π Tactical Focus
π΅ Rodri and Lewis moves/positioning in first phase of build-up to overthrow Burnley's man-to-man press
THREAD ‡οΈπ§΅
π΅ Rodri and Lewis moves/positioning in first phase of build-up to overthrow Burnley's man-to-man press
THREAD ‡οΈπ§΅
As expected, Lewis would come next to Rodri in first build-up phase, Alvarez and De Bruyne on the second line of City's build-up. But Burnley strongly reinforced this area, Rodri and Lewis will have to play cleverly to not loose the ball here.
Burnley's man-oriented press is efficient during those first minutes, and Guardiola is already warned : his midfielders will have to be proactive. To espace this press, two main conditions : opposite moves from Rodri/Lewis, and a strong participation for Ederson in build-up.
Ederson stepping up and form this line of 3 with center backs forces Burnley to modify its man-to-man press, liberating more space for Rodri to move around the structure. Lewis moves have another purpose, more disruptive and create uncertainty.
Consequence : Lewis and Rodri have more space behind the pressing structure to apply the build-up process. Lewis and Rodri form a very good duo in matter of runs coordination, they manage distances pretty well.
Gather Burnley's pressing on the center can also open wide open spaces on the flanks, and it would be a bad mistake for Manchester City to not exploit those. That's where City made the difference.
I spoke about opposite moves earlier. This is exactly the purpose of it: escape this press on the center, force pressing triggers. Rodri with his passing skills dropping off and get more visibility, Lewis between the lines with his quick moves and runs. Two complementary profiles
Burnley's aggressive man-to-man press will be a great topic to focus on during the season. Rodri and Lewis switched position, changed their runs frequently, in one purpose : make them run, and test their press. These sequences have been repeated many times during the game.
Rodri receiving under pressure, he knows how to deal with it. But Lewis missions is also key, because he has to decide, as soon as Rodri received, where to go depending on the build-up. And he responded correctly to the expectations.
And how about Rodri's pressing ? What I appreciate is the fact he does it when the game demands, and not the opposite. Most of the time, when he starts to press, it's only to maintain pressure and Burnely's block in its own third. Efficient.
Rodri, under pressure can modify build-up tempo, bring more serenity and spread it with Manchester City players. Even if Lewis makes a pass mistake, he runs as fast as possible to fix it. He is the boss of this City's midfield, regulates it on its own.
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