Possession-based game vs counterattack. A fixture involving Yokohama F. Marinos is bound to give us a similar spectacle. The Yokohama-based club keeps 67.19% possession per game in the J1 League this season and averages 702.11 passes per game. The Marinos indulge in 44.22 positional attacks and concede 4.56 counter-attacks per game. Nothing was out of the ordinary in the weekend fixture between Yokohama F. Marinos and Kashiwa Reysol, just an amplified version of the stats were on the cards. The Marinos played 61 positional attacks and conceded 8 counterattacks against Reysol.
In this tactical analysis, we will discuss the tactics behind the positional attacks and Reysols intelligent build-up. Without further ado, let’s dive into the analysis and indulge in the intricacies of both managers.
Line-ups
Ange Postecoglou, former Melbourne Victory (A-League) manager, started with a 4-1-4-1 formation, which often morphed into a 4-2-3-1. Edigar Junio kept his place up front. Marcos Júnior was brought back into the line-up owing to his last-minute winner against Vegalta Sendai. Kota Mizunuma and Erik positioned themselves on either side of Júnior. Takuya Kida and Jun Amano sat in the heart of the midfield. The look of the entire backline remained the same from the previous fixture.
Nélson Baptista, former Juventus player, and current Kashiwa Reysol manager started with his preferred 4-2-3-1, however, out of possession, Reysol defended mostly with 4-4-1-1. Baptista went with his trusted XI that played the last J1 League fixture against Nagoya Grampus.
Reysol’s fluctuating 4-2-3-1 & 4-4-1-1
Kashiwa Reysol initially remained in a 4-2-3-1 high block putting no pressure when Yokohama built-up form the back. Michael Olunga, the striker, protected the pass from one centre-back to another. The two wingers kept tabs on the full-backs and Ataru Esaka followed Kida closely. However, they did not press intensely rather kept tabs on the players, and can be supported by Reysol’s 19.88 PPDA.
