There is a "compass" behind
According to new coach Albert, the team's completion level seems to be 20%. However, the crucial foundation appears to be more solid than imagined.
This is a story about the first battle.
There are various interpretations about the foundation, but the foundation mentioned in this section is specifically about what comes after. The four backs.
Since when did the term "defender" (=DF) become so common, it's really outdated. Their job is no longer just about defense. If we try to implement the Alber-style football that preaches "love the ball" at every opportunity, it becomes even more so.
In particular, the focus was on the back triangle. The work of the two center backs and the pivot in front of them was noteworthy. They were the newcomers Henrique TREVISAN and Yasuki KIMOTO, and the veteran Takuya AOKI.
In conclusion, I think it was a great performance. Although we were on the defensive for the first 20 minutes, we managed to withstand that difficult period with our four defenders at the core, and we can say that we turned the tide of the game.
What was effective, albeit inconspicuous, was the lineup (pressing) by Trevizan and Kimoto. Despite being constantly pressed from behind and creating dangerous situations, they always closed the distance with the midfield, maintained a tight formation, and kept the troublesome individuals who were trying to work between the lines out of the danger zone.
If the Bucks had lowered the line easily, it should have been just what the opponent wanted. In the scene where they allowed a breakthrough, Trevisan's sharp covering shines. Is his crisis perception and strength in the ball above average? They allowed the winning goal to Leandro DAMIAO, who they marked during set plays, and he must be unhappy about it. However, in other close combat situations, they didn't back down at all. If their response on this day is average, they should be able to fight with a high line.
Henrique TREVISAN's block to prevent a pinch
No, Baxter's good impression is not just about defense. The crucial build-up was also impressive. Although there was a shaky start, the speed and accuracy of the passes improved over time. There were various types of passes, such as vertical passes that were threaded to teammates between the lines and diagonal passes to teammates who opened up on the outside. The ball control was also good, and it was evident that the aim was to increase the tempo of the passing game as instructed by the coach. In the latter half of the first half, there were more opportunities to attack efficiently, thanks in large part to the performance of the two center-backs.
When it comes to the signboard of Albert-style football, it is in the positional play where each player moves the ball forward while taking the appropriate position. The advantage of positioning to outsmart the opponent also relies on well-timed good passes from the back. The starting point of this is the back triangle.
Not only in the Albert style, but also in the manners of modern football, it is similar to a hand-using ball game. The compass is at the deepest part. It's like a basketball point guard. The era when their role is entrusted to center backs and pivots. It can be said that their suitability and ability greatly influence the fate of the team.
In recent years, even if the Bucks' defense is sufficient, if they have problems with build-up, the risk of conceding goals increases, which becomes a troublesome situation. The pressure from the defensive front has intensified, and there are not a few cases where they lose the ball and immediately concede a goal instead of counterattacking. That's why teams that have 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 becomes the starting point of the chance＞
Furthermore, the fact that the two center-backs demonstrated their abilities also makes it easier to use 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 is unsatisfactory. When Urawa Reds won the AFC Champions League in 2017, they also played with the same 4-3-3 pivot and showed their ability to meet the expectations of the bench. However, since this role carries important responsibilities both in attack and defense, having multiple options is always better.
If you're looking for a weakness, it might be the build-up involving the goalkeeper. However, Jakub SLOWIK is probably not the type of player they acquired with that in mind. During periods when the opponent's high press is intense, it may be necessary to make decisive choices such as minimizing back passes to the goalkeeper and increasing long balls behind the defensive line.
In any case, the previously unknown last triangle has achieved certain results, and the future prospects have become brighter. It is said that the first step is crucial in everything, and indeed, if you stumble in the initial (build-up), there will be no positional play. In that sense, obtaining the "compass at the back" is the greatest harvest. Naturally, there will be trial and error, but it is only a fantasy that Albert Tokyo will point out the correct course.
Text by Satoshi Hojo (Soccer Writer)
