Behind is the 'Compass'
According to the new coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, the team's completeness is said to be 20%. However, the essential foundation seemed to be more solid than expected.
This is a story of the first battle.
There are various interpretations of the foundation, but the foundation referred to in this section is precisely about the back line. It consists of four backs.
The term defender (DF) has become common for some time now, but it is a severe anachronism. Their role is no longer just about defense. If we are to implement Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's football philosophy, which teaches to "love the ball" at every opportunity, this is even more true.
In particular, what caught my attention was the triangle at the back. It was the work of the two center-backs and the pivot positioned in front of them. The new face Henrique TREVISAN, Yasuki KIMOTO, and the veteran Takuya AOKI.
To put it simply, I think it was a very good performance. Certainly, for the first 20 minutes, we were on the defensive, but by enduring that tough period with the four backs at the center, we can say that we managed to turn the flow of the game in our favor.
While it was subtle, the lineup (push-up) by Trevizan and Kimoto was effective. Despite being persistently attacked from behind and creating dangerous situations, they consistently closed the distance with the midfield, maintained a tight formation, and kept troublesome players who were scheming in the spaces between the lines out of the danger zone.
If the backs had easily dropped the line, it would have played right into the opponent's hands. In the situation where a run was allowed behind the defense, Henrique TREVISAN's sharp covering stood out. His ability to sense danger and strength in one-on-one situations are above average. During set plays, he allowed Leandro DAMIAO to score the winning goal, which he must find unsatisfactory. However, in other close-quarter battles, he did not back down at all. If his performance on this day is the average, it seems likely that they can compete effectively with a high line.
<Block by Henrique TREVISAN to prevent a crisis>
No, the Bucks' good impression is not just about defense. The crucial build-up was also promising. Although they struggled at the start, the speed and accuracy of their passes improved as time went on. They displayed a variety of passes, including vertical passes threaded to teammates between the lines and diagonal passes to teammates opening up on the outside. The ball was released quickly, and it was clear that they aimed to increase the tempo of their passing game, as instructed by the coach. After the middle of the first half, the opportunities to attack efficiently increased significantly, largely due to the performance of the two center-backs.
When it comes to the hallmark of Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's football, it lies in positional play, where each player takes the appropriate position while advancing the ball. The advantage of positioning to outsmart the opponent comes to life only when a well-timed good pass comes from behind. The starting point is the triangle at the back.
Not limited to the Albert style, the principles of modern football are similar to those of ball sports that use hands. The compass lies in the deepest part. This is like the point guard in basketball. It is an era where that role is entrusted to center backs and pivots. One could say that their suitability and performance greatly influence the fate of the team.
In recent years, even if the defense of the backs is sufficient, if there are issues with build-up play, the risk of conceding goals increases, leading to a troublesome situation. The pressure from the opposing team's front line has intensified, and there are not a few cases where instead of a counterattack, the ball is lost and a goal is conceded immediately. That is why teams with a safety valve to avoid pressure from behind are strong. The reinforcement of Henrique TREVISAN and Kimoto makes sense.
Diagonal pass from Kimoto, the starting point of the chance
Moreover, the fact that the two center-backs demonstrated their abilities has made it easier to utilize the veteran Masato MORISHIGE as a pivot, which is a positive factor. This is not to say that Aoki's performance as a starter in this position was unsatisfactory. When Urawa Reds won the AFC Champions League in 2017, they played the same 4-3-3 pivot and showed performance that met the expectations from the bench. However, given the important role that involves both offense and defense, having multiple options is certainly advantageous.
If you're looking for flaws, it might be a build-up involving the goalkeeper. However, Jakub SLOWIK is likely not a player acquired without considering that aspect. During periods of high intensity from the opponent's high press, it may be necessary to minimize back passes to the goalkeeper and increase long balls behind the line, requiring a decisive choice.
In any case, the previously uncertain rear triangle has achieved certain results, and it can be said that the outlook for the future has become brighter. They say the first step is crucial, and indeed, if you stumble at the initial move (build-up), there is no positional play at all. In that sense, acquiring the 'compass of the rear' has been the greatest harvest. Of course, there will be trial and error, but it only fuels the imagination that it will point Albert Pobor Tokyo in the right direction.
Text by Satoshi Hojo (Football Writer)
