Four Defining Tactical Features of 2020
This neverending 2020 has proven to be one of the hardest for football clubs in history, providing an unprecedented set of challenges for coaches and players globally. Tight schedules and brand-new circumstances meant managers had to think of new solutions, on and off the pitch….
Four defining tactical features of 2019
As another fascinating year of football draws to a close, this provides us with a great opportunity to look back on some of the key tactical features from 2019. With innovation always on the mind and coaches on the lookout to devise new ways to…
Serie A revolution
Approaching the first Serie A gameday in more than two months, we realized that the Italian league faced an unprecedented twist – tactically speaking – this summer. Four Serie A top clubs – Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Roma – appointed new managers and…
Tactical analysis of Unai Emery’s early reign at Arsenal
Although Unai Emery‘s tenure at Arsenal hasn’t all been plain sailing, his impact since replacing the legendary Arsène Wenger in the summer has been overwhelmingly positive. The Spanish tactician’s wasted little time on stamping his mark on the Gunners, as he’s added some much-needed intensity,…
Most used formations in Europe’s top 5 Leagues
The seasons leading up to the World Cup are often the most interesting on a tactical level. Precisely for this reason, it is interesting to see what topics the most important coaches in the world are thinking about. To do this, we analysed the first…
Pedro Leon’s Movement is such a weapon for Eibar
Pedro Leon’s amazing season at Eibar has not only seen him be his team’s outstanding player, but also one of the finest in La Liga.
André Silva: an insight on the new AC Milan’s striker
In this intense start to the summer transfer market, Milan has signed the second most expensive player in its history.
Abraham’s Movement Impresses for England’s U21s
Despite England’s U21s being unable to overcome a defiant Swedish outfit, the performance of Tammy Abraham offered plenty of optimism for Aidy Boothroyd’s side looking ahead.
Ricardo Quaresma Key in Besiktas’ Title Winning Season
Ricardo Quaresma’s strong from this season was certainly a key element in Besiktas winning yet another Turkish Super Lig title.
Modric and Kroos Crucial in Real Madrid’s Triumph
Real Madrid put in a fantastic performance to overcome Massimiliano Allegri’s brilliant Juventus 4-1 in the Champions League final. And while every player in Zinedine Zidane’s team were excellent, the importance of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos deserved special mention yet again.
Bayer Leverkusen exploit central attacking areas expertly vs Herta
After a turbulent season that has been full of negativity and even featured a relegation scrap, Bayer Leverkusen ended the campaign in fine style by defeating Hertha Berlin 6-2.
Mourinho’s excellent match preparation in Europa League Final
The challenge between Josè Mourinho’s pragmatism and Peter Bosz’s offensive idealism followed a basic script to the letter: Mourinho gave the ball to Ajax (31% total possession, the lowest percentage in a European final along with Simeone’s Atletico in 2012 and his own Inter in 2010), leaving Bosz’s team dealing with the question of what to do with it.
Victor Sanchez’s Multifaceted Movement Key in Espanyol’s Build-Up
Whenever the Catalans looked to pass out from the back, Victor Sanchez’s clever variations in his movement successfully saw him position himself astutely to help his side progress upfield.
Dani Alves: technical overview of Coppa Italia decisive player
Dani Alves, once again, proved to be decisive in the most important moment.
After the double semi-final against Monaco where he stood out for his active contribution to all four Juventus goals, he also made the difference in Coppa Italia.
Jonny Evans: one of the finest defenders in Europe
Jonny Evans’ excellent performance vs Chelsea yet again solidified why he’s one of the finest defenders in the English Premier League.
Ziyech’s play in Ajax offensive strategy
Ajax is the fashionable team of this Europa League edition thanks to Hakim Ziyech and its very young formation and philosophy of offensive play.
Anthony Modeste continues his sensational form for Koln
Players that truly know how to play football know how to correctly interpret whether they are in a positional superiority even if they are in a numerical inferiority. In the same way as to whether they are in a positional inferiority they perceive whether they are in a numerical superiority..
Barcelona’s build-up vs Espanyol
Players that truly know how to play football know how to correctly interpret whether they are in a positional superiority even if they are in a numerical inferiority. In the same way as to whether they are in a positional inferiority they perceive whether they are in a numerical superiority..
Champions League top 3 goalscorers: a look at the numbers
While it’s not entirely surprising to see Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, Bayern Munich sharpshooter Robert Lewandowski and PSG’s powerhouse Edinson Cavani occupying the top three spots in this season’s Champions League goalscoring chart, it’s interesting to analyse the numbers behind their success.
Unique new experience on training and match analysis with Wyscout – Spiideo partnership
Wyscout, the leading professional digital platform for football clubs, together with Spiideo, provider of state of the art sports video recording and analysis solutions, today announced the signing of a global partnership agreement
Juventus’ flexible defensive system vs Barca
Juventus will be in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the second time in the last three years, fortified with a defence that has non conceded a goal for 531’ consecutive minutes.
Lionel Messi’s dribbling wizardry vital in Barca’s Clasico triumph
Lionel Messi ‘s scintillating dribbling qualities yet again had a profound impact in Barcelona’s entertaining 3-2 win over Real Madrid in the Clasico
Anderson Talisca’s Masterful Movement a Huge Asset for Besiktas
Despite Besiktas leading the majority of their Europa League quarter-final first leg match with Lyon, they devastatingly lost 2-1, succumbing to two late goals from the home side. The loss still wasn’t enough to take the shine of yet another impressive performance from their wildly gifted attacking midfielder..
Alan Carvalho’s nifty runs in behind crucial for Guangzhou Evergrande in derby
Guangzhou Evergrande went into their derby with Guangzhou R&F expecting to take home all three points, but even though they were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw, the performance of their Brazilian forward, Alan, still gave their supporters plenty to cheer about..
Andrea Belotti: the symbol of the modern centre forward
According to Fabio Capello, he has everything it takes to become even better than Gabriel Batistuta. According to the Torino president, the €100 million release clause is almost reductive based on the value of the player. According to many, Italy has found the centre forward of the future. He is Andrea Belotti, Serie A top goalscorer, tied with Edin Dzeko at 23 goals in 27 matches. An absolute protagonist of the season, he boasts 25 goals out of a total of 30 matches played with Torino, 28 in 37 matches if we also consider the National team, on which he has become a starter.
Hoffenheim’s Defensive Structure Disrupts Hertha’s Build-Up
Hoffenheim continued their remarkable season under their young managerial hotshot, Julian Nagelsmann, by brushing aside Hertha Berlin 3-1 on Friday night. The win now means Die Kraichgauer have collected their most ever Bundesliga points in a season, plus moves them into third place on the table..
Raheem Sterling’s Strength in 1v1 Duels nicely served at City
It’s been fascinating to observe Raheem Sterling’s development under the tactically sophisticated methods of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Having a youngster with such raw talent, who he’s been able to mould and further improve, has seen Guardiola really, especially in recent months, get the best of the enormously gifted 22-year-old.
Serie A Match Day Report: Montella’s Milan performance vs Genoa
The Wyscout report on the 29th day of Serie A takes Milan to the top of the rankings for performance. The 1-0 win against Genoa can be seen as an emblem of the tactical project set up by Vincenzo Montella because of the principles of play and the improvement margins that separate the “Diavolo” from the top spots in the rankings..
Monaco’s Counter-attacking strategy
It might happen that coaches want to control the game at the point that it’s not straightforward anymore. Above all and in my view, the game of football is a “living organism” that some coaches do not let happen naturally, like what happens in street football, where in any space creativity is found and made to be found..
Sergio Ramos: the defender-goleador
Since the second San Paolo goal was considered an own goal by Dries Mertens, it cannot be said that Sergio Ramos has become the defender able to score the most goals with the Real Madrid jersey. With 67 goals from 2005..
Radja Nainggolan: The new key factor in Roma’s play
Antonio Conte wanted him at Chelsea, but Radja Nainggolan stayed with Roma to establish himself as one of the most interesting midfielders on the international scene. And not only. In the new 3-4-2-1 formation enacted by Luciano Spalletti, he is managing to emerge as a true..
Three offensive strategies to face opponent’s high press
Only some teams manage to create a sufficient temporary spatial advantage for coming out to play, with quality, in the 1st building-up phase..
Impact of the three-man defence on European elite teams
For years, use of a three-man defence has been limited to just a few isolated cases and primarily connected to opposing views. Strictly defensive football like that..
Inter’s Roberto Gagliardini: dynamisms and tactical eclecticism
On Wednesday evening, Inter finalized an important reinforcement for its midfield with the acquisition of Roberto Gagliardini from Atalanta. The ‘nerazzurri’ invested two million Euro for the six-month loan of the player, adding another 20 for the buyback obligation..
Mourinho’s tactical flexibility as key factor for Man United race
Understanding the culture, context, club, coach and player is shown to be fundamental today when beginning any training process and simultaneously any analysis of the game..
Diego Costa Statistics: tactical eclecticism and shot accuracy
One of the secrets of Antonio Conte’s Chelsea that took the lead in Premier League with a series of incredible, conclusive wins, is the polish that Diego Costa rediscovered …
MLS Cup Final Recap: Technique and tactics behind the game
Technique, as the ninth commandment of Cruyff says, is the base. It is a simple concept in appearance only …
How to study the offensive game in football: a case study of EPL teams
Any team in the World that has possession of the ball is going to try to create the best situations to be able to have success.
A data analysis of Ibrahimovic play at Manchester United
In the troubles that seem to have afflicted Manchester United in Premier League, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s slump is worrying
Studying The Game As An Interaction
How can you identify what is effectively happening in the game?
The 4 Key Technical aspects of France strategy heading to the 2018 World Cup
Three months have passed since their defeat in the Euro2016 finals and France has hit the ground running toward the World Cup.
How to use the screen passing to score
At the second stop of the season, the only true surprise in the rankings is Chievo.
Conte’s Chelsea tactics: 3-4-3 new formation and team defence
After an excellent start, Antonio Conte’s new Chelsea approached the second Premier League stop with 13 points in…
How to gain control in the box area
After the defeat to Manchester City in the Theatre of Dreams, my attention quickly focused on how José Mourinho would turn around the least positive cycle…
How has Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman role changed after the injury?
It is strange to think that this is Kevin Strootman’s first season as a starter since 2013/2014. Two years ago, the Dutchman was a very different player. His two cruciate ligament knee injuries took away his explosiveness and the physical strength of his first year,…
How Higuain skills integrate into Juventus: the goal vs Sassuolo
Gonzalo Higuain is integrating into Massimiliano Allegri’s system and Juventus is learning to take advantage of his intuition and his magnificent goal scoring skills.
Domenico Berardi, technique of a great forward
When the leagues resume, Domenico Berardi will not be on the pitch due to injury. Before the break, however, he managed to get to…
Psg and Man United formula to control the opponent and avoid counter-attack
The offensive set-up of any team shall depend on the technical quality of its executors…
Juventus new tactical setup and key players after the transfer window
Juventus was one of the most active clubs during the summer transfer market…
Ancelotti’s Bayern uses PEP Guardiola strategy vs Bremen: “Salida de balón”
Carlo Ancelotti appeared at the presentation press conference before the reporters and his new fans, stating: “I will not drastically…
Fullbacks’ role in Pep Guardiola Tactical System
At FC Barcelona Pep Guardiola started to revolutionise the way of envisaging football, through the positional play that is characteristic of him. He drew inspiration from his coaches and he evolved…
Backline build-up: Guardiola, Emery, Sampaoli and De Boer’s teams
Guardiola, Emery and Sampaoli choose to seek superiority building up with the two centre defenders and a midfielder who drops back between the two to act as playmaker.
Reinventing teams’ tactics: 3 top managers in the EPL
All the high-performing football teams in the world reinvent their self when new players join them. Clubs necessarily experience transformations so that this results in a sustained performance – if possible with quality play.
Awareness: How to defend on the opposite half
In order to describe how marking can best work as a fundamental defensive tactic, we used Hummels, a centre back who came up under the leadership of three great coaches…
Video analysis: Set pieces as determining factors to create scoring opportunities
The rate of set pieces in an important football event like Euro 2016 has always been a subject of interest…
Features for goalkeeper coaches in the new Wyscout 5
It is something more than an intuitive software and than a simple to use tool available to technical staff. The Wyscout platform is a loyal co-worker…
Gabriel Jesus: Flexibility, technique and great finishing on goal
Born on 3 April 1997, Gabriel Jesus already has astonishing numbers. 54 goals in 48 matches in 2013 and 37 in 22 in 2014 at a youth level (Paulista Under 17 league). In 2015, the first season he played at Palmeiras, he scored 7 goals in 37 matches. And, above all, 15 goals in 18 games for the current season..
Set pieces as determining factors to create scoring opportunities: Euro 2016 by numbers
Of the 108 goals scored (an average of 2.12 per match), 28 stemmed from…
The play that decided Euro 2016 final
Éder goal seems to be the result of individual achievement, but in all reality, it actively involves a fair number of players on both teams.
Portuguese tactical resilience
Fernando Santos managed to fit his best players into the right positions in a balanced and sustained manner, even though there had been tactical indecisions and changes within the team.
Wales tactical analysis: Highs and lows of the team
It cannot be said that Wales does not have a certain taste for history. In 1958, the last time they participated in a large international competition until Euro 2016, a goal by Pelè…
Twin strikers: Combined movements in the central area and defensive mistakes
The choice made by Italy and France, respectively against Spain and Iceland, was to focus on offensive development in the central area in order to…
Building-up with 3 centre-backs
There are different approaches at the start of the offensive process (1st phase): while some coaches prefer a more fixed backline…
Germany offensive strategy: Line-up and pressing
Germany had qualified for Euro 2016 as the first team in Group D, but only the Czech Republic – of the winning formations in a group – had conceded more goals (14 compared with 9).
Three types of goalkeeper’s offensive transition
The offensive transition phase with a counter attack that starts with the goalkeeper is much more articulated and requires organisation…
Russia’s exit from Euro 2016: Analysis of game plan and goals in the group stage matches
They were placed in the complicated “B” group with teams like England, Wales and Slovakia. But there is no doubt that Russia’s performance at Euro 2016 was disappointing.
Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey: Solidity and tactical balance
If the man of the hour for Wales’ miracle is Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey is playing a role that is just as fundamental.
Portugal team tactical identity at Euro 2016
In Portugal’s first two games their opponents’ pragmatism (Iceland and Austria) enabled the coach Fernando Santos to see they must have greater judgement in the offensive third.
Positional play and build up: Diaz role in Chile’s team
Looking at the images from the Mexico-Chile match, it is clear how the key to interpretation for Chile revolves around Diaz. We can identify two build-up models that combine continuously: positional play and building up.
Spain team analysis: Tactics, formation and weaknesses vs Czech Republic
Spain’s start at European championship was brilliant (13 matches undefeated), but the 1-0 against Czech Republic confirmed a few difficulties in the scoring phase for La Roja.
Defence in situations of (apparent) inferiority: 2 v 1+ GK
The complex approach to the game of football forces us to face a series of questions and priorities. Collective tactic and Individual tactic or Individual tactic and Collective tactic? Which order? Which priority? When the order of the items is changed, the result – in this case – changes, and not by a little.
Belgium weak points without Kompany and Lombaerts
Belgium is one of the most awaited teams at Euro 2016. And yet, a problem that cannot be ignored came up for coach Wilmots just a few months from the French tournament: the injuries of
Kompany and Lombaerts, the starting centre players. Wilmots’ idea was to come to Euro 2016 with a four-man defence with Vertonghen and Alderweireld as backs, as has been the case in
recent years.
England’s 3 moves to defend from a corner kick
Great international events have always been a time of growth and innovation. At the threshold of this Euro 2016 competition, it would have been difficult to hypothesise any significant changes because, without even realising it, we have gone through a change of an era over the last two years, coinciding with the last World Cup. Germany was the country able to absorb the Spanish influence and transform it into a football style with vertical possession, sprinting and aggressiveness.
Analysis of Euro 2016 teams: Italy
Claudio Marchisio’s injury and the decision not to call up Andrea Pirlo triggered a bit of debate on Antonio Conte’s choices in view of Euro 2016. Also considering the fact that Marco Verratti is out, Italy has without a doubt lost three very high quality elements in the midfield.
Principles of a fluid and complete team
After meeting Foggia on the first day of Coppa Italia, I am seeing a more mature team, more aware of their own qualities. A team that I would define as fluid, able to mould endlessly with respect to the various play situations.
Tactical analysis of the Champions League final
Football is the most seen sport worldwide and it doesn’t share out its glory. Real Madrid won! The 11 times Champions of Europe, 5 times of which were in the last 20 years…remarkable. What were the most significant tactical aspects in this Spanish final of the Champions League?
Alvaro Morata technical strengths and weaknesses
The first question the Juventus football transfer market must answer is the fate of Alvaro Morata, in the hands of Real Madrid because of the “buy back” option included two years ago in the player’s transfer contract by the bianconeri.
What would Italy strategy be if Giampiero Ventura takes over as coach after Conte?
At the end of the European Cup, Antonio Conte’s adventure on the Italian national team’s bench came to an end. As things stand, the name of his successor has not yet been announced. But there is no doubt, as journalistic indiscretions will confirm, that the most likely candidate is Giampiero Ventura.
5 types of throw-ins and defensive techniques
We have classified 5 types of throw-ins (long, to change game play area, to win the finishing area, to develop the strong side and fast solution) and we asked ourselves what the difficulties are in defending this solution.
Tactical analysis of Uefa Europa League final
Same formation (4-2-3-1), very different game strategy. The Europa League final between Liverpool and Seville was an exciting contest, not only between the players on the pitch, but also between Jurgen Klopp and Unai Emery.
Analysis of Higuain play: Positional superiority and counter-movement
36 goals in Serie A. No one like him in the history of the Italian league. This is Gonzalo Higuaín’s incredible score in the premiership league. A player who, under Sarri’s direction, found his second youth, showing the world how, as an excellent player, with hard work and the support of a great team, you can become a top player.
How to create space into the opposite half of the pitch
A vital behaviour in players that occupy areas between backlines and that appear in spaces on the wings is without doubt, playing with the “blind” side of players that come out to apply pressure on the player in possession of the ball. Besiktas managed to apply this principle at some points during the game.
How to prepare offensive strategy studying the opposing goalkeeper
In today’s article we would like to offer a point of view that can help you plan out your week. Video analysis and studying the opposing team are no longer new
ideas, but nevertheless, analysing the tactics chosen by the goalkeeper does not always lead to adequate measures.
Analysis of André Gomes: How could he fit into Juventus?
Juventus, fresh from winning its fifth consecutive championship shield, is making plans for next season.
Space and movement as key-factors to improve performance
A Roma team fully in the running for second place that, under Spalletti’s direction, has rediscovered energy and organisation, so much that they have brought home eleven consecutive wins.
Match analysis: Atlético Madrid vs Bayern Munich 1-0
Due to various reasons there are teams that rebuild their squads. In some cases they decide to change or rebuild because the performance that they have obtained has been below the created expectations.
Statistical analysis of Casemiro impact on Real Madrid performance
The demanding Santiago Bernabeu fans are often divided over his importance. But Casemiro’s contribution to the cause of a Real Madrid that is astonishingly back in the race for the Liga and in the Champions League semi-finals can be anything but overlooked.
Jorginho’s role in Sarri’s tactical scheme
If a team bases its game play on precise mechanisms practised during training, and if the opposing teams come onto the pitch with the specific intent of blocking those mechanisms, a coach finds himself in a crucial dilemma: either find a solution or be forced to distort your game play.
Set pieces as determining factors: How the Champions League semi-finalists defend
In matches that are more and more played at the limit and battled out in episodes, set pieces could be determining factors in shifting balances.
Match analysis has a dual value: on the one hand, understanding what current defensive organisation trends are and on the other, understanding where Real, Atletico, Bayern and Manchester City can try to build their offensive plays.
Statistical analysis of Atletico Madrid growth in the last 3 years
Two Champions League semi-finals in the last three years, consistent top spots in Liga and two eliminations inflicted on Barcelona, both in the quarter finals of the most important cup.
How to attack a fully manned defence with two players
What are the two main factors in an effective attack?
The principles of positional play in Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich
The words “Set, unmark and pass” are certainly intrinsically in the mind of any player of Pep Guardiola’s Bayern. The driving/progression/retention of the ball attracts the attention and the presence of opposing players whilst generating spaces that facilitate the movement of the backline offensively.
The tactical secret behind Leicester city’s success
It seemed like it was just a dream, an illusion. And yet, Leicester is still leading the Premier League at the decisive time of the season. Much has been said about the impact on the Foxes structure by Claudio Ranieri, a figure like Jamie Vardy, the talent of Ryad Mahrez and the unique physical qualities of N’golo Kanté. But is there a tactical secret to the success of the Foxes?
Video analysis: The key to read the game – David Luiz action read through video analysis
A counter-attack begins, the play is fast, by the time anyone realises what has happened, the ball is at the back of the net. In living rooms all over the world, all eyes were on David Luiz’s (apparently clumsy) movement. Coordination error? Technical error? Tactical error? With the help of Wyscout images and a more in depth Video Analysis, we can arrive at a different answer.
How atlético Madrid could beat Barcelona
Barcelona vs. Atlético. Battle of the giant. Nobility against the working class. David against Goliath. Luis Enrique against Diego Pablo Simeone.
Total football. A chameleon-like Italy undermines the spanish model
Total football, in the true sense of the word. It would be easy to say, knowing that Spain would be the team in the these final preliminary matches for Euro 2016, but the “total” surprise comes from Antonio Conte’s Italy.
Analysis: The greatness of Paul Pogba play
Spacing, interception and game-reading ability in Juventus –Torino derby
Guardiola’s Bayern individual battles and combined manoeuvres to get free
Ten seconds that changed the course of a match, perhaps of an entire competition. The play that led to Bayern’s draw against Juventus during the Champions League round of 16 embodies the entire essence of the game of football: individual battles, combined manoeuvres to get free, defensive/offensive transition, breadth, depth, density and concentration
Pepe Reina in Napoli’s vertical strategy
The game strategy of Sarri’s Napoli during the buildup stage sees the systematic involvement of the Goalkeeper.
This type of game enhances the great technical skills of Pep Reina, promoted by a game strategy that uses his ability to play vertically as key element.