Reginald 力
Reginald 力

@Rhalbraum

6 Tweets 26 reads Mar 15, 2022
It's not uncommon for the near-side FB to play the ball down the line when they receive it in the build-up phase. It could be said that this is the preferred option; to go around the high block, given it carries relatively low risks and is effective when executed w/ decisiveness.
The out-of-possession team's answer for this, as we vaguely understand, is to press from out to in. The (obvious) effect: denial of access to the potential outlet in the outside corridor. (Some pressing schemes include traps designed to take advantage of this very situation.)
But FBs who are capable of using their weaker foot turn this perceived weakness (being forced inside) into an opportunity to progress the ball to more valuable locations (central zones), invalidating the opponent's cover shadow - and redefining what should be a pressing trigger.
This sometimes messes up the defending team's structure. Trent Alexander-Arnold, an example:
Micro details:
Notice Van Dijk's body language in the 3rd slide. He seems to be conveying this message: "reset." He has a good view of what was happening, but TAA's ability to play with both feet and his decision to bring the ball to his non-dominant foot made the difference.
Also, Henderson had to risk being caught out of position should a defensive transition occur by making the forward run for this to work. He offered penetration; he was the one that "called for" TAA's pass. It says something about his offensive instincts.

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