Jack @JackM_77 Twitter profile

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Jack

2 months

More of a stream of consciousness than an article about the art of Escapology as it pertains to de Zerbi, and examining criticism of the players having to cover distances which are too large after escaping pressure against the very best.

Escapology

What happens after beating the press

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

A 4-2-4 higher possession stucture is something I've found increasingly interesting since watching City against Villa's compact 4-3-3 last season. Its been made even more relevant now by Roberto de Zerbi at Brighton with Lallana and Trossard

4-2-4 manifesto

The proletarians have nothing to lose but their centre forward

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 months

For all those who conceive of Guardiola as some High Positionist I beg you want them against Luton or Brighton where he actually integrates horizontal fluidity to discombobulate man-marking systems (watch van Hecke). Guardiola is one of the biggest pragmatists out there.

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

Found this sequence from Brighton vs Aresnal worthy of highlighting: For context - Arsenal's pressing scheme was oriented around splitting the pitch to the left. Ødegaard had duel responsibility on Cowill and Gilmour - Jesus was on Dunk and then cut towards Steele. Xhaka on Groß

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

When defending in a low-block with little possession, you have the maximise the small opportunities afforded to ensure what you do have is high value. Creating transitions from goal kicks is a key mechanism. Lloris to Romero. Triggers Mane and Diaz pressing, with the latter

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

There are few things I enjoy more than looking into aspects of Antonio Conte's playstyle. Here I attempt to dissect elements of Spurs off-ball approach.

5-4-1: Antonio Conte Style.

Sufferball at its very best.

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

An attempt to articulate the theory behind automatisation - something which after following Antonio Conte's Inter and Simone Inzaghi's Lazio over the past couple of seasons has interested me greatly. Especially in relation to press-baiting.

Automatism Theory

Was unable to think of a good Conte-based pun.

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

One of my favourite clips from De Zerbi's Shakhtar - so much to dissect. Opposition's man-oriented covering responds to Shakhtars compactness to create a condensed pitch. To create viable options against this, Shakhtar must use the dynamic superiority conferred by such a

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

Three teams I've watched this season use inverted full backs regularly, but differently. Shakhtar, Celtic and Manchester City. This post seeks to explore this, and why all of thier full backs are wide deep - with the slight exception of Celtic.

Vertical Distances and Inverted Full Backs

Why full backs should stay wide during deep build-up.

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

Looking into why the dynamic superiority can replace traditional hold-up play as the launching point for transitions - a perspective influenced most heavily by Manchester City this season, who I think, have benefitted from lacking a 'striker'.

Rethinking Centre Forwards

The Age of Strikers is over. The time of interchangeable false 9 has come...

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

7 months

The amount of potentially precarious positions Dalot turns into good counter attacking opportunities/possession consolidation is ridiculous. Has great vision and the technique to back it up when it comes to holding the ball. Only real gripe is potentially ‘technical empathy’

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

Positions: what are they good for? A meandering post which doesn't really reach a definitive conclusion but hopefully has some interesting things to think about.

Positions

Is Pep Guardiola a Rhinoceros or Unicorn?

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

Thoughts on Ukraine vs France u21's: - Enzo le Fée is fantastic. Delicately precise is perhaps the best way I have of summarising his style. His spatial awareness is off the charts. Reminds me of Bernardo in that regard, very flexible space occupation which is always adapting

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

This post is a much a call for discussion and thoughts as it is a description of thoughts. Here is my best approximation of a growing (albeit limited) trend of passing to goalkeepers from goal kicks, which suggests it may be more than a fad.

Why teams pass to the goalkeeper from goal kicks

De Zerbi works in mysterious ways

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

Build-up under Roberto de Zerbi: Somewhere in between a love letter and analytical content.

Build-up under Roberto de Zerbi

An early analysis of his Shakhtar Donetsk

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

A topic I will no doubt seek to cover again as it focuses on my favourite deep transitional shape. It is by no means exhaustive but covers some interesting sequences from Inter and Shakhtar.

4-2-4 Goal kick permutations

4-2-4 coming 2, the 4ore?

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

In this article I look at the issues with 1-move passes, why dropping to create a 3 isn't always sufficient and how the confluence of these factors allowed Southampton to consistently isolate our defenders deep (while also suggesting, the problem is deeper-rooted).

UtdDistrict

@UtdDistrict

3 years

📝 Tactical Analysis: Pressing concerns at #mufc ✍ @jackuolo looks at why United struggle when being pressed, which was most recently shown in the match against Southampton.

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Jack

@JackM_77

11 months

If I were to describe my primary issue with ten Hag at United – it would likely be the lack of faith placed in players who are not ideal fits, and the tactical compensations made to better fit their preferences. Rather than seeking continuity or making minor alterations based on

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Best manager in the world is finally in the Premier League. Opponents beware.

Brighton & Hove Albion

@OfficialBHAFC

2 years

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as the club’s new head coach! 🤝

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Spurs are allowing progression from middle to final third too easily. Aresnal have isolated Martinelli in particular well, connecting through Zinchenko with Xhaka's higher positioning pinning Richarlison narrow (Xhaka at times moves outside compactness to connect when passing

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

More thoughts on striker profiles, where I seek to break down why traditional false 9 types may be less valuable in the current climate of hyper-compactness making direct goal output and threat in behind more pertinent than link-up (which is nullified)

Considerations on Forward Profiles

Direct goal output versus fluidity

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

On definitions, a false 9, for me, is an attacking player who always attempts to provide the +1 in possession. This often manifests in a deeper dropping role, but it does not preclude a more penetrative element, especially in transition.

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

Such are the vicissitudes of verticality. In this paradigm, stability should not be conceptualised as inherently positive. Guardiola mentions Liverpool because embracing transitions can be effective - his preference is for stability hence slower play

Caño Football

@CanoFootball

3 years

Stability is the ball

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

Found the simplicity of this from KDB to be fascinating. Arsenal poised in their man-oriented set-up, attempting to force play back to the goalkeeper to press on the last line to force an uncontrolled long ball. Dias delays while Ødegaard slowly encroaches but is careful to not

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Jack

@JackM_77

5 months

I think far too many people ascribe positional and tactical flaws to Brighton’s issues. They see a problem rather than trade-offs (successful ones - Brighton sold their two best midfielders and remained competitive). There can be valid concerns when not being overly polemical.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Post focusing on how City undermined Liverpool's compact high block which gradually encroaches, exploiting any superfluous acts in possession to gain territory and then uses the proximity to strike - and how they reversed the encroachment principle.

Encroachment

Creating and reducing time and space in a controlled manner.

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

New post focusing on the techniques used to maximise space ahead of players, in microcosmic circumstances and collectively, in addition to the underpinnings of automatised play. An attempt to answer the question, why pass slowly and backwards?

Pressure Passes, Playing on the Precipice and Reconsolidating

“Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder and crush him” – Sun Tzu.

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

More of a bullet point type practical guide to defending in a 5-3-2 mid-block (Spurs vs Liverpool as the blueprint). Theory is fairly simple, developing good coordination between players and instilling a mentality of endurance is the difficult part.

Constraining mechanisms in a 5-3-2 mid-block

To suffer, to suffer.

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

Pleasure to have written for @spielvercom . It was undoubtedly the site most important in my own development, and going through the archives to re-read older articles remains a learning experience, so its an honour to be amongst that.

Dr. Constantin Eckner

@cc_eckner

3 years

Thorough analysis of Shakhtar's build-up play and Roberto De Zerbi's style of football in general by @JackM_77 . Enjoyed this read on our site. @spielvercom

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

A post investigating the tactical reasons why de Zerbi likes his players using the sole of their boot to control the ball when possession is consolidated. Like many things de Zerbi, the answer is the confluence of provocation and control

Sole Control

“As flies to wanton boys are we to de Zerbi; They move us for their sport."

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

De Zerbi...

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Unsure whether City's transition to a 3-2-5 this season is related to Haaland. Might be me looking for things and attributing the biggest tactical change to the biggest personnel change when there is no significant correlation or Haaland excluded, they would've changed regardless

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

A broader look at how to design teams - and why I think, or more believe that identifying profiles of wingers is the most crucial component behind that.

Considerations on 'Wingers'

3-4-3 or 4-3-3?

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

shorter post looking at City's alternations against Villa, why they were important, what changed and why I placed too much emphasis on said changes regardless. Its sobering moments like this that give you a vague idea of what positional play actually is.

Manchester City, Villa and positions

Would Pep levitate in the half-space?

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Attempting to rationalise Pep's decision making this season has been a preoccupation of mine, particularly as it relates to adaptions to assist Haaland. This post stays on theme by looking at Bernardo's role against Villa and a movement away from rigidity

Bernardo in City's 3-2-5

Thoughts about everted CM's, the need for dynamic movement and what Bernardo uniquely offers

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

New post looking into a concept pioneered at IFK Värnamo - following pressure - something which I at least found opening when first revealed to me because of its simplicity and adaptability.

Following Pressure

Making diamonds through shadowing the opposition

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Is de Zerbi perhaps the coach with the most legible complexity to his game? By which I mean, the players simultaneously have very clear roles in particular phases set-off by triggers but it is difficult to reduce thier roles to clear profiles or positions (FM style).

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Watching and thinking about Brighton has good me questioning whether high central occupation during periods of deeper possession does much. The opposition are forced to defend that space regardless of opposition static occupation because of the threat of dynamic occupation.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Curious as to whether Bernardo centralising here has anything to do with avoiding the out-to-in pressing of Salah (predictable factor) on Ake. Open a central angle which is tight to receive from, but well suited to his skillset, which then opens the diagonal angle

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

Cowill advances and widens, knowing he is the free man, but moreover, the pressing trap and thus must act quickly. Steele then uses disguise to buy himself time+space and allow the distances to close between himself and Cowill, making him more difficult to press

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Jack

@JackM_77

10 months

Copa Libertadores final has been very reminiscent of mid-noughties games I’ve watched. Analogy potentially doing a partial disservice to Fluminense, but I think contrary to the prevailing narrative, relational football with possession orientation produces more ‘stale’ possession.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Friendly reminder of this fantastic thread by Jamie. 4-1-5/4-2-4 essential.

Jamie Scott

@JamiescottUV

3 years

📌 Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City [Tactical Thread]: How the Clarity of Player Roles Renders a Seemingly Complex Tactical Setup Simple and Efficient

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Jack

@JackM_77

11 months

Piece investigating whether the trope of ‘sit deep against Brighton’ has any grounding, and the reasons why hitting the channels seems particularly potent. Was a pleasure working with Analytics FC and @AFHStewart , who was extraordinarily helpful throughout.

Analytics FC

@AnalyticsFC

11 months

In his Analytics FC debut, @JackM_77 looks at how best to play against Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Essentailly - why have a centre forward when that space is occupied defensively regardless and is difficult to create combination play from. Focus on wider transitions while controlling the centre with two floating half-space players, touchline wingers and wider FB's.

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

On Ronaldinho discourse: I recently watched a couple of games from his time at Milan and his execution of technical actions were near perfect, and most risks were measured relative to the quality he possessed - with things like trivela through balls opening new avenues rather

EiF

@EiFSoccer

1 year

Who is the most overrated player due to nostalgia? I.e. what FT would call a "nostalgia merchant." Some of our picks: - Zidane - Giggs - Ronaldinho

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Some thoughts on City's fullbacks vs West Ham: Last season, they would often adopt more of a 4-2-4 shape with the dropping FW accessing the space vacated by the dropping MF, who allowed the full backs to widen. Maintaining strong connections and zonal occupation.

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

City's players have looked uncomfortable with the amount of central space they've been afforded. Takes them a while to decide to progress, and from there it's been both ponderous and aimless.

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

Interesting to see City abandon the touchline winger approach after the KDB sub. Probably linked to having 3 insane ball retention/close control players centrally. You don’t want to create space for direct actions a la KDB, but rather encourage quicker link up and central runs.

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Jack

@JackM_77

6 months

Whenever I watch Doku play for City he just seems to unnecessarily slow the play down. Part of what made the overlaod-to-isolate transition so dangerous for them historically was the ability for the wingers to carrying in their stride and continue attacking directly to exploit

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Jack

@JackM_77

5 months

For all the talk of Pep Guardiola treating players as interchangeable robots to exercise his idealised vision of football - I think City exhibit some of the largest differences in style and approach depending on how players are used. The constant changing of players positions

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 months

Netherlands midfield set-up is amongst the worst I’ve seen in a long time. Man-oriented double pivot without any supporting press from the wingers with Xavi Simons doing a Kante shift. Foden drifts, Bellingham pins and the midfield vacates.

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

Watching Brighton through a defensive lens consolidates why 3-box-3 shapes have become the meta. Their centre backs have so much space to cover when channel defending. A lot of their so-called issues stem from a conscious trade-off between security and attacking dynamism.

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Jack

@JackM_77

11 months

personnel, we seem willing to discard collective progress because players like Licha or Shaw are injured. There is no faith placed in alternatives to replicate their abilities or attempt to continue playing simiarlydespite of the technical drop off.

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

Although it didn't work, it contains a lot of interesting ideas on how to combat goalkeeper possession and the Consigli-Boga without exposing yourself to being played through, and having covering mechanisms in place in case you in contrast to traditional man-orientation.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 months

Feel it somewhat incumbent to say fuck Marseille and de Zerbi for that matter. No excuses for that decision.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

This Mbappe performance has been other worldly. Awestruck with the consistency and speed at which he has been executing actions. Every touch seems like it has been perfect.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Interesting goal kick routine from Rangers vs PSV: Wall pass from deep and wide midfielder - centre backs are split to create separation for goalkeeper reception. Width + depth from far-side CB prevents Gakpo applying pressure allowing a wide touch to switch to Tavernier

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Jack

@JackM_77

9 months

Think Grealish will re-establish himself as a starter once KdB returns. Doku is currently acting as the ‘unstoppable guy’ which justifies his high usage rate/risk. But being able to consolidate possession and recycle becomes more valuable when the right-side threat amplifies.

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Jack

@JackM_77

11 months

Oftentimes we are left with a soulless blob where players are playing to their strengths individually, but no connections are made through the team, and we just go long after failing any progression attempt.

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

Foden's performance against Newcastle reminded me of this quote from Guardiola. Foden and Bernardo are the exceptions to the rule with regards to their movement towards the ball, largely because they are capable of receiving at any angle, are happy to play bounce passes, and

Keepitonthedeck

@Keepitonthedeck

3 years

"Everybody has to be in position, when you move much, that's not good. The ball comes where we are. We don't go to pick up balls" - Pep Guardiola

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

Highlights an issue I have with feigned short goal kicks. Hedges on the wrong side of verticality. Defensive players attack the space with momentum granting them the dynamic superiority. Space created in the first third through stretched conditions are instantly reversed.

Henry Bushnell

@HenryBushnell

3 years

Matt Turner's goal kick didn't even reach midfield. About 15 yards short of Zardes. Five seconds later, 1-0

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

This works as there is now a small distance and Ødegaard is stretched being pinned by Gilmour. To compensate for the space, he jumps anticipatorily towards Cowill, opening the wall pass for Gilmour, to find the actual free man for Brighton in Dunk, who the pressing trap is not

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

I plan on looking at Arsenal's pressing stucture in more detail because it was interesting in being oriented around preventing infiltration into the 2nd and 3rd lines, while having a high pressing trap and maintaining pressure on the goalkeeper as he advanced further than the box

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

With Celtic facing Real Madrid in the Champions League tonight, I think this post is somewhat relevant - detailing the difficulties faced by Shakhtar, a team comparable to Ange's Celtic, in this situation last year.

Middle-sized fish entering the big pond

Brief observations of Shakhtar’s issues versus Real Madrid

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

I think Thomas Frank’s statement of you either for M2M or sit off against Brighton is interesting because it’s one which I’ve held personally, but have began to reconsider from a more abstract perspective. Generally, I think hybrid approaches are more effective when implemented

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Loaning (potential sale) Cancelo in the context of the system change makes some sense. City don't really play a back 4 in possession, whilst the other 'FB' joins the double pivot. Appeases the player (something critical for Pep). Ake/Laporte 'LB' with Rico Lewis inside.

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Jack

@JackM_77

7 months

Insofar as he executes actions so well that others don’t consider (and therefore adapt around). Few players I think are better in the first/middle third. Reads what is open in real time so we’ll - great on ball evaluation. Still a bozo but feel so blessed to have in the team.

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

From the initial angles, Cowill seemed the obvious pass; however, the vision afforded to Steele deep +central granted a more synoptic view (in combination with knowledge of Arsenal's pressing) to know where the space was long term. If the ball goes to Cowill, Gabriel can stay

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

Working with the wonderful @CamH___ , we analysed and subsequently designed training sessions with @TacticalPad around combating the threats Liverpool had to offer. Overall, it was a fun and novel experience which hopefully translates to a good read.

Match Preparation vs Liverpool

A McCormack and Herbert production

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

oriented around. This upset Arsenals defensive stucture, as Jorginho was prepared to jump the left-sided dropping player - but must move, as Gabriel (previously on him) needs to watch the space behind Martinelli, who was more oriented around blocking lanes (now open).

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

A less directly tactical piece, focusing more on the realties faced by teams such as Shakhtar, and how to deal with them. Essentially, an apologia for Shakhtar's performance in Europa, whilst simultaneously a short encomium of Conte.

Middle-sized fish entering the big pond

Brief observations of Shakhtar’s issues versus Real Madrid

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

Good example of the benefits of Foden's horizontal fluidity here. The near-side defenders are occupied by thier respective attackers - Joelinton steps up on Rodri, creating space in between the lines which cannot be compensated for via man-orientation. Turn then find the winger.

Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

Foden's performance against Newcastle reminded me of this quote from Guardiola. Foden and Bernardo are the exceptions to the rule with regards to their movement towards the ball, largely because they are capable of receiving at any angle, are happy to play bounce passes, and

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Jamie is a thought-provoking writer - and at least for me, his pieces should be read through that lens, rather than a polemic or perhaps even analytical stucture - much like a relationist, he provides the platform for you to make spontaneous connections.

Jamie Hamilton

@stirling_j

2 years

My new article ✍️ THE POSITIONIST With contribution from Gorka Melchor ( @JuegoPosmoderno ) and cover art by Michele di Martino ( @mdimar7ino )

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

This is the best article I've read this year - from the originality and precision of the idea to the subsequent analysis. Would highly recommend checking it out.

Chris

@ChrisSummersell

2 years

Are Liverpool breaking one of the most sacred defensive rules? Data and video on how Liverpool appear to be making different defensive choices to blocking long shots

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Here we go!

Brighton & Hove Albion

@OfficialBHAFC

2 years

TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here's our starting XI to face Liverpool this afternoon. 📝 📲 // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️

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@JackM_77

1 year

A more descriptive and exploratory piece comparing Bernardo and Foden's interpretation of the inside right role used by Manchester City this season.

The Foden Question

Comparing Foden and Bernardo in the absence of de Bruyne

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

tight on the dropping forward as was the covering mechanism as the switch is too difficult, meaning Aresnal meet thier man-orientation to prevent ball to feet progression. A lesson in playing in the direction of pressure to find the free man from the masters in Brighton.

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Jack

@JackM_77

7 months

I think one aspect which has been very important for Inter this season and difficult to directly replicate in other environments because it doesn't quite fit the legible aspects people rightly like about Inzaghi's teams is the importance of scrappiness and tenacity to their play.

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

Magnus Carlsen

@MagnusCarlsen

3 years

Find the beauty in repetition.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Thats why depth is an important feature, it creates time in possession, allowing players to drop and support and increases the ground the opposition have to cover upon a situational trigger, reducing the chances of direct compaction upon reception.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

4-2-4 principles of horizontally stretching play to create gaps in the half-spaces. What if Diaz didn't curve his run? The pass to Emerson is open and despite Robbo's pressure, he is overloaded, and the pass to Kulu, albeit under pressure would be diagonally accessible.

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@JackM_77

3 years

Spurs scored two goals directly from 4-2-4 goal kick sequences against Man City. One thing you can be assured of with Antonio Conte is his consistent capacity to coach automatised 4-2-4 deep build-up.

Automatism watch: Kulusevski’s goal - Tottenham vs Manchester City

4-2-4 ❤️⚽️.

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

Really enjoyed this from Umir - advocates well for sub-alien but still elite specialisation, and while I don't agree with the conclusion per se, the arguments made are inarguably worth reading.

Umir

@umirf1

1 year

A case for the ‘less complete’ and why the future of football suits Haaland most on footballing completeness, the Haaland and Mbappe debates and why the Norwegian is the perfect player for modern football given the changing tactical landscape:

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Jack

@JackM_77

7 months

3rd goal from Inter demonstrates a nice principle. It’s generally quicker to progress via bouncing so that the progressing playing forward faces space. Even if the space exists to turn, if there is stretched space in behind and you are transitioning - go backwards to go forwards.

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

An article focusing on the rise of man-to-man marking, and the reasons why its adopted, both practically and ideologically.

Future Nostalgia

Exploring the increasing prominence of man-to-man marking

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

7 months

Wonder if this approach by City is influenced by superiorities in wide areas being less important against teams that press higher. More about getting those players with quality in tight areas central and in between the lines to progress. Foden and Bernardo given more freedom to

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

- Cherki First time properly watching him and he has that Neymar/Messi aura of dropping deep to receive, the play stopping around him, always seeming on the cusp of something magical or decisive. Think this is typified when play stops around him, then he fires in a 1-2 to carry

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

There is something very pleasing about the way Kulusevski drops to receive and play a wall pass when Spurs build from deep. Think it is down to how fluidly all his actions are conducted, that and it symbolises 4-2-4.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Liverpool compact the centre in a high block to make short central progression impossible while space is too compact vertically for out-to-in full back progression to be successful. City stretch their pressing line by playing a 4-2-4, establishing a strong connection to either

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

A repost of my favourite and I think best non-de-Zerbi piece which I feel complements nicely my latest post on wrong-footed full backs. I present: The Vicissitudes of Verticality.

Vicissitudes of verticality

This is a repost - however, I feel it is useful in the context of my latest post: https://runningtheshowblog.wordpress.com/2021/10/08/wrong-footed-full-backs-a-tool-for-consolidating-central-posses...

jackmccormack.substack.com

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

curving his run to prevent access to the full back, creating an opening in the channel. Thiago gets tight to Bentancur, no longer directly covered by Mane. Kulu is the free man as Roberston is overloaded and pre-emptively jumps Emerson.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

If you want to know more about said manager:

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Jack

@JackM_77

5 months

Scales, and maybe it’s the bias speaking but I find much of the de Zerbi criticism tedious. There are interesting aspects to highlight because the extremity creates trade-offs to discuss - but far too often does it descend instantly to a discussion of ‘problems’.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Gakpo conversely didn't look well suited to interior task handed to him. Seems like more of a touchline player with his more erratic and direct dribbling style benefitting from space. Lacks the technical security to play consistently in tight spaces.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Clip typifies a lot of what I like about de Zerbi, in that it seems as though there is an overarching abstract ideal of how to play which has been communicated to the players, and a stucture of how to perform it, with movements pre-ordained to create

Jamie Hamilton

@stirling_j

2 years

Nothing to see here, just a completely normal build-up

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

I perhaps overly bullishly claimed Solomon when at Shakhtar would achieve a top 6 move at some stage - presumably being back-up has meant the predication hasn't aged as well as it superficially seems; however, he is a great final third player - offers a lot of connectivity

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Watching Grealish attack space behind him, you can understand why he was profiled for City. Good at holding the ball up then moving into space to find the cross-field pass. Makes for good territorial gain and ball movement. His issue has been turning and facing + tighter link-up.

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Jack

@JackM_77

2 years

Happy to see Brighton transition to the 4. Player profiles mean its going to be left dominant, but that isn't an issue. The Mitoma drop, recieve an underlap, then engage has been beautiful. Nothing revelatory, but he's great. As comfortable 1v1 as he is receiving IBTL.

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Jack

@JackM_77

9 months

City's first goal tonight was a great example of the avoiding tackling concept. Came from a throw-in so play is naturally compact - but the four players around Marcelo locked him in without seeking to duel. You can actually see Bernardo close the passing angle while faking

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Jack

@JackM_77

1 year

While I think the concept of a litmus test is a bit trite and overused - I think Neymar is a very good example. Your opinion on him shows whether you actually watch the game or follow narratives.

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Jack

@JackM_77

3 years

Really enjoyed writing this piece - hopefully that transfers to reading as well. Focuses on the potential for 'wrong-footed' full backs to help attain control and aid in a central focus while also documenting potential transitional downsides.

Running The Show

@RunTheShowBlog

3 years

New (very) tactical post from @Jackuolo You don't want to miss this if you like tactical discussions

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