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In this tactical analysis, the topic concerns the interactions of attackers that lead to goals. Since scoring is the most difficult aspect of the game, analyzing and developing a clear understanding of the most effective attacking principles allows teams to improve their shot creation with the personnel available on the wage bill. The full analysis examines five tactical interactions that top clubs use to create more effective attacking moves. This post focuses on the last two, using the half space and vacating key areas.

A brief quote taken from The Athletic’s interview of Los Angeles Chargers coach, Brandon Staley, struck Ian Sarachan and Aidan Reynolds.

Assistant coaches for Creighton University in the American NCAA, the long-time friends latched onto the line and created a theme.

The math should matter, especially for this Creighton team. In an NCAA soccer scene that has been a slow adapter to data analytics, the Creighton coaching staff found their secret weapon. Head coach Johnny Torres wanted something different, something that connected to his love of attacking football and high pressing.

Investing in data analytics was the answer, both for the coaches and the players. “We really wanted to grow the minds of our players. To do that, we motivated them in so many different ways, and a lot of it was through the use of data,” said Reynolds.

In a three forward system, teams like Real Madrid like to isolate the wide forwards, enabling them to either run onto a pass sent behind the lines, typically in the half-space, or running at a defender 1v1. With the current Barcelona squad, the front three are very narrow, offering vertical runs and outlets for deep completions and combination play. In either situation, the three forwards are tasked with occupying the entirety of the opposition’s backline.

In a two forward system, the occupation of the opposition’s backline is more targeted. In the majority of these tactical systems, the two forwards look to occupy just the centre-backs. They might position themselves between a centre and outside-back on occasion, but it’s nearly always the central player’s responsibility to pick up the central forward.

Often when you hear someone speak about direct vs possession football, you’ll find “direct” used in a pejorative manner.

Whereas possession is associated with structure, control, intricate movements, and purposeful attacking, direct is often derided as a less aesthetically pleasing form of football. It’s simple, less intricate, and more easily replicated. There’s also the reduction of direct play to a hit-and-hope Route 1 philosophy. Any old squad can have success with the direct approach whereas possession is the burden of talent.

That’s where we’ll make our first distinction. Rather than distinguishing direct from possession, we’re reframing the concept to think of it as direct possession vs indirect possession.

Few players can boast the longevity to have matched up against both Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, only one player comes to mind.

His name is Paolo Maldini.

Though he played in a different era, Il Capitano’s brilliance on the pitch leaves us with timeless lessons in defending

This tactical analysis is part retro scouting report, part tactical theory. We’re going to dive into the core principles that made Maldini the defender he was, highlighting those characteristics for a contemporary audience. By the end, the goal is to have concrete ideas to take with us to the training ground, either as a coach or a player.

Our focus is on cues for progression in the final third, taking examples from the game's best.

The 1st concept is unbalancing the opposition's backline, creating numeric superiorities.

The keeper position has evolved.

No longer JUST a shot-stopper, they're now required to use their feet well and contribute to the build-out. How do the intelligent movements of GKs benefit their teams in the build-out?

Here's what I found.

What does intelligent movement look like at the centerbacks position?

I’ve studied some of the best the game has to offer in the hopes of helping my own players better understand the role.

Here’s what I found.

Ever wonder what separates the top midfielders in the game from the pack?

There’s no universal set of physical traits in the middle of the park and you can argue there’s very little separating their technical qualities.

So what’s left?