Thread by @MT_Analysis

Barcelona vs Tottenham Hotspur

· Exploit The Space Behind
· Attack Through Spurs Left Side
· Ange’s Interesting Build Up
· Central Combinations
· Oliver Skipp’s Goalscoring Potential

[THREAD]

From the goal kick, Barca build up with a 4-2-4 shape. The front 4 pinned the opponent's backline, creating space for Barca to progress.

As usual, Barca tried to exploit the space behind as fast as possible.

With the front 4 pinned the opponent’s backline, Gavi and Pedri can drop in between the lines to help the progression from deep.

Barca also often utilized Balde's ball-carrying and movements to help the progression.

The shape then transitioned to 3-2-2-3, box midfield with Gavi – Pedri to help the progression.

Araujo formed a back 3 while Balde positioned high and wide.

The presence of de Jong (who often dropped to the left side) also helped Balde to be in more advanced positions.

Barca often struggled to perform the final ball/action in the final third against a Spurs settled block.

Barca created more dangerous chances by exploiting the space behind.

The 1st goal came by exploiting the space behind.

Reguilon lost track of Raphinha’s runs which then can be converted into a goal by Lewandoski.

Barca was getting fresher in the 2nd half, with players like Fati, Torres, Ezzalzouli, Gundogan, and Yamal.

So they can attack more, in particular through the Spurs’ left side (Reguilon).

This was also because Reguilon often in more advanced positions, therefore leaving the space on the left side.

Meanwhile, Sanchez did very well to cover.

Barca was able to score a second goal again with Lamine Yamal able to escape from Reguilon so that he could move freely.

The 3rd and the 4th goals came from Lamine Yamal beating Reguilon in 1v1 situations.

Although, Reguilon looks like he got injured in this situation.

Lamine Yamal is very impressive.

From @MoleiroRole

It’s very interesting to see how Ange’s Tottenham Hotspurs build up.

The wingers are positioned high to pin the opponent’s backline, with both fullbacks often inverted.

So when the left back (Reguilon) inverted, the only option to progress through the left side is to Perisic who was positioned high (sometimes too high).

Because of that, they relied more on the central combination to bypass Barcelona’s press.

From the previous examples, I think this can be fixed with a left-footed CB (Van De Ven).

Although I also think the wingers should’ve dropped a little bit to create passing lanes.

There are examples where both of the fullback invert.

So the combination play and the positional fluid rotations between the inverted FBs, DMs, and CMs were very important for Spurs to progress.

· Skipp (RCM) – Reguilon (LB) offered the width
· Lo Celso (LCM/AM) dropped deep
· Bissouma (DM) advanced
· The front 4 pinned the opp’s backline
· Skipp and Lo Celso attacked the box from deep

Beautiful team goal.

There is an example where Pelisic dropped to help.

But I think the wingers will drop on certain moments/situations only, and will mostly be positioned high.

With the wingers positioned high, Tottenham can use them to attack the space and take advantage of the transitional moments.

Supported by the FBs, who often offered off-the-ball runs.

Reguilon in defence can costed Spurs, but he offers much more in the attacking POV.

With Skipp often attacking the box, I think he can get 5-10 goals (if he starts regularly).

🎙️ “The manager has encouraged the number 8s to get into the box, so we’ve been training when the ball goes out to Ivan - and you know his delivery is going to be superb…”

“It was nice for it to come off but you would rather it in a win.”

- Oliver Skipp

From @SpursOfficial

Can’t wait to see more of AngeBall with the 1st team squad in the Premier League.