Inverted full-backs are a relatively recent innovation in football. Understanding them and their prominence fully emerged during Pep Guardiola’s spell at Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. During his first season at Bayern in 2013, Guardiola realised the impressive technical proficiency of Philipp Lahm and his ability to play in a more central role. Over...
The inverted full-back position is an ever-evolving position, and new ideas and tactics for best utilising these players are constantly being introduced. This tactical analysis will show some of the most common ways inverted full-backs are being used not just in the build-up but also to finish off attacks. Inverted full-backs can become...
Andrea Cambiaso is an Italian full-back who has been under the radar for a few years but has gained significant traction over the past 12 months. Clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich have been watching the youngster for some years now. The 24-year-old began his professional career...
AC Milan announced the loan transfer of the English international Kyle Walker a few days ago, with the option to buy five million euros in the summer, according to Sky Sports Italy. This move represents a huge upgrade for Milan regarding the right-back position since the Italian side has been...
Manchester City will host Manchester United on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. This match will mean a lot to both teams, giving both a chance to build some much-needed momentum. In this tactical analysis preview of the Manchester Derby, we will explore both teams’ tactics and identify what to avoid...
The Liverpool and Manchester City rivalry has been one of the most intense and entertaining in recent Premier League history and in world football in general. Over the past few seasons, everyone has been excited when Liverpool and Manchester City face off, and there is almost never a clear favourite...
Although Manchester City currently sit in second place in the Premier League with 23 points, just five points behind Liverpool, their season has gotten off to a rocky start. For the first time in Pep Guardiola's managerial career, the English side is facing significant challenges. Key injuries have plagued the...
There we have it. The 2024 UEFA European Championship has come to a close, with Spain emerging as the eventual victor. They have impressed many fans and pundits alike with their dazzling performances throughout the competition, and several players have boosted their stock thanks to stellar performances. Luis de la...
The Olympiastadion will soon open its doors to another prestigious occasion—the awaited UEFA Euro 2024 Final between Spain and England. This venue has previously hosted the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and Barcelona, as well as the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final, which saw Italy beat France, among numerous...
The English Premier League is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most illustrious domestic competition in world football. This has not necessarily translated to success on the international stage for England in recent years. With that said, however, they were finalists four years ago in the 2020 tournament on...
Man City had one of their most successful campaigns in club history last season, winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time. As part of a historic treble, it rewarded Pep Guardiola and the team’s hard work over the last 4 years. In terms of expected points, City had...
Breaking down a low block is something that top sides around the globe can face on a weekly basis. The reason opponents engage in defending in this way is to reduce the opportunity of being caught out and ensure they remain organised, stay compact, and consequently reduce space for the...
Full-backs do not traditionally dominate the headlines, but they are more important than ever in the modern game. Over the years, the roles and positions around the full-back position have definitely evolved. A manager who has played a massive part in this evolution is Pep Guardiola. This tactical analysis examines...
Perhaps you were watching a Premier League or UEFA Champions League game this past season and heard the commentator say, "What an excellent training ground move from…" Or perhaps you were reading a tactical analysis, and the writer emphasised a particular passing and movement sequence by the team in possession...
