Belgian First Division A 2020/21: Standard Liege vs Genk – tactical analysis

The third matchday of the Belgian Pro League had some interesting matchups on the programme. One of them being the game between Standard Liege and Genk.

Standard were on maximum points going into this game by winning their opening games against Cercle Brugge with coach Paul Clement who is former assistant coach at Bayern Munichen, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Genk, on the other hand, had a rather difficult start to the campaign. Although Wolf’s team did secure four points out of six, the way they did it wasn’t very convincing. With this in mind, Genk were eager to show what they are capable of in this intriguing encounter.

The match finished in a goalless draw and while a draw was fair, the match could have gone either way, with many interesting tactical ploys from both teams. This tactical analysis will break the match down into various game moments to provide analysis and insights into the tactics utilised by them.

Lineups and formations

Philippe Montanier started with his preferred 4-3-3. The goalkeeper, Arnaud Bodart was well protected by Konstantinos Laifis, Nicolas Gavory, Ngoran Suiru Fai Collins and Mërgim Vojvoda. The midfield comprised of Gojko Cimirot, Nicolas Raskin, Selim Amallah. And lastly, the attacking trio consisted of Felipe Nicolás Avenatti, Aleksandar Boljević and Maxime Lestienne.

Hannes Wolf started in a 4-4-2 formation on paper. Hannes Wolf started in a 4-4-2 formation on paper. It was a 4-4-2 out of possession but when in possession one of the strikers drop into midfield to create a 4-3-3. Daniel Vuković started in goal for Genk. The defence consisted of Jere Uronen, Jhon Janer, Lucumí Carlos, Cuesta Figueroa and Joakim Mæhle. The centre of midfield was occupied by  Danie Muñoz and Eboue Kouassi. Whilst the flanks consisted of Junya Ito and Théo Bongonda. Ebere Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers led the line for Genk.

Genk’s wide dynamics

Genk started the game with a rather attacking intent. This faded away the longer the game went on. Genk would build in a 2-2 stagger, where the two pivots would sit in front of the two centre-backs. Below Kouassi sprints to the far side to create a rectangular shape with the two centre-backs and Muñoz.