🔵 Tactical FOCUS
Manchester City build-up approach vs Liverpool
▫️ Kevin De Bruyne key role (moves/creating and attacking spaces)
▫️ Stones-Rodri moves in first build-up
▫️ Vertical pass before using width
IN-DEPTH THREAD 🧵
Manchester City build-up approach vs Liverpool
▫️ Kevin De Bruyne key role (moves/creating and attacking spaces)
▫️ Stones-Rodri moves in first build-up
▫️ Vertical pass before using width
IN-DEPTH THREAD 🧵
Guardiola frequently said it, but he ask De Bruyne to constantly attack spaces to bring dynamic control for City. And other players (here Alvarez) have to move cleverly to offer space for KDB to attack.
In first build-up phase, De Bruyne dropped as a wingback, first to test if Henderson will man-mark him all the time. Then, this move is key because it would force Liverpool's press to go on the flank, and liberate more space for the double pivot.
This lateral move is more important than people may think, because Liverpool players have more difficulties to close down this pass option rather than if De Bruyne stayed in his initial position (as interior).
De Bruyne attacks space, but also creates some by dragging the opponent so Mahrez can attack the space behind. All depends on the perfect alignment from Mahrez in order to not being off-side.
Another good illustration of De Bruyne's move on the left flank on the equalizer. Vertical pass for Mahrez, who's much space to attack. He takes enough speed to look for Gundogan, with one second to find Grealish on the opposite flank.
Kevin De Bruyne's importance resumed in this sequence : lateral move, Henderson don't follow him, more space for double pivot (here Rodri), orientate build-up on the left wing to end up on the right wing.
We talked about it ealier, first objective for City is to find that vertical pass to take advantage over opponent's press. In this situation, Stones has made brilliant moves to ease out City's build-up.
The timing of Stones moves has been key. He only started to move as soon as Salah or Gakpo started the press. Rodri and Stones short passes were consequently easier, and City build-up really made the difference.
A legit question can also be asked : why City prefers a vertical pass before reaching flanks ? Why not doing a wide pass first ? Because this vertical pass attracts more opponents in central area, and also less players on the flank.
You need to complete two conditions to do this build-up approach, interiors who have a excellent ball retention and reliable one-touch pass quality (Gundogan/De Bruyne, even Grealish in some sequences). Thanks to that, wide player has more time to think and act.
That's why interiors have to stay close from wingers in second phase of build-up. As soon as Gundogan or KDB receive the vertical pass, winger is ready to attack space, while on the opposite, both interior/winger know the sequence will end up there.
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