Yannick Euvrard Tactics At RSC Anderlecht 2023/2024: How Specialized Coaching Facilitates Significant Strides In Set Plays – Set Piece Analysis

Earlier this year, I took a deep dive into RSC Anderlecht and how they have defended corner kicks so well.

It wasnt through luck that their defensive record was so strong.

After discovering set-piece coach Yannick Euvrard has been integral to their success in that aspect, it is only fitting that we turn to their attacking corner-kick strategies and learn how they prepare for them.

In the first half of the season, Anderlecht scored 39 goals, with only two coming from set-pieces, which made up 5% of their tally.

However, as the set-piece coaching team had more time to work on the different elements of set plays, they managed to positively impact their record from attacking set-pieces.

Since the turn of the year, which involves the last couple of games only being played against the other top-half finishers in the league, Anderlechts goal tally was slightly lower at a value of 31 goals, yet through the excellent work on the training ground, 7 of those goals came following set plays, making up 23% of their goals in 2024.

This is just a slight bit of evidence to show how having a dedicated team to improve set-pieces can more than triple the goal output of a team from set plays within one season.

In this tactical analysis, we will delve into the tactics behind Anderlechts corner kicks, with an in-depth analysis of??how they have used screens to be dangerous from corners.

This set-piece analysis will also explore the various ways in which they have achieved set-play success under Yannick Euvrard set-piece tactics, whether that is through short routines, directing corners to weaker points of the opposition set-up, or through using screens and creating gaps in between the opposition zonal defences.

Attacks starting in the six-yard box

Much of Anderlechts attacking intent is centred on controlling three main areas around the opposition penalty area, with the starting positions of the attacking unit originating inside the six-yard box.

Control of the near side of the six-yard box gives Anderlecht the ability to guarantee the first contact, from where flick-ons can be created, to create opportunities around the back post.

Having the first contact also prevents the opposition from clearing the ball following under-hit crossing opportunities.

At the back post, having the dynamic superiority enables the player to dominate the aerial duel, where any contact on the ball is enough to result in a goal.

The area around the penalty spot has multiple benefits of being dominated by purple shirts.

Any loose balls or blocked shots are likely to fall around the penalty spot, where a player is located and ready to react.

Furthermore, having the player around the penalty spot in space enables him to arrive in the six-yard box with momentum to dominate the aerial duel as well.

The two key reasons for having players starting inside the six-yard box are that:

1) Players are able to position themselves behind the shoulder of their markers to make the initial step toward the ball without being tracked by the defenders.

2) They are in a pos