Thread of the free man-principle against different formations🧵As mentioned earlier, most teams have a numerical advantage closest to their own goal in defence. This means the attacking team have 2 free players (include the GK).I take start point from a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1
@ApfcSoccer Vs. 451: Against the 451-formation, you have a 2v1 against the striker. One of the CB is the free player. By advancing with the ball, the CB can transfer this advantage to another player (depending of which opponent who press the ball)

As Bayern number 10 leaves his direct opponent (Busquets) to press the CB, it is clear that Xavi would like Araujo to play to Gavi who then could find the free player (Busquets). Like they do on the clip below. This is the principle of the free man. This player usually have the biggest advantage on the pitch as he/she is alone. Transfer this advantage to next player. The free player occurs in relation to which opponent who press the ball.

I think one of the challenges Barca face when playing against opponents like this (which we also saw last night against Viktoria Plzeň), is the marking of the attacking midfielders They are many times followed by their direct opponent, and it become difficult to advance the ball through to players in a good position between the lines.

Many @ApfcSoccer-concepts: The positional style is to create and utilize advantages to arrive the last third (or area inside the box) with at least same amount of players as the opponent defend with. To do this, Ajax have a numerical ADVANTAGE against first line of pressure (2v1).

@ApfcSoccer-concept: Attacking with a numerical superiority (2v1, 3v2, 4v3, 5v4 etc.)👇 First og all, when you win the ball and can counter, it is important to be fast so the opponent do not get back in balance. The attacking team counter with great speed

@ApfcSoccer-Concept NEVER TURN 👇 Never turn is one of the most important concepts when understanding the risks and consequences of losing the ball. The correct implementation of
this ensures a significant decrease in the number of times that a player exposes himself to a situation where you can lose the ball

Concept: Opposite movement of the ball👇 The most important idea regarding this concept is the fact that pressure "always" surrounds the ball. Coaches and players must understand that when the ball travel, it is not traveling alone, but travel with pressure

Concept of the HEAD UP The head up is about scanning the pitch so you can make the best decisions as possible. However, only looking up is not enough. Here it the three phases of playing with your head up

Short thread/explanation of the concept "inviting the pressure" Through this concept, the player with the ball is able to attract opposition players towards his/her position in order to give a pass to a teammate who will consequently have a larger space to play.

BUILDING ZONES & FREE MAN (Frimann) One of the most important collective concepts is to find the free player. This is not a player with just time/space, but a player with no direct opponent. Sometimes it is difficult to say which is free because some opponents defend between two players

Man City against a deep block. Many interesting concepts in this clip, but want to highlight the third man-concept.👇🏻 1/2: Good collective positioning allows the ball to travel faster to move the ball to players in a good position (between lines). The ball travel faster than the opponent run.

Small thread as an extension of the previous one Intervention (ballholder) when ball holder have space
- Drive forward in space and find a team mate between lines

Important concept of understanding your role in relation to the ball Intervention space (ball holder): If the ball holder is pressed, he/she should try to break the lines, switch the field, OR (in this case) wait for support

A very short thread of positional play: Positioning to create advantages & arrive last 3rd w/ best conditions:

BUILDING ZONES
- Almost every opponent want to have num advantage close to own goal (for balanse/safety reasons). This means that we have some players who are free FIND THE FREE PLAYER:
- This is related to which opponent who press as he leave his direct opponent. There, we should pass the ball to where the press comes from (usually)