Instinctive
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Scouting Konstantinos Karetsas
Where football meets art
instinctive.substack.com
SCOUTING KONSTANTINOS KARETSAS
Through video analysis, I take a look at Karetsas’ passing and carrying range, close control, physicality (biomechanically), movement, awareness, and why changing your shooting angle is an all-important skill.
READ NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/scouting-k... 👈
Through video analysis, I take a look at Karetsas’ passing and carrying range, close control, physicality (biomechanically), movement, awareness, and why changing your shooting angle is an all-important skill.
READ NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/scouting-k... 👈
SCOUTING KONSTANTINOS KARETSAS
Through video analysis, I take a look at Karetsas’ passing and carrying range, close control, physicality (biomechanically), movement, awareness, and why changing your shooting angle is an all-important skill.
READ NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/scouting-k... 👈
Through video analysis, I take a look at Karetsas’ passing and carrying range, close control, physicality (biomechanically), movement, awareness, and why changing your shooting angle is an all-important skill.
READ NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/scouting-k... 👈
Scouting Konstantinos Karetsas
Where football meets art
instinctive.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:40 PM
SCOUTING KONSTANTINOS KARETSAS
Through video analysis, I take a look at Karetsas’ passing and carrying range, close control, physicality (biomechanically), movement, awareness, and why changing your shooting angle is an all-important skill.
READ NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/scouting-k... 👈
Through video analysis, I take a look at Karetsas’ passing and carrying range, close control, physicality (biomechanically), movement, awareness, and why changing your shooting angle is an all-important skill.
READ NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/scouting-k... 👈
If Konstantinos Karetsas makes use of Black Friday and buys some whey protein, I fear we’ll have a world-beater on our hands.
November 19, 2025 at 7:38 PM
If Konstantinos Karetsas makes use of Black Friday and buys some whey protein, I fear we’ll have a world-beater on our hands.
I think speed of execution is one of the most important tools in any attacker’s toolkit. But can you go too fast? And if so, can you fix it?
In this piece, I look at the biomechanics behind ball-carrying and sprinting to answer those questions.
READ NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/the-biomec... 👈
In this piece, I look at the biomechanics behind ball-carrying and sprinting to answer those questions.
READ NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/the-biomec... 👈
The Biomechanics of Dribbling
Ft. Yankuba Minteh (and a disliking of physics)
instinctive.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:53 PM
I think speed of execution is one of the most important tools in any attacker’s toolkit. But can you go too fast? And if so, can you fix it?
In this piece, I look at the biomechanics behind ball-carrying and sprinting to answer those questions.
READ NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/the-biomec... 👈
In this piece, I look at the biomechanics behind ball-carrying and sprinting to answer those questions.
READ NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/the-biomec... 👈
I really, really like Robinio Vaz. He has some of the fastest footwork (+ most efficient straight-line separation) you’ll see, in addition to a snappy finish.
Plus, he can shield the ball well and gets his head up at an abnormally high rate to scan and make sense of the keeper’s positioning.
Plus, he can shield the ball well and gets his head up at an abnormally high rate to scan and make sense of the keeper’s positioning.
November 6, 2025 at 5:50 AM
I really, really like Robinio Vaz. He has some of the fastest footwork (+ most efficient straight-line separation) you’ll see, in addition to a snappy finish.
Plus, he can shield the ball well and gets his head up at an abnormally high rate to scan and make sense of the keeper’s positioning.
Plus, he can shield the ball well and gets his head up at an abnormally high rate to scan and make sense of the keeper’s positioning.
Minteh's running/gait intrigues me 🧵
November 6, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Minteh's running/gait intrigues me 🧵
Pretty basic (good) stuff from Minteh here:
— Constantly scans b/w man + ball to discern whether to go straight/bend his run
— Levereges a stiff arm waaay before he gets his body in front of his man (effective fail safe - increases distance)
— Gets his body in front of the ball
— Constantly scans b/w man + ball to discern whether to go straight/bend his run
— Levereges a stiff arm waaay before he gets his body in front of his man (effective fail safe - increases distance)
— Gets his body in front of the ball
November 6, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Pretty basic (good) stuff from Minteh here:
— Constantly scans b/w man + ball to discern whether to go straight/bend his run
— Levereges a stiff arm waaay before he gets his body in front of his man (effective fail safe - increases distance)
— Gets his body in front of the ball
— Constantly scans b/w man + ball to discern whether to go straight/bend his run
— Levereges a stiff arm waaay before he gets his body in front of his man (effective fail safe - increases distance)
— Gets his body in front of the ball
I feel like Mikel Merino’s secretly discovered teleportation, because how else do you explain his movement/general efficiency in getting the ball to the back of the net?
November 4, 2025 at 7:19 PM
I feel like Mikel Merino’s secretly discovered teleportation, because how else do you explain his movement/general efficiency in getting the ball to the back of the net?
I take a look at whether you should buy (or avoid) these five players and tear into van de Ven owners for all the pain and suffering that 23-pointer caused me.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/buy-or-avo... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/buy-or-avo... 👈 🔗
Buy or Avoid: FPL Gameweek 10
Do you need Mateta, Mbeumo, van den Ven, and the rest?
www.lazyfpl.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:35 PM
I take a look at whether you should buy (or avoid) these five players and tear into van de Ven owners for all the pain and suffering that 23-pointer caused me.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/buy-or-avo... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/buy-or-avo... 👈 🔗
Brighton vs. Leeds | Predicted Lineup:
October 31, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Brighton vs. Leeds | Predicted Lineup:
I'd quite like to see a shape like this:
— Suits Boscagli and van Hecke in terms of wide defending
—Coppola has familiarity at CCB (+ less progressive pressure)
— Both winger-y fullbacks can do the winger-y work
— Kostoulas + Tzimas in close proximity to work off each other
— Suits Boscagli and van Hecke in terms of wide defending
—Coppola has familiarity at CCB (+ less progressive pressure)
— Both winger-y fullbacks can do the winger-y work
— Kostoulas + Tzimas in close proximity to work off each other
October 29, 2025 at 7:04 PM
I'd quite like to see a shape like this:
— Suits Boscagli and van Hecke in terms of wide defending
—Coppola has familiarity at CCB (+ less progressive pressure)
— Both winger-y fullbacks can do the winger-y work
— Kostoulas + Tzimas in close proximity to work off each other
— Suits Boscagli and van Hecke in terms of wide defending
—Coppola has familiarity at CCB (+ less progressive pressure)
— Both winger-y fullbacks can do the winger-y work
— Kostoulas + Tzimas in close proximity to work off each other
Now that we’ve reached the all-important Gameweek 10 mark, I take a look at which teams have the best upcoming fixtures and which of their FPL assets are actually worth considering.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/fixture-sw... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/fixture-sw... 👈 🔗
Fixture Swings To Target From FPL Gameweek 10
Form over fixtures... right?
www.lazyfpl.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Now that we’ve reached the all-important Gameweek 10 mark, I take a look at which teams have the best upcoming fixtures and which of their FPL assets are actually worth considering.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/fixture-sw... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/fixture-sw... 👈 🔗
Rotations ♻️
Dunk lunges into midfield → de Cuyper drops to form a back three [coverage]
Dunk back to CB → de Cuyper stays low and wide (LB) in the first phase
Kadıoğlu goes wide since Wieffer (RB) tucks in
Georginio moves into midfield for central coverage
Dunk lunges into midfield → de Cuyper drops to form a back three [coverage]
Dunk back to CB → de Cuyper stays low and wide (LB) in the first phase
Kadıoğlu goes wide since Wieffer (RB) tucks in
Georginio moves into midfield for central coverage
October 27, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Rotations ♻️
Dunk lunges into midfield → de Cuyper drops to form a back three [coverage]
Dunk back to CB → de Cuyper stays low and wide (LB) in the first phase
Kadıoğlu goes wide since Wieffer (RB) tucks in
Georginio moves into midfield for central coverage
Dunk lunges into midfield → de Cuyper drops to form a back three [coverage]
Dunk back to CB → de Cuyper stays low and wide (LB) in the first phase
Kadıoğlu goes wide since Wieffer (RB) tucks in
Georginio moves into midfield for central coverage
Manchester United vs. Brighton | Predicted Lineup:
October 24, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Manchester United vs. Brighton | Predicted Lineup:
Fabian Hürzeler was asked about Kaoru Mitoma after Brighton’s win over Newcastle:
“Mitoma still has to recover from his hit.
“We try to bring him back as quick as possible.
“He was close but we have to be patient with him so let’s see how the next days are going.”
[The Argus]
“Mitoma still has to recover from his hit.
“We try to bring him back as quick as possible.
“He was close but we have to be patient with him so let’s see how the next days are going.”
[The Argus]
October 23, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Fabian Hürzeler was asked about Kaoru Mitoma after Brighton’s win over Newcastle:
“Mitoma still has to recover from his hit.
“We try to bring him back as quick as possible.
“He was close but we have to be patient with him so let’s see how the next days are going.”
[The Argus]
“Mitoma still has to recover from his hit.
“We try to bring him back as quick as possible.
“He was close but we have to be patient with him so let’s see how the next days are going.”
[The Argus]
Minteh’s crossing from the left is brilliant, but I think his main drawback is the same as on the right — he rushes things too much.
It’s especially evident on the left; it feels like his feet are one step ahead of himself, making his balance (head beyond feet) seem off.
It’s especially evident on the left; it feels like his feet are one step ahead of himself, making his balance (head beyond feet) seem off.
October 22, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Minteh’s crossing from the left is brilliant, but I think his main drawback is the same as on the right — he rushes things too much.
It’s especially evident on the left; it feels like his feet are one step ahead of himself, making his balance (head beyond feet) seem off.
It’s especially evident on the left; it feels like his feet are one step ahead of himself, making his balance (head beyond feet) seem off.
I feel like Verbruggen's reactions are a couple of milliseconds too late, meaning he often thwacks the ball away as opposed to catching it = less control (?
+ Tracks ball well
+ Changes his angle with the ball
+ Grounds himself face-on and makes himself big
- Only gets his hands up after the shot
+ Tracks ball well
+ Changes his angle with the ball
+ Grounds himself face-on and makes himself big
- Only gets his hands up after the shot
October 22, 2025 at 9:07 PM
I feel like Verbruggen's reactions are a couple of milliseconds too late, meaning he often thwacks the ball away as opposed to catching it = less control (?
+ Tracks ball well
+ Changes his angle with the ball
+ Grounds himself face-on and makes himself big
- Only gets his hands up after the shot
+ Tracks ball well
+ Changes his angle with the ball
+ Grounds himself face-on and makes himself big
- Only gets his hands up after the shot
In this piece, I discuss Sunderland’s defense, talk through Robin Roefs’ overperformance, start singing Bohemian Rhapsody, and wonder how on earth someone can so consistently rack up DEFCONs.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/sunderland... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/sunderland... 👈 🔗
Sunderland’s Defence: Time to Invest or Trap to Avoid?
Should we expect leaky Roefs?
www.lazyfpl.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:57 PM
In this piece, I discuss Sunderland’s defense, talk through Robin Roefs’ overperformance, start singing Bohemian Rhapsody, and wonder how on earth someone can so consistently rack up DEFCONs.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/sunderland... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/sunderland... 👈 🔗
In this Victor Gyökeres piece, I analyse possible reasons for his low shot volume, hypothesise about penalties, make some bad jokes about Bane, muse over his xMins, and conclude by deciding whether I think you should sell him for Bukayo Saka.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/gyokores-f... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/gyokores-f... 👈 🔗
Gyökeres: What’s Going On and Should You Move to Saka?
Has he merely adopted the darkness?
www.lazyfpl.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:09 PM
In this Victor Gyökeres piece, I analyse possible reasons for his low shot volume, hypothesise about penalties, make some bad jokes about Bane, muse over his xMins, and conclude by deciding whether I think you should sell him for Bukayo Saka.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/gyokores-f... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/gyokores-f... 👈 🔗
In this João Pedro deep dive, I analyze why his shot volume has regressed to binary numbers, how Chelsea’s injuries might benefit him, and conclude by calling JP the FPL equivalent of a hangover.
Is it time to say Ciao Pedro?
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/joao-pedro... 👈 🔗
Is it time to say Ciao Pedro?
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/joao-pedro... 👈 🔗
João Pedro: Time to Sell Despite the Fixtures?
Should you say Ciao Pedro?
www.lazyfpl.com
October 20, 2025 at 7:20 PM
In this João Pedro deep dive, I analyze why his shot volume has regressed to binary numbers, how Chelsea’s injuries might benefit him, and conclude by calling JP the FPL equivalent of a hangover.
Is it time to say Ciao Pedro?
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/joao-pedro... 👈 🔗
Is it time to say Ciao Pedro?
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/joao-pedro... 👈 🔗
I was quite down on Arsenal signing Gyökeres before the season began, and while I am still quite negative on this move, I don't think this is the time to form [new] opinions on the move.
Focusing purely on his shooting, you can take two routes here (1/5):
Focusing purely on his shooting, you can take two routes here (1/5):
October 20, 2025 at 6:50 PM
I was quite down on Arsenal signing Gyökeres before the season began, and while I am still quite negative on this move, I don't think this is the time to form [new] opinions on the move.
Focusing purely on his shooting, you can take two routes here (1/5):
Focusing purely on his shooting, you can take two routes here (1/5):
Brighton vs. Newcastle | Predicted Lineup:
October 17, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Brighton vs. Newcastle | Predicted Lineup:
Fabian Hürzeler says Yankuba Minteh is a LW option for Brighton moving forward, and explains how it changes their tactical setup:
“He can play both – he can create danger on both sides.
“I thought he had a good game (on the left at Wolves). (1/2)
“He can play both – he can create danger on both sides.
“I thought he had a good game (on the left at Wolves). (1/2)
October 17, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Fabian Hürzeler says Yankuba Minteh is a LW option for Brighton moving forward, and explains how it changes their tactical setup:
“He can play both – he can create danger on both sides.
“I thought he had a good game (on the left at Wolves). (1/2)
“He can play both – he can create danger on both sides.
“I thought he had a good game (on the left at Wolves). (1/2)
I put on my summarising hat and recapped this international break — from Enzo Fernández’s knee, to Ollie Watkins’ ongoing affiliation with goalposts, to all the goals and assists scored while making sure to appease the Dutch.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/internatio... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/internatio... 👈 🔗
International Break Roundup (Pre GW8)
Who scored, who flopped, and who limped off
www.lazyfpl.com
October 16, 2025 at 8:11 PM
I put on my summarising hat and recapped this international break — from Enzo Fernández’s knee, to Ollie Watkins’ ongoing affiliation with goalposts, to all the goals and assists scored while making sure to appease the Dutch.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/internatio... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/internatio... 👈 🔗
In this week’s Keep or Sell, I go over faltering CFs, perhaps the greatest FPL asset ever, and make some truly terrible reindeer jokes as I ponder Tijjani Reijnders.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/keep-or-se... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/keep-or-se... 👈 🔗
Keep or Sell: FPL Gameweek 8
What to do with Gyökeres, Pedro, Bruno, and the rest?
www.lazyfpl.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:41 PM
In this week’s Keep or Sell, I go over faltering CFs, perhaps the greatest FPL asset ever, and make some truly terrible reindeer jokes as I ponder Tijjani Reijnders.
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/keep-or-se... 👈 🔗
READ FOR FREE: www.lazyfpl.com/p/keep-or-se... 👈 🔗
I think (think) there’s a decent chance Gruda and Kadioğlu start tomorrow.
October 4, 2025 at 7:06 PM
I think (think) there’s a decent chance Gruda and Kadioğlu start tomorrow.