“Damallsvenskan, here comes the Gnaget”: The tactics that sealed AIK’s Elitettan title and top flight return – scout report

Some clubs worldwide struggle to find a league that matches their abilities, with one proving to be too challenging and seeing them in constant basement battles whilst the next level down is not much of a contest for them. In the Swedish womens game, AIK Damer could be easily classified in that category, with their recent campaigns seeing them alternate almost on a yearly basis between flirting with Damallsvenskan relegation and sealing progress back to the top tier through finishing in the top two of the Elitettan (the second tier).

Following their relegation last year, 2023 has been a season in which they have been competing for the latter, and it has ultimately not proven to be too arduous a task as they have yet to lose a match and are currently on a 14-game winning run, with eight of those victories also yielding clean sheets.

In short, they have largely controlled proceedings in the second tier this season. This tactical analysis will look in closer detail at how they have managed to do so by breaking down their tactics in both attack and defence and showing how their flexible shape has enabled them to operate freely, thereby making it hard for teams to contain them.

Build-up play

It is evident when looking at those sides who do challenge for titles that having exceptional build-up abilities is a critical skill in allowing them to reach their targets, with every coach recognising that finding a way to manage multiphase situations is essential to succeed on the field. AIK Damer are no different in that regard.

For Jesper Björks side, the process of constructing an attacking opportunity begins at the back, with a critical demand of his being that AIK make the pitch as big as possible whenever they have the ball in order to give them the best possible opportunity of implementing their expansive tactics. As such, it is typical for the defensive line to spread from wing to wing whenever they are in possession, as is happening here against Sundsvalls Damer.

However, whilst that will always make it harder for opponents to attempt an interception, it will not automatically allow the ball to travel forwards in the progressive manner that AIK desire, and so there is a need for those ahead of the defensive line to link up with their teammates to facilitate their quick transitions. When they do so, it is expected to see triangular shapes such as these formed, and it is immediately clear how much of a difference that makes in providing AIK with forward passing options.

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