There is a "compass" behind
According to new coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, the team's completion level seems to be 20%. However, the foundation itself seemed to be more solid than expected.
This is a story about my first battle.
There are various interpretations of the foundation, but the foundation mentioned in this section is specifically about what comes after. Four backs.
Since when did the term "defender" (=DF) become popularized? It's quite outdated. Their job is no longer just about defense. If we were to try implementing the "love the ball" philosophy of Albert-style football, it would be even more so.
In particular, the focus was on the back triangle. The work of the two center backs and the pivot in front of them was noteworthy. They were the newcomers Henrique TREVISAN and Yasuki KIMOTO, and the veteran Takuya AOKI.
In conclusion, I think it was a great performance. Although we were on the defensive for the first 20 minutes, we managed to withstand that difficult period with our four defenders at the core, and we can say that we turned the tide of the game.
What was effective, albeit subtle, was the lineup (pressing) by Trevisan and Kimoto. Despite being pushed from behind and creating dangerous situations, they always closed the distance with the midfield, maintained a tight formation, and kept the troublesome players who were scheming between the lines out of the danger zone.
If the Bucks had lowered the line easily, it should have been just what the opponent wanted. In the scene where they allowed a breakthrough, Trevisan's sharp covering shines. Is his crisis perception and strength in the ball above average? They allowed the winning goal to Leandro DAMIAO, who they marked during set plays, and he must be unhappy about it. However, in other close combat situations, they didn't back down at all. If their response on this day is average, they should be able to fight with a high line.
Henrique TREVISAN's block to prevent a pinch
No, the good impression of the Bucks is not just about defense. The crucial build-up was also something to look forward to. Although the start was a bit shaky, the speed and accuracy of passes improved as time went on. There were also various types of passes, such as vertical passes to teammates between the lines and diagonal passes to open teammates on the outside. The ball control was also good, and it was clear that the coach's intention was to increase the tempo of the passing work. From the middle of the first half, the opportunities to attack efficiently increased, thanks in large part to the work of the two center backs.
When it comes to the signboard of Albert-style football, each player is in a positional play that moves the ball forward while taking the appropriate position. The advantage of positioning to outsmart the enemy is that a good pass comes in from behind at the right time. The starting point for this is the triangle at the back.
Not only in the Albert style, but also in the manners of modern football, it is similar to a hand-using ball game. The compass is at the deepest part. It's like a basketball point guard. The era when their role is entrusted to center backs and pivots. It can be said that their suitability and ability greatly influence the fate of the team.
In recent years, even if the Bucks have sufficient defensive power, if they have problems with build-up, the risk of conceding increases and becomes a troublesome situation. The pressure from the defensive front has increased, and there are not a few cases where they lose the ball and immediately concede, instead of counterattacking. That's why teams with a safety valve to avoid pressing in the back are strong. The reinforcement of Trevisan and Kimoto is reasonable.
Diagonal pass from player Kimoto, the starting point of the chance.
In addition, the fact that the two center backs showed their abilities has made it easier to use veteran Masato MORISHIGE as a pivot, which is also a good sign. This is not to say that Aoki's performance as a starter in this position is unsatisfactory. When Urawa Reds won the AFC Champions League in 2017, they also played a 4-3-3 pivot and showed their ability to meet the expectations of the bench. However, as they play an important role in both offense and defense, having multiple options is always a good thing.
If you're looking for roughness, is it a build-up involving the goalkeeper? However, Jakub SLOWIK is probably not a player who was acquired with that in mind. During periods of high intensity pressing from the opponent, it may be necessary to make decisive choices such as minimizing back passes to the goalkeeper and increasing long balls to the back line.
In any case, it can be said that the previously unknown last triangle has achieved certain results and the future outlook has become brighter. As they say, the first step is crucial, and if you stumble in the initial (build-up), there will be no positional play. In that sense, obtaining the "compass in the back" is the greatest harvest. Of course, there will be trial and error, but it is only a wild imagination that Albert Tokyo will point the right course.
Text by Sato Hojo (Football Writer)
