🔵 Tactical Focus
Why 3-5-2, in a 3 midfield animation, could be the best option to reduce spaces in defensive phase, and utilize width easier in offensive phase for Tottenham Hotspur ?
Illustration : Second half against Everton 🧵
Why 3-5-2, in a 3 midfield animation, could be the best option to reduce spaces in defensive phase, and utilize width easier in offensive phase for Tottenham Hotspur ?
Illustration : Second half against Everton 🧵
With 3-4-3 , we frequently saw forwards and wingbacks on the same line, and the opposition blocking vertical options. With 3 midfielders, it allows Bentancur to move in halfspaces and forces Son/Kane to drop off. It eases out vertical passes and then, wide build-up.
Tottenham’s double pivot faced, since the beginning of the season, many issues to avoid opponent’s out of possession structure (especially 3-2 ones). Having 3 midfielders with more freedom in the positions makes wide build-up easier.
It also gives opportunities for Bentancur to show his abilities in a specific role: control zone 14 and wide positions, if possible pin opponent’s central defenders. As I said, Kane/Son drop-off easier to receive and catalyze build-up
A perfect illustration here: Given Dier’s long-ball accuracy, Bentancur can easily avoid Everton’s sound 3-2 structure and going wide. Bissouma and Hojbjerg secure central spaces in case of possession losses on channels.
What does it change in Spurs pressing phase ?
I have noticed, when Spurs are in a 3-4-3, they press less, and not always with coordination (forwards on the same line of pressure). With 3 midfielders, Spurs implement an efficient triangle pressing shape.
I have noticed, when Spurs are in a 3-4-3, they press less, and not always with coordination (forwards on the same line of pressure). With 3 midfielders, Spurs implement an efficient triangle pressing shape.
In defensive phase situations, Tottenham can implement 3-2 structure easily, without being trapped in central spaces. It all depends on the opponent’s capacity to do switches of play as quick as possible.
Given vertical passes in central spaces were impossible for Everton, it constrained midfielders to attack penalty box, and waiting for long balls coming from central defenders. Higher risk to loose the ball for the opponent, knowing excellent defensive heading skills from Spurs.
Spurs feel more comfortable in this animation to slide the block when the opponent insists on width. Excellent movement coordination from Doherty-Bentancur and Hojbjerg-Davies prevented numerical superiority on wide zones.
In low build-up phase, Spurs double pivot has difficulties to escape from opponent’s structure. With 3 midfielders, Spurs can alternate between close distances and wide distances, easing out pass options and reducing press opportunities for Everton.
Moreover, it ease out inverting positions between players. Hojbjerg tends to replace Davies position so he can go higher on the pitch, while Bentancur allows Romero to occupy halfspaces. Not especially for receiving the ball, just pin the opposition.
Thanks to one or two midfielders participation in build-up on channels, wingbacks can attack space differently, starting his runs from inside and then penetrate penalty box (Doherty did these runs frequently).
That’s why Bentancur played a key role in channels. Given Bissouma and Hojbjerg hold their positions to prepare potential transitions, Bentancur has the confidence to attack high spaces and deliver dangerous crosses for Kane and Son.
On the second goal, Kane’s link-up play has been efficient, allowing Hojbjerg to attack zone 14. Bentancur’s wide positioning has been exploited really well, illustrating enormous advantages to have 3 versatile midfielders instead of 2.
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