Samu Varga

Also, commiting more players deep will often make the opponent push high with more players, especially when facing a more aggressive/man-oriented pressing. This will create a bigger space for the players you leave further up which makes them more dangerous for a direct option.

A buildup can not only be a tool to create fast, transition-like attacks. Sometimes it just lets the team progress with the ball + making the opponent drop back and continue the possession phase in the mid third - which is advantageous for teams who are strong in that aspect.

A truly inspiring journey of a Hungarian colleague who first helped me to get into football analytics. Hats off @Abel_Lorincz and don’t stop!

Didn't really understand that statement at the time as Napoli has used very clear positional play principles during the whole season, with some wing rotations and the 8s occasionally moving to the same side to overload - not much more fluid than Man City vs Madrid

Brighton's 424 buildup v CHE 442: - first 10 mins: not using the GK enough -› buildup forced to the right + turnover - adjustment: more backpasses from CB to GK - space for wall passes with 6s to switch + play vertical - 10 + 9 drop -› key movement to directly play to LW/Mitoma

MCI 442 pressing scheme change vs BAY 424 (RE: previous post): - wingers to press CBs from the outside - as Pep shows in 1st photo - keep 1st line/Haaland+KdB deeper to cover BAY 6s better - 2nd line/Rodri+Gündo deeper -› cover central zones - force high turnovers in 2nd half

MCI's 1st half problems with pressing BAY 424 buildup: - 1st line to press CBs + covering opp. double 6 -› difficulties with covering Kimmich -› less pressure on ball + team forced deeper -› 2nd line jumps on opp. 6s - halfspaces open up for BAY to find 10s/Musiala+Gnabry

Simple but effective kick-off variation by Bournemouth to score vs Arsenal after 11 sec: - overload left side - like a typical backpass + long ball setup - nearest player quickly turns under ball -› quick switch to RW who is isolated on the right -› immediate ball progression

Man City attacking the near post from the same variation with small changes: - create a 'train' inside/line of 4 to block for Rodri + Bernardo makes a block inside vs central-zonal header - 2nd corner similar but Rodri drops to far post -› Dias (blocker before) attacks near post

Tools for players between the lines to improve connection with wide player/winger: - scan before receiving + during the pass is on its way - deceptive 'extra' touch outside to manipulate opp. fullback's orientation/body position

Man City experimenting with a 3214 in possession to involve Haaland + Alvarez as two 9s: - opp. in 541 - create a central overload vs double 6 with 10/Bernardo dropping deeper - 9s pinning opp. CBs + making runs behind -› halfspace occupation often problematic between the lines

Everton 4141 def. setup vs ARS 325: - press central/opp. 6s with jumping 8s, W deeper + inside -› central + halfspace compactness - due to Ws pos. ARS has good access to RW/Saka -› if pass is played double with LW - 8s to cover opp. 8 -› 6 to jump after backpass to stop switch

Agree to an extent but only in some cases. In general you have to analyze the processes, not the outcomes - for example you should have the same analysis on the WC final regarding the 2 coaches, tactics, Messi-Mbappe performance etc. regardless of Dibu’s save in the end