King of Sands Comp – 8/8 Results

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Counter attacking 4-4-1-1

A 4-2-3-1 effectively but with the wingers slightly deeper, to give us more control in midfield and a stronger defensive structure, we could tell Hazard to get back and defend at a high tempo, but he wouldn’t, so we get him to do what he does. Direct and counter attacking football.

Up against a team that thrives on space in attack, we look to deprive them of any space by playing a strong defensive structure and hitting them on a counter. Azpi moves to cb as we want someone who can read the play well as we expect Salah to drift inside, Ramos will mark and challenge their forward. Ndid plays as the natural dm, coverignt he space ahead of the cbs. Thiago also plays as a second dm today, a role he's played for both Spain and Bayern recently very well, his ability to read the play and intercept opposition passes will be key as we seek for him to press ahead of Ndidi.

On the attacking side, we look to find space in between their defence and midfield as they lack a natural dm. We look to get Hazard in between the lines here, using his strong link up with Costa to hit Newcastle quickly on the break. Our other key aim in attack is down the left wing, Marcelo and Asensio targeting their RB.

Up against a team that wants to press high, we seek to use the large number of players in deep positions to retain possession, or simply use Neuer's ability to play accurate long passes. In reality, Suarez and Salah aren't the strongest pressers and make very little in the way of a defensive contribution for their sides. One of the reasons we target to attack down the left, as we feel their rb is their weak spot and lacks cover.

We have a midfield full of players who are excellent at retaining possession, we don't seek to rush our play, we will be happy playing backwards if we require to. Simply tire out the opposition, let them chase the ball and then go long to Costa if we do get under pressure.

Defensively we also have a midfield full of energy and a strong work rate. We defend in a narrow rigid 4-4-1-1, with no space between the lines. Hazard marks Jorginho/their dm. Simply don't let him play, stop their build up play and disjoint their attacks.

Going forward, we have players with different qualities who will always look to be on different lines, never flat, making it easy for us to find a player in space and spread the play. Hazard dropping deep in build-up phase and always looking to find space ahead of the midfield. Odriozola stays back, using his pace in defence letting Marcelo attack.

We go with a natural right footer on the right and left footer on the left to allow us to stretch the game when in possession. Importantly it allows us to hit Newcastle on the break even quicker, allows the wingers to play early crosses to Costa or first time through balls for Hazard/Costa to run on to.


-------------------- Neuer
Odriozola - Ramos - Azpilicueta - Marcelo
-------------- Thiago --- Ndidi -------------
--- Koke ------------------------------ Asensio -
------------------- Hazard
------------------- D.Costa

Subs. Schmeichel, D.Alves, Can, Rafinha, James, Correa, Richarlison

Strong Defensive Lines

We defend with two banks of four behind the ball, leave no space, make it difficult for them to create. When we defend the midfield narrows, giving us bodies to the side of the park we are defending. Hazard simply sits on their dm to take away that option.

We will be wary of the counter when we lose the ball. We drop into two lines of four, Costa and Hazard look to shut off the passing channels as soon as we lose it allowing the other players to get into shape. Hazard then drops to simply sit on their deepest cm/dm.

In this 4-4-1-1 formation, when the opposition go wide, the winger opposite to play comes narrow, giving us 3 central players and one wide player. Hazard a fourth central player simply sits on their dm, take the option away and be in a position to help us break quickly in between our midfield and Ronaldo.

In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Draw them in to positions where they can’t hurt us, and then try and win the ball back. Then get forward quickly.

Of the 2 cms, Thiago seeks to defend diagonally ahead of Ndidi, pressing the ball, Ndidi always goal side of Thiago. Ndidi slightly deeper, in a position to sweep in and clean up if they get past the first press. The free wide man can then come inside to help close the ball. This will make it difficult for Newcastle to find space, force them to try and play in tight areas.

We don't leave much space between the lines. Two compact lines of four. Always looking to have 9 players behind the ball. Happy to defend deep, we look to get players behind the ball.

Ramos captain. Neuer and Ramos keep the defence and structure tight. The midfield pressing with Ndidi sweeping up behind them.

Attack.

We will be direct with our attacking play, with two key aims, one being targeting their right back down our left wing. The other being to Hazard finding space between the lines, taking advantage of their lack of a natural dm.

Attack down the left wing, Marcelo and Asensio doubling up on their right back. Hazard has a free role in attack, to drop deep and link with the cms and wingers, but also looks to get ahead of Costa and break beyond their defence when we counter.
We are happy for our defenders and Neuer to go long at times.



Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Correa and James for Koke and Hazard. High work rate and someone strong on the break with pace on the right. James also brings a greater work rate and natural creativity with two wide options now.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Can for Thiago. Brings fresh power to midfield. Injecting energy to our play.


If drawing after 65 mins bring on James for Koke. Hazard left, Asensio right, James central as a deeper attacking cm. As the oppposition tire from their pressing, we go with more options in attack.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Correa for Hazard. Super sub on the left. Get at their right back. Also brings high work rate.
If drawing after 82 mins bring on E.Can for Thiago, inject power and energy to cm over run their cm.

If losing after 60 mins bring on James for Koke. 4-2-3-1. Asensio right, Hazard left.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Rafinha for Thiago and Correa for Asensio. Bring fresh energy.

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