SV Academy: Open Analysis-Seminars
Following up the successful launch of our “Academy” we offer a new format: Analysing football in groups.
Player Analysis: Sergio Ramos – attacking set-pieces
When it comes to attacking set-pieces, Sergio Ramos is probably the best player in the world right now -along with Cristiano Ronaldo. Over the years he saved Real Madrid a lot of times with his goals from set-pieces – his most famously is definitely the 95th minute goal against Atletico Madrid back in the 2014 Champions League Final. So, we decided to take a deeper look into it in a video analysis (video link at the end of the article).
Video Analysis: Atalanta’s possession system
Just by looking at the numbers, we can see that Atalanta is 3rd (70) in goals scored – after PSG (75) and Bayern (73)- amongst the top 5 league teams, and 1st in shots per game, leading with 20,1 attempts -just for comparison, Barcelona have 12,7 (scored 63), Dortmund have 13,8 (scored 68), Juventus have 17,5 (scored 50), and the closest is Manchester City with 19,4 (scored 68). As these numbers looks very intriguing, this analysis will focus on their strategy in possession (link can be found at the end of the article).
Liverpool: Throw-In Analysis
Such as set-pieces generally, throw-in strategies are often neglected, even though some simple guidelines could easily help to utilize them better. A great example for that is Liverpool, who even hired a throw-in coach, Thomas Gronnemark, in order to increase their effectiveness in this part of the game. Since Liverpool has a very high success rate (around 70% or maybe even more) in maintaining possession after a throw-in (just to put that into context, usually the average is around 50% at best). This article focuses on the main principles, movements that Liverpool use during throw-ins.
Video Analysis: RB Leipzig defensive system vs. Borussia Dortmund
To turn their season around, Favre decided to switch to a 3-4-3 system, causing huge issues for the opponent’s to adjust (last 5 games: 4 wins, 1 draw). As a reaction, Leipzig started in a modified 4-3-1-2 system, forming a 4-3-3 in defending. Dortmund dominated the 1st half, thanks to exploiting some of the weaknesses of the RBL defensive scheme, which forced Nagelsmann to switch to a 4-4-2 shape in the 35th minute (this analysis only focuses on these 35th mins).
Video Analysis: The Tale of the Kwasniok Table
31 games in, Jena was 8 points away from safety.7 games later, they finish 1 point ahead of the relegation zone. Coach Lukas Kwasniok introduced his own table for these 7 games and put it in the change room. They won 6 of the games.
Video Analysis: Eibar’s Defensive System
According to several statistics (expected goals against – xGA, shots allowed, passes allowed per defensive action – PPDA) Eibar is on the top of the rankings in the La Liga. Therefore I decided to take a look into their defensive organization, analyzing their main principles and movements in their main 4-4-2 system (in high-press/mid-block/deep-block, plus their 4-1-4-1 system), whilst also highlighting their main weaknesses.
Video: New Goal Kick Rules and Strategies
I detailed the new goal kick rules made by FIFA and potential strategies for it. I touch on the effect it will have on build-up as well as pressing!
Video: Messi and Iniesta under Guardiola
I explain the reason for Guardiola moving Messi into the center of the field and how he consistently used players to free up spaces in the center for Messi and Iniesta to receive the ball and create dangerous attacks from. I also explain a bit why he moved away from this approach at Bayern and at City.
Video: In-Depth Analysis on Zonal Marking
I explain a popular tactical concept in football when out of possession: Zonal Marking! I go into depth about the tactical details of the approach.