The way teams evolve their tactics to utilise playing with two holding midfielders, or a “double pivot”, is a tactic that undergoes constant tweaks at the elite level.
Historically, one midfielder would simply occupy one half of the pitch and the other the opposite half.
In this year’s European Championship, interesting tactical variations have increased the dynamism of these two players.
Switzerland, who will be used in this tactical analysis, have been particularly creative and successful with their use of a double pivot under Murat Yakin tactics.
This tactical theory will analyse how Switzerlands double-pivot receives the ball from their backline and either progresses the ball up the pitch or switches the point of attack.
Both the movement and synchronisation of the two players will be analysed, as well as the individual movements and body orientation of each player.
This analysis will also show how the midfielders create space for others without necessarily touching the ball.
This tactical analysis will offer example training exercises that coaches can implement based on the movements and combinations of elite midfielders.
Showing short to play long
In the opening stages of the game against the current European champions, Switzerland used their midfield movement to play long, directly into their forwards.
To accommodate this, both central midfielders, former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka and Serie A’s Remo Freuler, simultaneously dropped towards the ball carrier to receive the ball.
