupts defensive structures and opens up new avenues for attack.

This is an indication of a player with an extraordinarily high IQ. At 17 years old, Shea Lacey has mastered some fundamental aspects of the game that have escaped Phil Foden.

This is the true indication of a player with an extraordinarily high football IQ. At just 17 years old, Shea Lacey has mastered some fundamental aspects of the game that have eluded even the likes of Phil Foden.

His ability to anticipate and react to the flow of the game shows a depth of understanding and instinct that is rare for someone so young.

Lacey doesn't just play the game; he thinks it. His decisions on the field are not just reactions but premeditated moves in a complex chess game, where he is always several steps ahead of his opponent.

The journey ahead for Lacey is as thrilling as it is mysterious. Every match, every touch of the ball, adds a new chapter to his burgeoning legend. He is a player who captivates the imagination, who makes you believe in the magic of the game.

The echoes of past legends are loud, but the voice of Shea Lacey is growing stronger.

Holding width, in the pocket, in the half-space, in the box. A monster.

The next chapter of football is being written, and at its heart will be the chosen son of the Stretford faithful, a name that will soon be synonymous with greatness.

Lacey.

Watch this space.

t. Doctor Octopus

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Joshua Zirkzee, like many before him, has become the new focus of transfer panic from the Manchester United fanbase.

A primary target of the new INEOS regime, Zirkzee has gained an unfair first characterization and affiliation with the lackluster Ten Hag reign, serving as a scapegoat for current fan frustration.

The casuals, however, are in for a shock.

Much like Jude Bellingham, I believe that Joshua Zirkzee is one of those few players in world football who cannot be fully understood through a single paradigm.

The emergent profile of his physical and technical capabilities is a range of possibilities – high impact in various phases, and complete domination in certain zones.

Before we begin this analysis, however, we must ameliorate an issue and clarify our purpose.

Modern player profiling has fallen into an incessant obsession with fitting players into a prebuilt mold.

This often leads to significant setbacks in attempts to comprehend players whose attributes do not neatly conform to one of these archetypes — resulting in the diametrically opposed characterizations of 'positionless' (see Joao Felix) or 'all-time great' (see Wayne Rooney).

Recognizing the nuances of individual players is crucial to avoid misconceptions. For instance, labeling both Bellingham and Kevin De Bruyne as Attacking Midfielders may be accurate in some conventional sense, but it greatly oversimplifies their distinct roles and removes their essence.

To avoid this, we will suspend any discussion of position until the very end.

Think of this exercise not as a discovery of Zirkzee’s archetype, but of a creation of a new mold, a unique description of a player. 

We begin with the base of all football, the physical.

Towering at an imposing 6'4" and 190 pounds, Joshua’s stature is a significant asset in deploying his diverse set of qualities on the pitch.

His body proportions are unique for his height and exemplary for a footballer: featuring short, powerful legs that generate tremendous force and a lengthier torso that offers enhanced leverage during physical duels.

These biomechanical traits play a crucial role in his effectiveness on the field, and Zirkzee understands how to deploy them.

His ability to lower his center of gravity to hold the ball with his back to goal creates a stable and balanced base that provides press resistance from central defenders and midfielders alike.

This body shielding allows him to maintain control and wait for support runners or create space for a turn in the immediate transition.

Moreover, Zirkzee’s upper body strength and torso play a key role in his ability to maneuver past direct line tackles.

With intimate use of his torso to pivot and swing around challenges, Zirkzee consistently maintains momentum and control, effectively bypassing defenders who attempt to engage him physically.

The running power generated from his legs is another standout feature of Zirkzee's physical profile. His quad length paired with a consistent angular proportion in hip bend creates a great degree of control in stride and step count. 

This combination of raw power and precise control is what allows him to drive past opponents in a fashion reminiscent of Ronaldinho or Henry – a certified elite premier-league level.

Additionally, Zirkzee's hip flexibility significantly enhances his mobility, agility, and technical execution on the field. 

Unlike Harry Kane, his ability to rotate his hips smoothly allows for intricate movement patterns, also aiding in his ability to adjust his body positioning rapidly, making him more effective in tight spaces and between lines.

To understand what Zirkzee offers with the ball, it is important to first understand what he was made from.

Hailing from the Feyenoord Academy in Rotterdam, Joshua did not grow up with the classical and semi-religious adherence to technical mastery preached at Ajax.

He was forced, instead, to adopt this skillset through another organic means — five-a-side.

“I think what the USA has with (urban outdoor) basketball courts, we have in Holland with the five-a-side pitches,” Zirkzee said

The tight space manipulation, between-lines operation, and pausa derived from these experiences are reflected clearly in Joshua’s play. They are his central strengths — with his relative dominance increasing proportionally to the amount they are allowed to flourish.

All Phases Domination

In the build-up phase, Zirkzee’s ability to drop deep and link play is a significant asset.

His physical presence allows him to shield the ball effectively, drawing defenders toward him and creating space for his teammates, while his intelligence in the link-up and natural pausa lends to elite decision-making.

Observe his movements in the following, a raw display of technical, mental, and physical prowess in the build-up:

Zirkzee’s domination of the build-up phase is further supplemented by his passing statistics, with above-average range, volume, and variation of passing.

As a forward, he demands an unusual amount of touches, choosing to organize his offensive movements towards the ball, rather than off of it.

During the progression phase, Zirkzee's ball-carrying ability comes to the fore. His stride and close control enable him to drive the ball forward, bypassing midfield lines and creating numerical advantages in advanced areas.

Zirkzee excels at receiving the ball between the lines, turning, and driving forward with purpose.

Arriving at the third phase, Zirkzee’s two-footed ball-striking and final action execution is well adjusted.

Though he commits many of the same mistakes young forwards tend towards (indecisiveness in finishing and lack of aggression), his box instincts are remarkably promising.

One area of improvement in this sector is Joshua’s aerial presence. Though he often seems capable of winning duels with his height and leap — there seems to be a lack of aggression and coordination, with an unwillingness to engage.

As seen, the low number of aerials won is slightly deceiving, as the number of aerials lost is particularly low as well, indicating a low level of engagement rather than a high loss rate.

Coaching concerning mental preparation and technique should fix this issue, in the meanwhile, Zirkzee remains below average for forwards.

In terms of creativity and organization in the final third, however, I’ve waxed lyrical about Zirkzee between the lines. In truth words and numbers cannot fully encapsulate the technical quality and consistency of these operations. There is nothing to say, watch.

So, thus far, we have noted Zirkzee’s unique physical capabilities, diverse technical abilities, and relational tendencies as a footballer.

Now, it is time to fit the puzzle pieces into one coherent image: what is Joshua Zirkzee, how does he organize around an offense, and how does he fit into Manchester United?

Taking a big-picture view, Zirkzee’s stats compare interestingly with the pre-existing molds of players that we discussed earlier.

As a standard nine, Zirkzee’s attacking tilt is exceeded by his operations in possession, which appears his only well-adjusted value.

When selecting for ‘false-nine’ attributes, however, Zirkzee’s qualities shine well above the mean for forwards, and exceptionally high for the ‘nine’ position.

This unique mix of qualities — a classical ten with the frame of a pure nine and the intelligence of a false nine can only be described with a unique title.

The Nine and a Half.

Such a profile is ideally suited to complementing the skillsets of both Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund, who excel as attacking outlets. However, it presents challenges for Bruno Fernandes, whose creative play thrives in central zones.

To maximize Zirkzee’s impact, my proposal is this:

1. Manchester United deploys a two-striker system, with either one of Højlund or Rashford complimented by a Zirkzee as a second striker. This can also be reserved for big games, where quick transitions and last-line explosions are prioritized.

2. Zirkzee is implemented as a classical false nine, with Rashford and Højlund playing inside forwards on the left and the right, and Bruno Fernandes retaining the 10 position behind him.

   1. In settled possession, Højlund vacates the right half-space and moves to occupy the left center back in the box. Bruno moves into this vacated space, utilizing his in-swinging cross on his stronger right foot. The right-back takes the overlap to hold the width and support Bruno.

      1. Rashford shifts to the touchline and hopes to isolate in the 1v1, cutting for an in-swinging cross/shot or in or driving to the line and producing a cutback.

      2. Zirkzee hangs on the edge of the box, near the left half-space, ready to crash the box, create, or orchestrate between the lines. These tight spaces will allow his shifty style of ball manipulation and ‘pausa’ to dominate Zone 14, the area around the center D.

   

   1. Out of possession, Zirkzee would be expected to hold and lead the press as a typical nine, a role he is accustomed to in Motta’s Bologna.

3. Zirkzee can also function as just an auxiliary nine-option. This would waste the best of his values — like buying a high-end katana to spread butter — but his false-nine linkup can be reduced to consistent box crashing and brutish hold-up play.

Profiling in football is about the seamless integration of a player's unique qualities into the team. Joshua Zirkzee —> United embodies this principle.

His physical dominance, technical skill, and tactical understanding offer Manchester United a versatile talent capable of redefining roles on the pitch. As he continues to develop, the hope is that Zirkzee will transcend conventional player profiling and carve out a distinctive niche that marries his strengths with the needs of his team.

His story is still being written, but the pages already hint at a player capable of leaving a mark on the sport.

A Galactico in the making.

The Nine and a Half.

t. Doctor Octopus

Relations between players.

Between players and managers.

Between players and fans.

Between players and the club.

And principally, relations between a player and the ball.

At this core, football is irreducible. 

The most intuitively fundamental notion — universal to football fans — is that the experience of football cannot be grasped with mere numbers, narratives, or ill-fitted theory.

In psychoanalysis, Jacques Lacan’s ‘real’ refers to a register beyond the symbolic and imaginary — a realm that defies complete comprehension — a domain of pure, unarticulated experience that eludes rationalization. 

It is an encounter with the sublime, a moment that transcends the mundane and becomes inexpressible.

The essence of football is not something that can be fully articulated or symbolized; it is fleeting, spontaneous, and often superhuman, resisting any attempt to confine it within strict analytical boundaries.

Thus, the crucial problem with modern ‘tacticos’ in the online analysis space is their machinic desire to narrow football to a science – fitting it into a predictive framework that can generate results.

I disagree.

That removes the essence of the task.

In my writings, my hope is not to arrive at some profound, obscure, or mystical truth. Indeed, I do not believe that is possible with an art that exists beyond the symbolic and the imaginary.

My project is simply to identify, explain, and discuss the ideologies and principles from which the experience of football arises. To explore and analyze relations.

I must confess, however, that my origins are not far removed from many of these tacticos.

My central influence is the great Johan Cruyff. 

Yet, my appreciation is not rooted in a dogmatic allegiance to the evolution of ‘Juego de Posición.’ It stems from a love of the base principle — the all-encompassing Totaalvoetbal.

Characterized by fluidity and interchangeability, total football is not a strategy, but a paradigm for understanding human potential. 

It’s not just about where a player is on the pitch, but about how they connect with their surroundings, react to the ebb and flow of the game, and contribute to the collective music. 

This approach aligns with the nature of football’s existence in the ‘real,’ where it becomes a living, breathing entity that transcends the symbolic confines of formation and tactics — a hyperexpression of human subjectivity.

Real analysis must consider the interplay of emotions, the symbiotic connections between players, and the unspoken understanding between a manager and his squad. It’s these subtleties that give football its profound resonance. 

We witness the culmination of countless relational dynamics when we observe moments of brilliance – a lightning-struck goal, a passage of toco y me voy, a forming tabela. 

These moments are imbued with meaning not because they fit neatly into a tactical framework, but because they resonate with the human experience. 

They speak to our innate understanding of creativity, struggle, and triumph. Each moment on the pitch is a reflection of the struggle inherent in the human condition, a microcosm of our battles for meaning and significance.

As my writings journey through football, I will reflect on how the game, much like philosophy, encourages us to question, understand, and connect. Octo-Football will challenge the reductionist views that seek to confine football within rigid parameters and instead embrace the fluid, dynamic nature of the sport. 

In the coming weeks, we’ll take a closer look at the tactical intricacies of teams like Arsenal, Fluminense, and Real Madrid. We'll redefine the concept of ‘player profiling,’ exploring standout players such as ‘O Fenômeno’ Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, and examine the innovative approaches of managers like Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola. We'll also discuss cultural shifts in football tactics, evolving storylines around the Euros, the significance of football heritage, and the debates over the sport’s greatest and current talents.

The full article queue will be released over on twitter.

…

t. Doctor Octopus

PS: I promise that the rest of my writings will feel less self-indulgent and grandiose. I just figured the introduction of my ideology ought to be delineated clearly.