There is a "compass" behind
According to new coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, the team's completion level seems to be 20%. However, the foundation itself seemed to be more solid than expected.
This is a story about my first game.
There are various interpretations about the foundation, but the foundation mentioned in this section is, to put it simply, what comes after. Four backs.
Since when did the term "defender" (=DF) become popular? It's quite outdated. Their job is no longer just about defense. If we try to implement the "love the ball" approach of Albert-style football, it becomes even more so.
In particular, the back triangle was the focus of attention. The work of the two center backs and the pivot in front of them was notable. They were new face Henrique Trevisan and Yasuki Kimoto, along with veteran Takuya Aoki.
In conclusion, I think it was a great performance. Although we were on the defensive for the first 20 minutes, we were able to withstand that difficult period thanks to our four defenders and turn the tide of the game.
What was effective, albeit subtle, was the lineup (pressing) by Trevizan and Kimoto. Despite being pushed from behind and facing dangerous situations, they always closed the distance with the midfield, maintained a tight formation, and kept the troublesome players who were scheming between the lines out of the danger zone.
If Bucks had easily lowered the line, it should have been the opponent's favorite. In the scene where they allowed the backdoor, Trevizan's sharp covering shines. Is their crisis detection ability and strength in ball battles above average? They allowed the winning goal to Leandro Damiao, who they marked during set plays, and he must be disappointed. However, they did not back down in any other close combat. If their response on this day is average, they should have enough confidence to fight with a high line.
<Henrique TREVISAN's block to prevent a pinch>
No, the good impression of the Bucks is not just about defense. The crucial build-up was also something to look forward to. Although the start was a bit shaky, the speed and accuracy of passes improved as time went on. There were also various types of passes, such as vertical passes to teammates between the lines and diagonal passes to open teammates on the outside. The ball control was also good, and it was clear that the coach's intention was to increase the tempo of the passing work. In the second half, the opportunities to attack efficiently increased, thanks in large part to the work of the two center backs.
When it comes to the signboard of Albert-style football, each player is in a positional play that moves the ball forward while taking the appropriate position. The advantage of positioning to outsmart the enemy is that a good pass from behind comes in at the right time. The starting point for this is the triangle at the back.
Not only in the Albert style, but also in modern football, the manners are similar to those of hand-using ball games. The compass is at the deepest part. It's the same for basketball point guards. It's the era of entrusting that role to center backs and pivots. It's safe to say that their suitability and performance greatly affect the fate of the team.
In recent years, even if the Bucks have sufficient defensive power, if they have problems with build-up, the risk of conceding increases and becomes a troublesome situation. The pressure from the defensive front has increased, and there are not a few cases where they lose the ball and immediately concede, instead of counterattacking. That's why teams with a safety valve to avoid pressing in the back are strong. The reinforcement of Trevisan and Kimoto is reasonable.
＜A diagonal pass from player Kimoto, who is the starting point of the chance＞
In addition, the fact that the two center backs showed their abilities has made it easier to use veteran Masato MORISHIGE as a pivot, which is also a good sign. It's not that Aoki's performance as a starter in this position is lacking. When Urawa Reds won the AFC Champions League in 2017, they also played with a 4-3-3 pivot and showed their ability to meet the expectations of the bench. However, as they play an important role in both attack and defense, having multiple options is always a good thing.
If you're looking for roughness, it might be a build-up involving the goalkeeper. However, Jakub SLOWIK is probably not the type of player who takes that into consideration. During periods of high enemy pressing, it may be necessary to make decisive choices such as minimizing back passes to the goalkeeper and increasing long balls to the back line.
In any case, the previously unknown last triangle has achieved certain results, and it can be said that the outlook for the future has become brighter. As they say, the first step is crucial, and if you stumble in the first move (build-up), there will be no positional play. In that sense, obtaining the "compass in the back" is the greatest harvest. Of course, there will be trial and error, but it is only a fantasy that Albert Tokyo will point the right course.
Text by Sato Hojo (Football Writer)
