UEFA Europa Conference League 2021/22: How Feyenoord and Roma can look to tactically edge each other in this historic final – tactical preview

On Wednesday, Feyenoord will face Roma in the first-ever UEFA Europa Conference League final. Feyenoord are still the last Dutch team to win a European title, having won the UEFA Cup in 2002. On the other hand, Roma look to win their first-ever European trophy and end the clubs 14-year trophy drought. Led by star striker Cyriel Dessers, who’s scored 22 goals this season, Feyenoord have the best attack in the Conference League. On the other hand, Tammy Abraham has scored 30 goals this season, leading Jose Mourinho’s attack.

In this tactical analysis, we examine both teams’ tactics and trends throughout this season to determine how they will match up. It will also be an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of both teams which may prove decisive on Wednesday.

Lineups

Both managers have been extremely consistent with their starting elevens. For Feyenoord, Marciano has been in goal with Geertruida, Trauner, Senesi, and Malacia at the back. Aursnes and Kökçü are usually the two central midfielders with Til in the number 10 position. Nelson is a traditional winger on the right while young star Sinisterra is an inverted winger on the left. Up top, Dessers is the centre-forward. They have been extremely consistent with their 4-2-3-1, using it 84% of the time in 2021/22.

As far as Roma are concerned. Mourinho has consistently opted for a 3-4-2-1 in the second half of the season. Rui Patrício is the keeper with Gianluca Mancini, former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, and Roger Ibañez as the centre-backs. While Leonardo Spinazzola has recovered from injury, Rick Karsdorp and Nicola Zalewski should still be the wing-backs in the final. Sergio Oliveira and Bryan Cristante are the midfielders with Nicolo Zaniolo and Lorenzo Pellegrini ahead of them. Finally, Tammy Abraham is the centre-forward. This 3-4-2-1 can easily turn into a 3-4-1-2 with Zaniolo or Pellegrini joining Abraham up top.

Statistical overview

While both teams have rather attacking tactics, there are a few differences which will prove decisive in this match. The aim of this section is to identify the general behaviour and characteristics of both teams through data analysis in order to determine how the match will go.

These are two of the best attacks in the Conference League, but their structure and behaviour in possession are slightly different. First, Feyenoord prefer a bit more of controlled possession. They average an impressive 529.28 passes per 90 in the 2021/22 season with 57.91% average possession. Furthermore, only 9.32% of their passes are long with an average pass lass length of 19.41m. They average 38 positional attacks per 90, highlighting their volume and general dominance in matches. While they enjoy possession, they are not afraid to be direct, averaging 80.57 progressive passes per 90 and are constantly seeking to break lines and progress through the zones. As far as output, they are able to create a high volume of chances. Feyenoord average 16.72 shots per 90 with an average shot distance of 18.2m, fairly impressive. Additionally, they have scored 2.17 goals per 90 from exactly 2 xG per 90. Their 8.05 PPDA is what ensures this dominance of possession.

On the other hand, Roma’s statistical profile slightly varies. Starting with a PPDA of 11.92, they are not as dominant as Feyenoord. They average 100 fewer passes than Feyenoord with 429.12 passes per 90 and a 48.83% average share of possession. A slightly higher 10.57% of their passes are long with 66.32 progressive passes per 90. With only 26.77 positional attacks per 90 and an average pass length of 20.1m, their attack does not have as much volume or control as Feyenoord’s. At any rate, they are still incredibly effective in possession. While only averaging 13.72 shots per 90, they have maintained an xG per 90 of 1.82, an average of 0.1327 xG per shot compared to Feyenoord’s 0.1196. Their average shot distance of 17.6m is also better than Feyenoord’s 18.2m. Without as much volume as Feyenoord, Roma have been slightly more efficient in attack.

In conclusion, both teams have very good attacking systems. Both are extremely efficient, but Roma have a slight edge while Feyenoord have much more volume. With each teams’ general profiles identified, it is now time to look at some factors that will dictate the match.

Feyenoords high press

Throughout the 2021/22 season, Feyenoord have maintained a very high PPDA of 8.05. This high press system has allowed them to recover the ball very quickly and often dominate possession. On Wednesday, Feyenoord’s ability to relentlessly press Roma’s build-up will most likely see them dominate possession, at least in the first half. Whether this high press is successful or not will be very important in determining how the game will go. If so, Feyenoord will control possession and Roma will not have much time with the ball. On the other hand, if Roma are able to play through, or at least exploit, this high press, they will be able to create very good chances.

It is clear that Feyenoord’s pressing will be decisive, but it is important to understand how they press. They maintain their 4-2-3-1 structure while pressing high up the pitch. Arne Slots side do not adapt to the opponent’s structure and press man-to-man. On the contrary, they move as a unit with a zonal marking system. The image below illustrates their structure while pressing.

Their star centre-forward, Dessers, is a key factor in their pressing. His work rate is very impressive as he leads the press. Once the opposition plays to a side, Dessers will press the centre-back while cutting off the other. Due to the angle of his run, he is able to cut off a passing lane and consequently mark two players at once. In the example below, he is pressing the goalkeeper after he receives the ball. He angles his run to cut off the other centre-back and force the goalkeeper one way. While he does so, Nelson is already pressing the other centre-back.

The central at