Jimmy Thelin Tactics & The Secrets To Cutback Crossing Success With Aberdeen

The Scottish Premiership is always viewed as a two-horse race.

The two Glasgow giants, Rangers and Celtic, battle it out to see who will be crowned champions of Scotland.

Since Rangers last won the title in 2021, Celtic’s dominance under Ange Postecogolou and, subsequently, returning manager Brendan Rodgers has seen them break further and further away from the chasing pack.

Their arch-rivals, Rangers, have failed under three separate managers now to reclaim the title and appear to be struggling with the pressure of stopping Celtic from equaling their 55 League titles. 

However, there is an unexpected challenger this season.

Aberdeen have won their first seven games, keeping pace with Celtic, who have also won all of their opening matches.

After a dismal season, finishing in the bottom half and the sale of star forward Bojan Miovski, many couldn’t have predicted this incredible start. 

Under new manager Jimmy Thelins tactics, Aberdeen are challenging the Old Firm, but where is their success coming from? 

One element of their tactics that’s given them a considerable degree of success is crossing.

More than half of their 15 goals in the league so far have come directly or indirectly from crosses.

Many teams can decide to put more balls into the box, but what are Aberdeen doing that’s giving them these incredible results? 

This tactical analysis will consider four areas: their route to crossing positions, the areas in which they cross, the types of crosses they deliver, and their ability to convert these chances. 

Getting To Crossing Positions

Under Jimmy Thelins coaching style, there are a couple of ways that Aberdeen can get into the prime position to deliver crosses.

The first and evidently most simple is utilising the 1v1 ability of their wingers and full-backs.

Aberdeen’s wingers will usually stand right on the touchline to give them as much space as possible.

Often, they will find themselves in 1v1 situations with the opposition’s full-backs, which gives them the opportunity to be direct and create space for a cross. 

Here, Duk is in a one-on-one with the oppositions right-back and easily goes past, allowing him to play a dangerous ball into the box.

Aberdeen have completed the fourth-most progressive runs in the Scottish Premiership this season, highlighting their ability to create space when dribbling with the ball. 

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