π΄π΅ TACTICAL ANALYSIS Proposition :
FC Barcelona - Rayo Vallecano
-Gavi - Pedri - De Jong : roles in the animation
-Wingers wide : drawing out Rayo's 4-4-2
-Control halfspaces, central defenders in build-up
π§΅
FC Barcelona - Rayo Vallecano
-Gavi - Pedri - De Jong : roles in the animation
-Wingers wide : drawing out Rayo's 4-4-2
-Control halfspaces, central defenders in build-up
π§΅
I. INTERIORS IN BUILD-UP PHASE
We have seen it last year, to accompany Busquets drop-offs, one of the two 8s did the same move to be considered as a first and close passing option. Gavi completed quite well that mission, we will talk later on why this move also created space.
We have seen it last year, to accompany Busquets drop-offs, one of the two 8s did the same move to be considered as a first and close passing option. Gavi completed quite well that mission, we will talk later on why this move also created space.
Barca's build-up can rely on Pedri's strong ball retention qualities, to orientate possession to lanes, and annihilate Rayo's line of pressure, quite efficient (4-4-1-1 with intense triggers).
When Barca is in possession, especially in mid third, the objective for interiors is to control halfspaces, but not in a static way. Many inverted moves into that zone, whilst wingers are running in behind.
Xavi demands to duplicate passing schemes according to the triangle structure in midfield. It facilitates automatisms, involves center backs in possession (the next topic) and dismantles opponent's structure. Pedri frequently ends them, due to his capacity to break lines w/ runs.
Frenkie De Jong's attacking phase is a bit different, starting from deep to draw out pressing structure, and combine with teammates (here Alba) to progress high and fast on the pitch.
That is how useful Gavi's drop-offs could be to take advantage in build-up. The fact he lures the opponent to receive the ball (drop off or inverting position with Busquets) creates a space for Raphinha to take enough speed in possession.
II. CENTER BACKS INVOLVEMENT IN BUILD-UP
Xavi regularly insisted to have a consequent participation from his center backs in Barca's animation. Given their excellent qualities in game orientation, wide interiors could be easily targeted (Gavi's positioning to prevent the press)
Xavi regularly insisted to have a consequent participation from his center backs in Barca's animation. Given their excellent qualities in game orientation, wide interiors could be easily targeted (Gavi's positioning to prevent the press)
Central defenders also play a key role in counter pressing, associated with a high density of players to prevent any counter attack, knowing how dangerous it could be for Barca to concede fast transitions.
III. INTERIORS IN PENALTY BOX
Gavi, Pedri or De Jong, the mission is the same : attack penalty box to help Lewandowski if he receives the ball in that area. They lead offensive transition, try to find wingers and they attack penalty box.
Gavi, Pedri or De Jong, the mission is the same : attack penalty box to help Lewandowski if he receives the ball in that area. They lead offensive transition, try to find wingers and they attack penalty box.
Pedri's positioning near penalty box was another alternative than crosses to find wide wingers on the other side. Rayo Vallecano's defense was not aggressive enough and preferred to apply zonal marking.
Frenkie De Jong also took advantage on this central defense's low position by attacking half space. When we take a close look, in many situations we have seen half space control from Barca, with various moves in it.
Another pattern from last year : wingers have to stay wide, because it's the best way to counter low block defense, as it closes only central spaces. Interiors mostly make the transition from one lane to another (such as here)...
... or both wingers can find each other near penalty box.
IV. Therefore, is there a link between interiors and wide wingers ?
Actually, yes. When Barca could find Pedri in that precise zone (w/ short passing schemes, or Ter Stegen), wide wingers become huge dangers, given Pedri's passing skills.
Actually, yes. When Barca could find Pedri in that precise zone (w/ short passing schemes, or Ter Stegen), wide wingers become huge dangers, given Pedri's passing skills.
Interiors can find each other without passing the ball to interiors, but it has to be on ground passes, preferably in opponent's final third. However, interiors (here Gavi) always play a key role to open passing angles (Gavi's move dragged Garcia and Ciss).
VI. PRESSING STRUCTURE
Barca globally kept the same pressing shape as last season, with Pedri jumping out to position alongside Lewandowski. This high press has been too dangerous for Rayo when they tried to avoid it with short passes.
Barca globally kept the same pressing shape as last season, with Pedri jumping out to position alongside Lewandowski. This high press has been too dangerous for Rayo when they tried to avoid it with short passes.
However, when Catena or Lejeune managed to find midfielders with long balls, Barca's defense has been dismantled with dangerous situations. Xavi has to find a balance with his defensive animation and pressing structure.
End of the thread. Hope you all enjoyed reading through it. Feedbacks are strongly appreciated.
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