Thread by @TalkinTactics

I have really enjoyed watching #Esp during the #FIFAWorldCup Their spacing - during build ups - is fantastic as are their movement patterns. The players seem to be connected via string, all moving in unison.

I will try & highlight different moves they use to create space.

1) 1v1 isolation for Wide Player

Spain generally build down their LHS. If Laporte is under pressure Pedri will drop down. He can receive & play under pressure or create space for others..

Here he drops short but the ball goes to Alba. This means the LB has one less FWD option.

To help out, Asensio can:

• Drop to link the play
• Hold his position & show to feet
• Run in behind

He chooses to run in behind.

As he does this, Olmo drops to show to feet & Alba plays him the pass to the LW.

Pedri supports from deep.

Asensio’s movements drags Sule deeper, creating a bigger isolation for Olmo (and more space to attack, in behind).

Olmo is unsuccessful with his take on but Spain did well to create space (via Pedri/Asensio) & not get trapped in a deeper area.

2) Creating a box in Midfield. Space for opposite 8.

When Spain have the ball in deeper areas Pedri nearly always drops down closer to Busquets (when teams press high).

This drags a midfielder with him, creating space in central areas and the opportunity for an overload.

Laporte to Alba back to Laporte & this is the scenario.

Asensio has dropped down to fill the space left by Pedri. Spain have now changed Germany’s DEF shape, have 2v1 in Midfield & dragged GER over to their RHS.

Asensio’s movement affects CB (Sule), & both German Midfielders.

Both Sule & Kimmich are dragged towards Asensio (Germany don’t want him in space, between the lines). This leaves Pedri with some room. He receives the ball & finds Gavi in lots of space.

Players on the RHS of Spain’s team have remained patient and stayed in their positions.

3) Create central space for 1-2/beyond Oppo’s full back

The relationship between 8 & Wide player is so key. When a wide player receives in a deep area (closely marked) this is a trigger for the 8 to attack the space in behind the full back.

As Gavi does here ⤵️

If Gavi receives in space then great.

But it is vital that Torres continues his inside run to offer the option of a 1-2.

Gavi’s run opens up space in a central area, both in Midfield & defence. He has attracted Rudiger & Goretzka.

This is the power of these in to out runs.

4) This is an alternative to move 2.

Asensio has dropped down & Spain have created the box in Midfield.

Pedri receives the ball but his pass to Gavi is now blocked.

Busquets steps behind the cover shadow & Spain continue their attack down their RHS.

5) Overload one side (via LB/8/LW rotation) to attack on the other.

Pedri (key to most moves…) sees the positioning of his teammates & the opposition. Gnabry may press Laporte.

Pedri drops to LB to open up space in the centre (for Laporte to pass/run) & to give SG a problem.

In perfect unison, as Pedri drops Alba advances and Olmo moves infield. Spain are therefore occupying the same positions but slightly wider, creating an overload and defensive decisions (whether to press/follow) for Germany.

Laporte finds Olmo between the lines. Alba is threatening to run in behind.

This creates space for him to receive to feet…

Olmo passes to Alba & fakes to run in behind himself. This gives him room to receive, inside, on his stronger foot & switch the play to Torres.

Gavi & Torres have remained patient & held their positions (width).

Spain now attack down their RHS, 2v1.

Build left, attack right.

6) open passing lane into CF.

A simple one but many teams fail to do this.

When the RB has the ball in deep-ish areas the RW stays wide & the 8 runs between the oppo’s CB & LB. This opens up space into the CF.

Spain don’t get trapped down & have Gavi moving in behind.

7) Midfielder has time on the ball. Create space on the flank.

Olmo sees that Busquets has time & space & Alba is goal side of Gnabry. Spains LW runs inside & threatens in behind.

This creates space for Alba to receive the ball & provides Spain with an extra ATT in box.

8) 4 man circular rotation.

We have seen the 3 man LHS rotation (Alba, Olmo, Pedri). This one adds Asensio.

Pedri to LB, Alba advancing to LW, Olmo to CF & Asensio to 8.

This circular rotation gets Sule in a spin & he detaches himself from the rest of his defensive line.

Alba & Olmo are momentarily 2v1 against Kehrer (RB).

It’s a shame Olmo was slightly offside (& Torres missed the finish..) but Spain worked a free shot - around the penalty spot - from this movement.

Most moves have had a similar pattern. Overload/rotate on the left whilst keeping width on the right.

Key that Gavi/Torres produce

9) DM has time on the ball. Create space for Wide player to receive.

Gavi doesn’t quite do it in this example but this is generally how City/Barcelona play.

If the DM has time to look up & hit a switch, the 8 runs forward closing the gap between CB & Full Back.

Isolating FT

10) attack space behind Oppo’s 8 if their wide man presses the CB

Something I often talk about is the distance between a possession teams full back & Winger. It is often key that it is large to provide room for the 8 to move into. And to allow the Winger to play 1v1.

This move often happens on a switch of play or when playing a team who press w/ a front 3 (with 8s covering the full backs).

Azpi is deep & Williams is high. This provides room for Gavi to receive behind the oppo’s 8.

The rest of the #Esp stay away so as not to kill space.