David Garcia Profile picture
Apr 18, 2023 8 tweets 4 min read Read on X
Don't overthink it.

Blindside positioning will always break lines, no matter the level of football.

Look...🧵👇 ImageImageImage
Forget about all of those circles and numbers I've drawn in the tweet above.

You don't need to overthink it.

When the ball carrier has supporting options behind the line (blindside) that is pressing, you can almost guarantee a successful build-up.
In this first sequence, Aston Villa's CB is pressed.

One of their #6s supports behind the line that is pressing (blindside).

Simple pass, simple reception, simple turn.

Repeat with the midfield line and ends in a goal. ImageImage
In this sequence (which is almost identical).

CB is pressed.

#6 supports behind the line.

Simple pass, reception, turn.

Repeat with the midfield line and goal. ImageImage
Here's the first sequence:
Here's the second sequence:
Unai Emery has always provided players with simple systems that provide players with the most opportunities to excel.

With simplicity comes high-quality interactions resulting in effective football. Image
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More from @IJaSport

Jul 1
THIS ONE IDEA CHANGED HOW I SEE 2v2s

Thread on one of the first things I noticed when I was coaching in Spain 🧵🇪🇸👇 Image
When I first started coaching in Spain, one of the things that stood out to me was how often I heard the word “pair.”

Every coach used it. Even with young players.

It didn’t matter what level or what the exercise was, players were always being asked: “Who’s your pair?”
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Five passes. Two players. Never more than 7 yards apart.

They beat four Chelsea defenders, without needing space, switches, or stars.
Just rhythm, feel, and trust in the next action.

Flamengo’s third goal is pure street football.
📽️👇
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One touch. Third man. Behind the line. Shot created.
📽️👇
Read 17 tweets
Jun 19
A mini case study on Manchester City.

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🧵Let’s break it down. Image
City isolate wide players but don’t support them.

Savio and Doku were City’s most dangerous players... when they had space and when they dribbled.

Here Savio beats his man and creates the first goal.
And here, another direct 1v1 leads to a big chance.
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Jun 18
Day 4 of the Club World Cup.
Each day, I’m sharing what stood out through the lens of a coach.

Today: Fluminense vs. Borussia Dortmund
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Fluminense recover from their high press (very effective)
They connect on the left, recycle to the backline, then re-enter the middle
A midfield run breaks the line, nearly a great chance

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I loved watching Arias and Canobbio. Here Arias in tight space. Sideline. Back to goal.

Most teams go backward here. Arias doesn’t. He waits, feints, and weaves his way out, carrying the ball centrally.
Doesn’t just escape, he progresses.
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Jun 17
Day 3 of the Club World Cup.
Each day, I’m sharing what caught my eye through the lens of a coach.

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Not international teams thrown together for 3 weeks.

But clubs with trained habits, layered styles, and identities worth watching.
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Jun 16
Day 2 of the Club World Cup.
Each day, I’m sharing what stood out through the lens of a coach watching with intent.

Today: PSG vs. Atlético Madrid
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Ruiz reads the cue and makes a run from midfield into the gap behind.

This blindside movement comes from shared awareness.
The winger steps out of space. Ruiz steps in.
It starts on the right stretching Atlético vertically.

Kvaratskhelia tucks inside, abandoning width entirely.

He receives inside the box and lays it off perfectly for Ruiz to finish from the top.
Sometimes the most dangerous width is none at all.
Read 8 tweets

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