📌⚽ Are Inverted Fullbacks Ineffective?

Analysing the Role of Inverted Fullbacks in the EPL this Weekend: [Thread] Manchester United:
- Shaw - ineffective when inverted: 4/10
- Wan Bissaka - offered verticality from underlaps and created chances (plus the goal): 8/10

Erik Ten Hag is revolutionising the way Manchester United play football. This isn’t without difficulty however – Ten Hag’s approach is risky and requires substantial change. This thread explores the topic of personnel and risk vs reward when considering ETH's principles. [Thread] There are three key facets to consider in this discussion:
- The risky nature of Ten Hag’s principles
- The quality and implementation of coaching
- The players: in terms of individual profiles and team make-up

📌 How Erik ten Hag's Manchester United struggled against West Ham's mid-block - and what this means for the players and Ten Hag's principles of play [thread]. Manchester United and West Ham lined up as such:

📌 Using Data to Identify Areas Where Erik ten Hag Can Improve Manchester United [thread]: Before looking at areas at United that Erik ten Hag can improve at United, it could be worth reviewing the principles of play Ten Hag has implemented as a coach at Ajax recently:

https://twitter.com/JamiescottUV/status/1506301676570959877?s=20&t=z4lEoxoLAz92OywR2sB_eA

“The worst thing in football is doubt”

This is 100% true. Players who doubt, don’t have confidence or clarity. They’re susceptible to possession loss, they slow down play, they’re less likely to execute actions well.

For me, there are three main aspects to achieving clarity: 1) understanding of system and principles

2) understanding of what you’re going to do

3) coaching/instructions from teammates

Ultimately, a system or coaching in that vein (#1) alleviates the prerogative of a player to make a decision in each given circumstance (#2).

📌 The Titanic Battle Between Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone [mini-thread]: Atleti began in a 532 block, with City implementing their usual build-up strategies. Advantage City; over 90 minutes they would most likely have broken this block down; the progression angles are favourable and they had ultimate control in build-up.

📌 Erik ten Hag to Manchester United [thread]:
- ten Hag's Principles of Play at Ajax
- Strengths and Complexities of the System
- Suitability for the Premier League and United's Squad Erik ten Hag has been strongly linked with the Manchester United managerial position, commencing this summer, so this thread will aim to analyse Ten Hag’s principles of play to date, and how these will fare in line with United’s squad and expectations.

📌 325/235: The Best Formation in Football? [Thread] Most of the top teams utilise a variant of the 325/235 formation in possession. This thread will explore why teams use the 235/235 formation, and why it is optimal in the fast-paced, hyper-technical/physical modern game - where the margins are fine.

Southampton look very potent exploiting the wide space surrounding Spurs’ compact block. The key would be getting the spare fullback to receive with an open crossing lane on their second touch. This is done by creating a wide three (near side) or a quick switch (far side). Crucially, they’re showing no fear in build-up despite Spurs pushing high with a view to pressing. This allows Southampton to attack while the pitch is stretched, rather than exclusively when Spurs are in a comfortable block. Broja’s runs into depth are crucial in this regard.

I often wonder what heights Dembele could’ve reached if he played predominantly higher up the pitch (in his peak years). The ability to beat defenders and open room for low pin-point shots, off both feet, is such a threat.

https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1490974070896316418

This isn’t to say he didn’t reach a level close to his ceiling.

Given the landscape of Spurs’ squad from 2013-2019, a deeper role made more sense anyway - and despite being harder to quantify, I actually think Dembele could well have added more value from his deeper role anyway.

📌 Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City [Tactical Thread]:

How the Clarity of Player Roles Renders a Seemingly Complex Tactical Setup Simple and Efficient As I presented back in October, City like to build in the 2-3 structure, progressing in an in to out manner. Whether this is by design, or because opposition prioritise defending central areas, ushering City out wide, City often created the staggered possession funnel.

📌How Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City Broke Down Manchester United’s 532 Block [thread]: City lined up in their usual formation, with Jesus and Foden high and wide, with Bernardo as a false #9 and Gundogan/KDB in the half spaces.

📌 Pep Guardiola's Manchester City 2021/22 [Thread]: Community Shield vs Leicester:

- First evidence of the 2-3 build-up system (shifting from the 3-2 last season)
- Focus on progressing through fullbacks and #8s
- Seven lateral zones
- Reaching wide players in movement, 1v1

📌 Manchester United's Foundations in Possession: West Ham vs Man Utd [THREAD]:

- Varane carrying centrally
- McTominay dropping in right half space
- Fred semi-dropping
- Midfield/Forward line rotations to receive
- United access between the lines consistently early on United’s nominal formation is presented below:

📌 Gegenpressing [THREAD]:

- Why do teams use it?
- How to differentiate between modes of counterpressing
- Why counterpressing is pre-emptive, not reactive A counterpress is a coordinated action to prevent a defensive transition – ie a scenario where your team is being counterattacked as you try to regain shape. Simply put – your team seeks to regain possession via a press in a timely manner.

📌 Vertical Passing from the Centreback [Thread]:

- Focus on shifting possession laterally to open the lanes

- Riskier passes usually far more progressive

- Passing in to out more progressive than immediately out wide

- Risk reward benefit - avoid ''forcing'' the play 📌 In to the striker's feet:

✅ Combinations from here often dangerous

✅ Striker good at retaining possession

✅ Back four disrupted

❌ Hard to consistently execute pass along the floor

❌ Hard to open lanes all the way to striker

How Fred can Revitalise his Manchester United Career in the 4231:

(thread) Disclaimer: This thread is not advocating the use of Fred as a starter in the long-term; rather stating how he can be an effective member of United's current 4231 formation, alongside Pogba in the double pivot.

Would Dayot Upamecano Compliment Harry Maguire at Manchester United?

(thread) After spending approximately £80m on Harry Maguire last summer, if United are to reinvest defensively, they should look no further than upgrading upon Victor Lindelof.

Dayot Upamecano has been touted as one of the prime targets to compliment Maguire.