News

The game’s best pressing teams have an orchestral quality to them.

Each movement is heavily synchronized and rhythmic. These sides often alternate between low-tempo structural movements and high-intensity chasing. These teams collectively identify the best moments to engage the opposition and showcase hypnotic teamwork to execute the defensive phase.

This analysis identifies the tactics that makes these sides so special.

Known for their sublime technical qualities and elegance possessed by few, Andrea Pirlo, Xabi Alonso, and Kroos captivated us from their deep-lying role. We want to move beyond the surface of these mesmerizing displays to better understand how these registas asserted themselves upon the match.

This tactical analysis examines three ways in which these legends controlled the game. The first two relate to the attacking tactics of the game, whereas the third looks at the defensive aspects of the role.

As football data continues to evolve, we’re seeing that most goal-scoring actions are produced with limited time in possession and few passes. With the emerging trend of quick, direct actions towards goal, top coaches are looking for ways to force the opposition into low losses.

At this point, most are aware that Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool averaged 7.81 seconds of possession and an average of 2.51 passes en route to a UEFA Champions League title. The Champions League average of 12.50 seconds and 3.89 passes per goal-scoring action are indicators that most goals are the result of mistakes in the defensive and middle third or quick counterattacks.

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.

We all want more intelligent players

But are we giving them the developmental support they need?

For possession-dominant teams, creating time and space to conduct attacks is often countered by defensively compact opponents. In order to create more time and space on the ball, teams look to create superiorities across the pitch.

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?

When teams struggle with communication, it’s not the act of verbalizing that’s an issue…it’s the quality and clarity of the thoughts conveyed.

Communication starts with a thought.

Far from Route 1 soccer, direct possession is a controlled approach to direct attacking. It often starts with low tempo, deep buildouts, but those actions are by design. Rather than unbalancing the opposition in their own defensive third, where there’s less space to disorganize them, direct possession looks to maximize space on the vertical axis and attack it once the opponent’s overcommit high up the field. Plus, that change in tempo is deadly.

It’s quick, structured, purposeful, and lethal.

It’s also a lot of fun to watch.