Using Goalkeepers In Build-Up Like Bayern Munich & Manchester City – Tactical Theory

This tactical theory will analyse recent trends concerning how goalkeepers are utilised. 

Long gone are the days of goalkeepers simply being considered the last line of defence. 

They are now instrumental in implementing the tactical philosophy of the games elite coaches. 

Two recent trends that are on the rise are goalkeepers increasingly being used to change the shape of their team during the build-up phase and, perhaps somewhat contradictory, certain goalkeepers electing to play long more often.

Changing the teams formation includes, for example, a goalkeeper playing between their two centre-backs to create a back three. 

This involves playing high, often well outside their penalty area, while being pressed by opposition forwards.

The vulnerabilities in this approach are self-evident. 

Playing long is commonly viewed as the risk-averse solution; however, as this analysis will show, it has its pitfalls. 

This tactical analysis weighs the risks and rewards of each approach and provides examples of how these tactics have been implemented in recent matches.

Goalkeepers Creating Numerical Superiority

Former Northern Ireland Women’s National Team manager Kenny Shiels was one of the first to use this strategy on the international stage during qualifying for Euro 2022.

As the above image shows, when playing against a low or mid-block, Northern Irelands goalkeeper would position herself between her centre-backs, only yards inside her own half.