Fortuna Düsseldorf 2023/24: How their use of deep runs makes them a force from dead balls- set-piece analysis

Fortuna Düsseldorf have had a relatively strong start to the season with 10 points from the opening five games. From set pieces, Düsseldorf have been able to score twice in the league whilst also creating numerous clear-cut chances inside the six-yard box, where inconsistent finishing is the only reason they have not managed to score from set plays at the rate of a goal a game. PSV Eindhoven academy graduate Jordy de Wijs, who has also played in the EFL Championship and EFL League One for QPR and Hull City, has scored both set play goals, and his strong heading ability has allowed Düsseldorf to make the most of set plays whenever he meets the ball.

In this tactical analysis, we will look into the tactics behind Fortuna Düsseldorfs offensive set plays, with an in-depth analysis of how their main corner routine has been used. This set-piece analysis will examine why this routine has instantly led to success and how it could be improved, following some opposition teams recent successes at dealing with them.

Intent from Corners

Fortuna Düsseldorf have only used one routine consistently during the seasons opening month. It involves using a deep starting position for the attackers, with outswinging deliveries aimed just outside the six-yard box. The deep post of the attacking group is intended to bring the defenders further away from their goal in order to increase the amount of space between the two different defending units (zonal and man-marking).

Stretching the space between the defensive units gives them problems from all directions, where the zonal defenders have to be concerned about the space beside them and the ball coming in. In contrast, usually, a zonal marker should only be held responsible for the area they are situated in.

This routine favours outswinging crosses, where players can attack the ball as it travels directly against them. The deeper position means the headed efforts will likely take place from a further distance, where attacking the ball allows them to get more power on the shots.

During these corners, the attacking player who starts inside the six-yard box attacks the front side of the six-yard box for two main reasons. Firstly, moving away from the six-yard box makes him act as a decoy runner, dragging a defender away from a target area. Secondly, moving ahead of any zonal defender gives Fortuna Düsseldorf a second chance if the corner is under hit, where the player can flick the ball into the path of the attacking unit to keep the attack alive.