When evaluating a team’s attacking style there’s a few different questions we’re trying to answer. First and foremost, we want to know how the opposition is likely to cause us problems. To do this we need to assess their strengths going forward, and how to best explain them in our report.
Most Coaches find it useful to see diagrams of the tactical concepts we’re trying to describe. This helps to identify individual player positions in certain phases of the game, team shape, team depth (how high or low up the pitch they were) and generally avoid confusion.
Please read the following paragraph. Can you foresee any issues that may arise for a Coach reading this?
“When they have the ball the wingers like to tuck inside. The #7 right winger is left footed and looks to slip through balls for the forward as he receives it on his stronger foot. The #11 is less comfortable with the ball and tends to play short simple passes, usually with his back to goal.”
You may notice there’s no reference to how high or low the movement from the wingers is occurring. If a Head Coach is preparing a session based on the report, will they be preparing the team for this movement in the final third as they look to play in tight spaces around the edge of the box? Or should they be looking to combat these movements in the build up phase in the middle third?
This is why context behind our descriptions is crucial.
In these two scenarios, a diagram would quickly and clearly illustrate this for a Coach reading the report.
For the first task in this module we’re going to look at the New York Red Bulls in possession of the ball. Just like the example mentioned above, New York’s wingers are both tucking inside off the wing.
The task is to create two tactical diagrams to show these movements and where they occur on the field. Please view the videos below and create a tactical diagram for each.
Here’s our example.
When it comes to what specific tactical moments to include in a report, this is where we need to make some crucial decisions. Should we include a pattern of play if it only happens once in a game or the selection of games we’ve watched?
Remember, the opposition report is meant to offer the reader an insight into what’s likely to happen when their team faces the opponent.
We’re looking for repeatable patterns and tendencies.
Here’s what Oliver Gage, Sam Lawson and Mark Krikorian explained to us about the opposition’s attack:
As a good general rule, if something rare is so dangerous it would cause a major problem, it might be included. Otherwise it can be left out or added to a general comments section if for some reason we feel it must be mentioned.
Now we’ve considered and practiced drawing a basic tactical diagram, it’s time to look at how to demonstrate ball movement.
In the previous scenario, one simple diagram was enough to accurately show the situation. However, there may be times when we want to show a few different phases of play. For this we’ll need to use progression diagrams. Take a look at this clip.
For this module’s second task, we’re going to draw some ball movements. These can be used in a report alongside some writing that describes the situation to help the reader better understand.
Some people prefer not to draw the opposition players on such diagrams to avoid clutter and help the reader focus on the team being scouted.
Here’s our example. Use the navigation arrows on the image to move through the phases.
If we feel the opposition players are needed, that’s understandable. It comes down to personal preference, or who the report is being prepared for and what they prefer.
Here’s how it might look if we wanted to add opposition players. Feel free to practice this and add them if needed.
To go one step further, we can add ‘vision lines’ to show which way players are facing. In this example, the lines show how the defensive players are focused on the ball, allowing the yellow attacker to drift inside into a dangerous area.
For the final task in the attacking module we’re going to analyze some attacking patterns in 3 MLS teams. The videos below contain clips of attacking play by the Seattle Sounders, Columbus Crew and Vancouver Whitecaps.
Alongside the diagrams in a scouting report, we’ll probably want to include some text to describe it. Watch the videos on each team and write a description of the attacking tendency they’re displaying in as much detail you feel is necessary for your report.
Once you’ve written these descriptions please add them to the comments section below, before moving move on to the next module.
A-) Columbus Crew Attacking Tendencies
They constantly make runs to the inside lanes, the wingers are positioned with a tendency to stay fixed, but they are constantly rotating, a lot of inside play, with the constant positional alternation of the forwards (9 and 23) to which is added the good inside passing when filtering balls into the inside lanes by the inside players (10 and 13) this constant variability can be indecipherable for the rival.
B-) Vancouver WhiteCaps Attacking Tendencies:
In the initial phase they play associative play always emphasizing passing from DC to LB until reaching half of their own field, there they give continuity to the game through direct play, always looking for long passes to the wingers, the forwards are often seen playing back to reach the edge of the area to try to finish after the winger breaks through when receiving a pass to the penalty spot.
C-) Seattle Sounders attacking tendencies:
In the initial phase of the game, they play combination play. DC plays with LI who plays with MCI to later unload on the opposite side according to the profile from which the ball was initially released.
Depending on the area of the field where they recover the ball, they make a safety pass to start the offensive transition, always occupying the central lane to unload on the side lanes when reaching the last third of the field for the finish.
Columbus Crew: In their attacking phase, Columbus Crew focuses on building play through the central attacking midfielder, who will position himself in the wide pockets, primarily in the half-space between the left-back and the left-center-back. This setup aims to create overloads with the wide player and the right-back. The wide player maintains width but will make inward runs to facilitate overlap with the full-back. They seek to break through defensive lines with movement, with the attacking midfielder looking to pass into the central channel when the wide player makes an inward run. If this pass isn’t available, the attacking midfielder will pass to the full-back, who will then deliver crosses into the box. These crosses are generally cutbacks aimed at the second six-yard box. Their play in the final third is influenced by the positioning of the wide player and the full-back in these areas.
Vancouver: Vancouver’s approach to creating attacks is direct, often targeting their left channel with balls aimed at the central forward (CF). This forward prefers powerful, straight-line runs rather than relying on pace. The supporting striker (SS) is more technical, favoring dribbling and one-on-one situations. When driving into the box, the SS tends to bypass shooting in favor of attempting to take the ball past the goalkeeper.
Seattle: Seattle aims to exploit wide spaces by utilizing high and wide full-backs. Their strategy involves patient build-up play on one side of the pitch to draw the opposition over. This typically involves their defensive midfielder, wing-back, and that side’s center-back. Once the opposition is drawn over, Seattle will either play the ball to the opposite side wide player to cut inside and break the midfield line or play a more direct ball to a high full-back. The full-back’s movement is triggered by the wide player’s inward run. Seattle also observes the opposition’s full-back closely; if the opposition’s full-back doesn’t track the wide player’s inward movement, Seattle will play a pass to the wide player’s feet. Conversely, if the opposition full-back follows the wide player, Seattle will opt for a longer pass to the full-back.
Columbus Crew – In the final third they are looking to make the final pass behind the defence instead of going for a cross or shoot from a distance. In their case it´s working well since they obviously train it a lot, their runs are timed pretty well and their attacking plays end mostly with a shot.
Vancouver – In these situations we can see that Vancouver rely themselves on long weighted passes to quickly get in front of the goal, most of their passes came from their own half even when in counter attack situations. Good understanding between LB and LW helps them to create goal opportunities in just a few touches, thing thats missing is more players in the box/players supporting when the long pass is played.
Seattle – when attacking they like their players to hug the touchline, that enables them to switch to ball to the other flank and grants wingers to have more space. They attack direct and try to get the ball in the box as soon as possible
Columbus Crew – In finishing the attack they will look to build through no10 he will play in pockets in wide areas mainly in the half space between the LB and LCB looking to cause an overload with the Wide player and Right Back. The wide player will look to hold the width but will make out in runs with the full-back overlap. They will look to break lines with movement and the 10 will look to play passes into the inside channel when the wide player makes his movement from out to in, if this pass is not on the 10 will look to play into Full Back who will look to put crosses into the box these crosses are mainly cut back looking to hit the 2nd 6-yard box. Their play in the final 3rd is dictated by their position in which the WP and FB take up in them areas.
Vancouver – Vancouver in creating their attack is direct with their play and will look to play balls into their left channel with runs from their CF, he is very much a straight-line runner and is a more powerful runner than pace. The SS is more of a technical type and will look to have the ball to his feet and get at his man 1v1 when he drives into the box and takes on the goalkeeper he will look to take the ball past him rather than shooting.
Seattle – Seattle looks to exploit space on the wide areas with the use of high and wide fullbacks, they will look to be patient build-up play passes down on one side of the pitch to drag the opposition over. This mainly happens with their DM, wing-back and that side centre-back. They look then to play the opposite side wide player to come inside the pitch and break the opposition midfield line that way or they will bypass the winger by playing a more direct ball into a high full back. The trigger for the full back to go is when his side wide player inverts inside the pitch, they also use the opposition’s full back as a key for which ball to play. If the opposition back does not track the wide player inside then they will break the line through passes into the wide player’s feet, if the opposition full back chooses to go with the wide player Seattle will look to play a longer ball out to the full back.
Columbus Crew – In finishing the attack they will look to build through no10 he will play in pockets in wide areas mainly in the half space between the LB and LCB looking to cause an overload with the Wide player and Right Back. The wide player will look to hold the width but will make out in runs with the full-back overlap. They will look to break lines with movement and the 10 will look to play passes into the inside channel when the wide player makes his movement from out to in, if this pass is not on the 10 will look to play into Full Back who will look to put crosses into the box these crosses are mainly cut back looking to hit the 2nd 6-yard box. Their play in the final 3rd is dictated by their position in which the WP and FB take up in them areas.
Vancouver – Vancouver in creating their attack is direct with their play and will look to play balls into their left channel with runs from their CF, he is very much a straight-line runner and is a more powerful runner than pace. The SS is more of a technical type and will look to have the ball to his feet and get at his man 1v1 when he drives into the box and takes on the goalkeeper he will look to take the ball past him rather than shooting.
Seattle – Seattle looks to exploit space on the wide areas with the use of high and wide fullbacks, they will look to be patient build-up play passes down on one side of the pitch to drag the opposition over. This mainly happens with their DM, wing-back and that side centre-back. They look then to play the opposite side wide player to come inside the pitch and break the opposition midfield line that way or they will bypass the winger by playing a more direct ball into a high full back. The trigger for the full back to go is when his side wide player inverts inside the pitch, they also use the opposition’s full back as a key for which ball to play. If the opposition back does not track the wide player inside then they will break the line through passes into the wide player’s feet, if the opposition full back chooses to go with the wide player Seattle will look to play a longer ball out to the full back.
Columbus Crew- In the final third there is an emphasis on creating a triangle between the Winger, the Outside back and the number 10, Primarily the winger looks to hold the width on the touchline while the 10 looks to play in between the opposition LB and LCB in the half space. They often look play a midfield line breaking pass from the outside back into the 10. With the final ball looking to be a cut back around the 8-12 yard area. The triangle can be fluid in some cases as the 10 and Winger can swap or even the Outside back and 10 can look to swap.
Vancouver- Vancouver plays very direct with balls over the top from primarily the outside back and the LCB. Vancouver has a very strong and powerful forward who likes to make runs in behind starting from the right side of the field and moving into the left. The same forward primarily likes to target runs into the left half space, while the Outside back and Left Center Back tend to hit more floated balls into him, where the 9 can use his strength to bring it down. The 9 also shows very good technical ability after initial contact with a tendency to try and go around the keeper in 1v1 situations.
Seattle- Seattle looks to exploit space on the wings with the use of high and wide fullbacks, they will look to play small build up passes on one side of the field in order to drag the opposition over. This mainly happens with their 6, Outside back and that side center back. They look then to play the opposite side winger who tucks inside and break the midfield line that way or they will bypass the winger by playing a more direct ball into the rushing outside back. The trigger for the outside back to go is when his side winger moves inside, they also use the opposition outside back as a key for which ball to play. If the opposition back does not track the winger inside then they will break the line through a sharp on the ground pass into the wingers feet, if the opposition back chooses to go with the winger Seattle will look to play a longer ball out to the full back.
Colombo Crew
– likes a game of possession in lateral areas and then a pass between lines entering the area
Vancouver Whitecaps
– keep the ball in the lower central third in the shape of a triangle, before launching it into the final third with a long ball.
Seattle Sounders
In the middle of the field, they make short passes to the more defensive midfielder, who distributes the ball with short or long passes to the full-back. the full-back usually takes a touch and then crosses to an advancing attacker. There are around 3-4 attackers in the box after the wing attacker receives the ball.
Columbus Crew
– like wide overloads, attack in the form of a triangle. play quickly into the opposition’s box.
Vancouver Whitecaps
– keep the ball in the lower middle third in a triangle format, before launching it to the final third with a long ball.
Seattle Sounders
in the middle third, they play short passes to the defensive midfielder, who distributes the ball with either short or long passes (mostly long) to the opposite winger in the final third.
in the final third, the winger normally takes a touch and then crosses to an on-rushing attacker. There are about 3-4 attackers in the box after the wide attacker receives the ball.
Crew:
– In the final third, they look to exploit the space between opponent’s LCB and LB (attacking on right flank) to get behind the back line
– They position a player wide near the touchline and another in the space between LCB and LB
– They attack this space in 2 ways:
1) a thru pass directly to the player positioned between LCB and LB
2) if the space is too tight, they play to the wide player (getting LB to press and open the gap) and then play forward to player making the run in the space created between LCB and LB
Whitecaps:
– They use long passes overhead launched from the middle 1/3 (usually from left flank) into a forward making a run between the RB and the RCB in the final third (near the top of the box)
– The forward is very skilled at receiving this type of pass and creating chances out it even when pressured by the two defenders
– They can do this from a counter-attacking situation as well in more central area
Seattle:
– They like to attack in the wide channels either from an organized attack or a counter-attack situation directly down the same channel or by switching the play through the midfield to an oncoming FB
– They use this progression to get deep into the opponent’s zone and get a cross in for a finish
columbus crew are playing those passes between line very well and picking the runners to try to score goals. on the other hand vancouver whitecups tend the play more direct football ,they mostly try those over the head ball in flanks and pick runs behind the defence and it craetes space for other teammates
Crew
– In build-up play in the final third, Columbus looks to isolate multiple defenders on the touchline to break the oppositions backline with a penetrating ball in the half space.
– The central attacking player pins the opposition’s central defenders with his positioning to prevent an extra defender from intercepting the penetrating pass.
– Wide combinations draw defenders toward the touchline, with each pass backwards or centrally triggers the passing player to run between lines in the half space. Not receiving that pass requires rotational movement to allow a new runner into said space.
– Central players play away from the goal, and delay runs into the box to provide space for the through ball to be delivered, as well as to provide ample space for multiple runs in various goal-scoring positions via cross.
Whitecaps
– In their defensive and middle third, Vancouver attempts to spring long, direct balls behind the opposition’s backline, using cues of the on-ball player to spring forward runs.
– Their attacking shape uses multiple numbers to isolate defenders with an individual marking responsibility to multiple receiving options.
– Vertical passes typically are played ahead in the same channel to ensure the eyes of the play-side defender remain on the ball, providing additional space for runners to attack in behind them.
– Deeper lying players on the ball provide the cue to start the runs behind the defense with a forward touch, and head positioned up while occupying enough space to execute the pass.
Sounders
– Seattle utilizes a triangular shape with three central midfielders in a mid-block to play into vertical-moving wide players, both breaking lines and switching the point of attack.
– With one central pivot playing underneath two central attacking midfielders, Seattle creates windows of separation centrally by drawing their opposition’s numbers towards the ball wide first.
– A central pass into one of the three midfielders (CDM, CAMx2), triggers runs from the wide channels vertically based on where the possession originates.
– From a deeper location in their defensive half, central passes are made to provide opportunities to switch the point of attack to either the opposite side’s fullback, or winger to isolate the oppositions’s fullback into a 1v1
– The key pass wide trigger the progression of runs into the box for service, with a late run to the front post for their first attacker.
The Columbus team relies on passing a through ball into the empty space between the defender and the defender, by pulling the defender to the edge of the field and delaying play until pressure is placed on the passer to send the pass, and then sending a cross to the attackers inside the box.While the Vancouver team relies on sending long balls or through balls into the backs of the defenders to the offensive line and playing on counterattacks with the least number of passes.
The sounders team relies on grouping the players in one direction and sending a diagonal ball to the back in the other direction, and the back sends a cross ball to the box.
Columbus Crew: They look for spaces between the lines in the final third for penetratiion into the final third. Their attack comes mainly from the right hand side.
WhiteCaps: They invite opponents to press them high during their buildup. They mostly look for spaces between the opponents last line especially th espace between RB & RCB.
Sounders: They use their wingers a lot. Crosses seem to be their primary means to try & score goals, even if they are able to penetrate centrally they pas the ball to their wingers for a cross. They also like to switch the ball between the flanks, from tight to left vise vesa in relation to the position of the ball.
COLUMBUS CREW like to attack through the half spaces, final ball mot likely a cross or cutback
SEATLLE usually send long balls fro centre of pitch to left winger or wingbacks
Whitecaps play lots of longballs, mostly direct to the cf
Columbus Crew Attacking Tendencies in attacking third:
– Ball circulation from anchor in the middle to wide areas/players occupying those positions
– Diamonds and Triangles in wide areas and half spaces with rotations and overlapping runs
– #9 will often come short for a layoff to anchor who finds the third man to run beyond and in behind
– Final ball is a cross or cutback
– Finish is one-touch re-direct
Vancouver WhiteCaps Attacking Tendencies:
– Initial build-up is playing out to feet
– Penetrating passes into middle third for a layoff: up-back-over
– Clipped or driven ball with good pace and back spin for forward to receive into appropriate space
– Forwards have good pace and timing of runs to exploit the space in behind the back line
– Big tall center-back/left-back is the key distributor of this long ball
Seattle Sounders Attacking Tendencies:
– Initial build-up play in defensive third to feet with short passes but with high intensity
– Once into the midfield area, players are looking for the long diagonal switch to a deep lying full-back
– Will send this ball on the ground or in the air although more suspect in the air over longer distances
– Will cross from outside 18 yard box in the half space
– 2-3 player’s layer at different moments and points within the 18 yard box making it hard to mark runners
Columbus Crew Attacking Tendencies:
– Movements off the ball into the half spaces deep in the opponent final third
– They sometimes develop that scenario with short passes, rotations, and overloading one side
– The run into the half space develops into a cross cutting back looking for a player on penalty spot
– Midfielders, fullbacks, and wingers are usually the players making those runs
– Center mid is sometimes the key for those through passes in between the lines to reach half space
Vancouver WhiteCaps Attacking Tendencies:
– Repeated pattern of left center back sending long ball for left winger attacking space in behind back line
– There is a lot of long balls for strikers who are fast and exploit space
– Heavy reliance on developing the play forward right away
– Long passes and attacking the spaces with fast paced runs
Seattle Sounders Attacking Tendencies:
– Switching play for deep penetrating runs of fullbacks
– Switches often happen with long passes or long balls covering a lot of ground
– From deep wide runs of fullbacks, they try to get the ball into the box
– Two strikers always fill the box and 1/2 midfielders accompany the action as well
– Fullback are very involved in attacking play, with both overlapping and underlapping runs
– A few players possess technical skills to deliver precise long balls over the top into space
COLUMBUS CREW SC
When they have the ball they overload the right side and use rotations to find a free man between the opposition CB & LB with through pass and finish of the attack with low crosses or cut backs.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
They are direct and play with few passes. mostly through the fullback to play Long balls behind opposition defensive line for the run of the CF.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Seattle sounders have both RW &LW inverted and switch the attack through the DM or Winger moving centrally to recieve under no pressure to find their overlappining wingbacks in space for crosses.
The first team Columbus crew is attacking the opponent through Righ wing using RB to stretch forward through wings & passing to the RW to create chances. The RW running inside the box to call for the and attcck.
The next team Vancouver whitecaps operating their attack from back. Defense playing a long ball towards forwards and creating chances also counter attacking with long range passes.
Seattle sounders playing the balls from back and half spaces and Using full backs to attack. They playing the ball from one side that creates a huge space to full back or wing players to march forward into the box by often playing a long passes and initiating attacking by playing through balls
The Columbus Crew relied on playing balls in the half spaces and passing crosses to the striker
And the Vancouver team relied on playing long balls for the attackers in the back of the opponent’s defenders
And the Seattle team relied on pulling the opponent’s players towards one of the wings, creating a numerical superiority, and then directing the play towards the free back on the other side.
Columbus tries and make runs behind the space between cb and FB mostly on the right side. Vancouver plays long balls to their strikers who make runs behind the last man of defence. Seattle play with inverted wingers and switch of play and mostly try to score by crossing the ball near the 6 yard box
columbus play steep and straight passes between cb an fb ,, vancouver likes long passes behind defense left and right but straight,, seattle plays long and high crosspasses
The Columbus crew likes attacking the space between the FB and CB with a through pass in between the spaces. Most of their attack is from the right, creating a situation of 2v1 against the FB. Vancover tries to exploit the space behind defenders by going long during the buildup phase to catch the opponent’s defense. Seattle most often attacks from wide areas by looking for runners and sending a cross into the box from wide areas when wingers are inverted.
Columbus Crew
IN THE final third they target the space behind the fullback special the left back they also width the ground to help the team to find the half space which the winger attack it then give him the pass their then he make a nearby cross to the striker and the other winger too
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
the long ball and the straight ball is address of the team from any corner at the ground special the second third
the team looking usually to the space behind the fullbacks of the opposition not the striker the team they send it from his leftback to you can find out that when they have a shot on the target and a penalty
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
with the #6 and #7 the team find the good transition from dev to att with the right and left back they always play to them the full back width the ground and go forward to make a crosses into the box
Columbus Crew
They play a quick game with short passes with there full back overlapping providing overload and crosses from the wings.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
they play long balls over the their opponents defense for their strikers to run down the channel and inthe box
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC.
Seattle sounders engine room is on the mid field. They used overload to isolate method. Play the ball one side of the field then switch play with a long ball to another side of the field which is isolated then cross the ball in the box.
COLUMBUS
Columbus Crew plays on the attacking phase with a great combination of passing patterns, 2 forwards and 2 fullbacks are wide and depth to create a triangle of passing and combinations of play, # 10 passes between lines creating passing lines.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
Vancouver plays a high ball to the space around 25 m and long balls to the wingers around 45 m, both left back and center back and midfielders look for the forwards in order to make the run through the opponent’s back shoulder.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Seattle likes to be organized in the middle third, however, they switch the ball to play over the wings making long passes, either on the right or left of the field in order to exploit the wings and cross the ball into the box.
Columbus:
Columbus uses a variety of attacking movements to create overloads and 1v1 situations in and around the opposition’s 18 yard box. Columbus uses their wingers to stretch and occupy the outside backs within the attacking third. The outside backs from Columbus will then drift inside (into the half spaces) to create these overloads or 1v1 situations. The play initiates with a pass from the central areas either down the flank, or a thru ball in a gap. The flank ball results in a cross or cutback either to the striker or a late run from the attacking midfielder.
Vancouver:
Vancouver is quite predictable. Their primary objective is a long ball looking to play the striker in behind. These passes are initiated by either the holding midfielder or the left outside back. The passes are played from either their defensive third or just inside the middle third. This provides enough space in behind the opposition’s backline for the run. A simple up, back and thru pattern is one their primary triggers. The pass is played centrally into the holding midfielder, who sets it back for the outside back, who then springs the striker forward. The striker’s runs are generally splitting the space between the right center back and the outside back – starting centrally and running down the flank. Once the striker receives the ball in the attacking third, he is looking to cut inside or play a cross across the box. Expect the long ball to be played in the air.
Seattle:
Seattle use their positioning and the ball to draw the opposition to one side through a series of short passes and checking movements. The Sounders then look to break the press with a pass into one of the central midfielders. The central midfielder immediately initiates a switch of play (via a long ball) to the outside back on the opposite side. The outside back will look to play a cross or cutback into the box. The second option is to switch the play through a series of 2-3 passes across the middle third.
A 3-4-3 system will be effective against the wide players tucking in as the two wide CBS man mark the wingers with the two DMF dropping deep to fill the space left opened by the CBs
Columbus – Getting runners in behind, as well as trying to get the ball into the attacking midfielders in the half-spaces. Trying to play down the right hand side and get the ball into the box with runners to try and score.
Vancouver – Build up through the left side, once the left centre back or left back gets the ball with time and space, that’s a trigger for the left sided attacker to run into the channels and stretch the defense.
Seattle – Getting fullbacks involved consistently in the attacking phase. Normally looking to get the midfield on the ball and push it out to the fullbacks with 1 or two passes max. Getting the fullbacks in 1v1 situations against the other fullbacks and trying to create scoring opportunities through width.
Report
There was a problem reporting this post.
Block Member?
Please confirm you want to block this member.
You will no longer be able to:
See blocked member's posts
Mention this member in posts
Invite this member to groups
Message this member
Add this member as a connection
Please note:
This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin.
Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.
Report
You have already reported this .
Join 5000+ Fellow Analysts, Coaches & Scouts.
Join our community to get the latest football analysis news and new job opportunities first, exclusive offers on our courses and events, and support on your own personal journey as an analyst.
A-) Columbus Crew Attacking Tendencies
They constantly make runs to the inside lanes, the wingers are positioned with a tendency to stay fixed, but they are constantly rotating, a lot of inside play, with the constant positional alternation of the forwards (9 and 23) to which is added the good inside passing when filtering balls into the inside lanes by the inside players (10 and 13) this constant variability can be indecipherable for the rival.
B-) Vancouver WhiteCaps Attacking Tendencies:
In the initial phase they play associative play always emphasizing passing from DC to LB until reaching half of their own field, there they give continuity to the game through direct play, always looking for long passes to the wingers, the forwards are often seen playing back to reach the edge of the area to try to finish after the winger breaks through when receiving a pass to the penalty spot.
C-) Seattle Sounders attacking tendencies:
In the initial phase of the game, they play combination play. DC plays with LI who plays with MCI to later unload on the opposite side according to the profile from which the ball was initially released.
Depending on the area of the field where they recover the ball, they make a safety pass to start the offensive transition, always occupying the central lane to unload on the side lanes when reaching the last third of the field for the finish.
Columbus Crew: In their attacking phase, Columbus Crew focuses on building play through the central attacking midfielder, who will position himself in the wide pockets, primarily in the half-space between the left-back and the left-center-back. This setup aims to create overloads with the wide player and the right-back. The wide player maintains width but will make inward runs to facilitate overlap with the full-back. They seek to break through defensive lines with movement, with the attacking midfielder looking to pass into the central channel when the wide player makes an inward run. If this pass isn’t available, the attacking midfielder will pass to the full-back, who will then deliver crosses into the box. These crosses are generally cutbacks aimed at the second six-yard box. Their play in the final third is influenced by the positioning of the wide player and the full-back in these areas.
Vancouver: Vancouver’s approach to creating attacks is direct, often targeting their left channel with balls aimed at the central forward (CF). This forward prefers powerful, straight-line runs rather than relying on pace. The supporting striker (SS) is more technical, favoring dribbling and one-on-one situations. When driving into the box, the SS tends to bypass shooting in favor of attempting to take the ball past the goalkeeper.
Seattle: Seattle aims to exploit wide spaces by utilizing high and wide full-backs. Their strategy involves patient build-up play on one side of the pitch to draw the opposition over. This typically involves their defensive midfielder, wing-back, and that side’s center-back. Once the opposition is drawn over, Seattle will either play the ball to the opposite side wide player to cut inside and break the midfield line or play a more direct ball to a high full-back. The full-back’s movement is triggered by the wide player’s inward run. Seattle also observes the opposition’s full-back closely; if the opposition’s full-back doesn’t track the wide player’s inward movement, Seattle will play a pass to the wide player’s feet. Conversely, if the opposition full-back follows the wide player, Seattle will opt for a longer pass to the full-back.
Columbus Crew – In the final third they are looking to make the final pass behind the defence instead of going for a cross or shoot from a distance. In their case it´s working well since they obviously train it a lot, their runs are timed pretty well and their attacking plays end mostly with a shot.
Vancouver – In these situations we can see that Vancouver rely themselves on long weighted passes to quickly get in front of the goal, most of their passes came from their own half even when in counter attack situations. Good understanding between LB and LW helps them to create goal opportunities in just a few touches, thing thats missing is more players in the box/players supporting when the long pass is played.
Seattle – when attacking they like their players to hug the touchline, that enables them to switch to ball to the other flank and grants wingers to have more space. They attack direct and try to get the ball in the box as soon as possible
Columbus Crew – In finishing the attack they will look to build through no10 he will play in pockets in wide areas mainly in the half space between the LB and LCB looking to cause an overload with the Wide player and Right Back. The wide player will look to hold the width but will make out in runs with the full-back overlap. They will look to break lines with movement and the 10 will look to play passes into the inside channel when the wide player makes his movement from out to in, if this pass is not on the 10 will look to play into Full Back who will look to put crosses into the box these crosses are mainly cut back looking to hit the 2nd 6-yard box. Their play in the final 3rd is dictated by their position in which the WP and FB take up in them areas.
Vancouver – Vancouver in creating their attack is direct with their play and will look to play balls into their left channel with runs from their CF, he is very much a straight-line runner and is a more powerful runner than pace. The SS is more of a technical type and will look to have the ball to his feet and get at his man 1v1 when he drives into the box and takes on the goalkeeper he will look to take the ball past him rather than shooting.
Seattle – Seattle looks to exploit space on the wide areas with the use of high and wide fullbacks, they will look to be patient build-up play passes down on one side of the pitch to drag the opposition over. This mainly happens with their DM, wing-back and that side centre-back. They look then to play the opposite side wide player to come inside the pitch and break the opposition midfield line that way or they will bypass the winger by playing a more direct ball into a high full back. The trigger for the full back to go is when his side wide player inverts inside the pitch, they also use the opposition’s full back as a key for which ball to play. If the opposition back does not track the wide player inside then they will break the line through passes into the wide player’s feet, if the opposition full back chooses to go with the wide player Seattle will look to play a longer ball out to the full back.
Columbus Crew – In finishing the attack they will look to build through no10 he will play in pockets in wide areas mainly in the half space between the LB and LCB looking to cause an overload with the Wide player and Right Back. The wide player will look to hold the width but will make out in runs with the full-back overlap. They will look to break lines with movement and the 10 will look to play passes into the inside channel when the wide player makes his movement from out to in, if this pass is not on the 10 will look to play into Full Back who will look to put crosses into the box these crosses are mainly cut back looking to hit the 2nd 6-yard box. Their play in the final 3rd is dictated by their position in which the WP and FB take up in them areas.
Vancouver – Vancouver in creating their attack is direct with their play and will look to play balls into their left channel with runs from their CF, he is very much a straight-line runner and is a more powerful runner than pace. The SS is more of a technical type and will look to have the ball to his feet and get at his man 1v1 when he drives into the box and takes on the goalkeeper he will look to take the ball past him rather than shooting.
Seattle – Seattle looks to exploit space on the wide areas with the use of high and wide fullbacks, they will look to be patient build-up play passes down on one side of the pitch to drag the opposition over. This mainly happens with their DM, wing-back and that side centre-back. They look then to play the opposite side wide player to come inside the pitch and break the opposition midfield line that way or they will bypass the winger by playing a more direct ball into a high full back. The trigger for the full back to go is when his side wide player inverts inside the pitch, they also use the opposition’s full back as a key for which ball to play. If the opposition back does not track the wide player inside then they will break the line through passes into the wide player’s feet, if the opposition full back chooses to go with the wide player Seattle will look to play a longer ball out to the full back.
Columbus Crew- In the final third there is an emphasis on creating a triangle between the Winger, the Outside back and the number 10, Primarily the winger looks to hold the width on the touchline while the 10 looks to play in between the opposition LB and LCB in the half space. They often look play a midfield line breaking pass from the outside back into the 10. With the final ball looking to be a cut back around the 8-12 yard area. The triangle can be fluid in some cases as the 10 and Winger can swap or even the Outside back and 10 can look to swap.
Vancouver- Vancouver plays very direct with balls over the top from primarily the outside back and the LCB. Vancouver has a very strong and powerful forward who likes to make runs in behind starting from the right side of the field and moving into the left. The same forward primarily likes to target runs into the left half space, while the Outside back and Left Center Back tend to hit more floated balls into him, where the 9 can use his strength to bring it down. The 9 also shows very good technical ability after initial contact with a tendency to try and go around the keeper in 1v1 situations.
Seattle- Seattle looks to exploit space on the wings with the use of high and wide fullbacks, they will look to play small build up passes on one side of the field in order to drag the opposition over. This mainly happens with their 6, Outside back and that side center back. They look then to play the opposite side winger who tucks inside and break the midfield line that way or they will bypass the winger by playing a more direct ball into the rushing outside back. The trigger for the outside back to go is when his side winger moves inside, they also use the opposition outside back as a key for which ball to play. If the opposition back does not track the winger inside then they will break the line through a sharp on the ground pass into the wingers feet, if the opposition back chooses to go with the winger Seattle will look to play a longer ball out to the full back.
Colombo Crew
– likes a game of possession in lateral areas and then a pass between lines entering the area
Vancouver Whitecaps
– keep the ball in the lower central third in the shape of a triangle, before launching it into the final third with a long ball.
Seattle Sounders
In the middle of the field, they make short passes to the more defensive midfielder, who distributes the ball with short or long passes to the full-back. the full-back usually takes a touch and then crosses to an advancing attacker. There are around 3-4 attackers in the box after the wing attacker receives the ball.
Columbus Crew
– like wide overloads, attack in the form of a triangle. play quickly into the opposition’s box.
Vancouver Whitecaps
– keep the ball in the lower middle third in a triangle format, before launching it to the final third with a long ball.
Seattle Sounders
in the middle third, they play short passes to the defensive midfielder, who distributes the ball with either short or long passes (mostly long) to the opposite winger in the final third.
in the final third, the winger normally takes a touch and then crosses to an on-rushing attacker. There are about 3-4 attackers in the box after the wide attacker receives the ball.
Crew:
– In the final third, they look to exploit the space between opponent’s LCB and LB (attacking on right flank) to get behind the back line
– They position a player wide near the touchline and another in the space between LCB and LB
– They attack this space in 2 ways:
1) a thru pass directly to the player positioned between LCB and LB
2) if the space is too tight, they play to the wide player (getting LB to press and open the gap) and then play forward to player making the run in the space created between LCB and LB
Whitecaps:
– They use long passes overhead launched from the middle 1/3 (usually from left flank) into a forward making a run between the RB and the RCB in the final third (near the top of the box)
– The forward is very skilled at receiving this type of pass and creating chances out it even when pressured by the two defenders
– They can do this from a counter-attacking situation as well in more central area
Seattle:
– They like to attack in the wide channels either from an organized attack or a counter-attack situation directly down the same channel or by switching the play through the midfield to an oncoming FB
– They use this progression to get deep into the opponent’s zone and get a cross in for a finish
columbus crew are playing those passes between line very well and picking the runners to try to score goals. on the other hand vancouver whitecups tend the play more direct football ,they mostly try those over the head ball in flanks and pick runs behind the defence and it craetes space for other teammates
Crew
– In build-up play in the final third, Columbus looks to isolate multiple defenders on the touchline to break the oppositions backline with a penetrating ball in the half space.
– The central attacking player pins the opposition’s central defenders with his positioning to prevent an extra defender from intercepting the penetrating pass.
– Wide combinations draw defenders toward the touchline, with each pass backwards or centrally triggers the passing player to run between lines in the half space. Not receiving that pass requires rotational movement to allow a new runner into said space.
– Central players play away from the goal, and delay runs into the box to provide space for the through ball to be delivered, as well as to provide ample space for multiple runs in various goal-scoring positions via cross.
Whitecaps
– In their defensive and middle third, Vancouver attempts to spring long, direct balls behind the opposition’s backline, using cues of the on-ball player to spring forward runs.
– Their attacking shape uses multiple numbers to isolate defenders with an individual marking responsibility to multiple receiving options.
– Vertical passes typically are played ahead in the same channel to ensure the eyes of the play-side defender remain on the ball, providing additional space for runners to attack in behind them.
– Deeper lying players on the ball provide the cue to start the runs behind the defense with a forward touch, and head positioned up while occupying enough space to execute the pass.
Sounders
– Seattle utilizes a triangular shape with three central midfielders in a mid-block to play into vertical-moving wide players, both breaking lines and switching the point of attack.
– With one central pivot playing underneath two central attacking midfielders, Seattle creates windows of separation centrally by drawing their opposition’s numbers towards the ball wide first.
– A central pass into one of the three midfielders (CDM, CAMx2), triggers runs from the wide channels vertically based on where the possession originates.
– From a deeper location in their defensive half, central passes are made to provide opportunities to switch the point of attack to either the opposite side’s fullback, or winger to isolate the oppositions’s fullback into a 1v1
– The key pass wide trigger the progression of runs into the box for service, with a late run to the front post for their first attacker.
The Columbus team relies on passing a through ball into the empty space between the defender and the defender, by pulling the defender to the edge of the field and delaying play until pressure is placed on the passer to send the pass, and then sending a cross to the attackers inside the box.While the Vancouver team relies on sending long balls or through balls into the backs of the defenders to the offensive line and playing on counterattacks with the least number of passes.
The sounders team relies on grouping the players in one direction and sending a diagonal ball to the back in the other direction, and the back sends a cross ball to the box.
Columbus Crew: They look for spaces between the lines in the final third for penetratiion into the final third. Their attack comes mainly from the right hand side.
WhiteCaps: They invite opponents to press them high during their buildup. They mostly look for spaces between the opponents last line especially th espace between RB & RCB.
Sounders: They use their wingers a lot. Crosses seem to be their primary means to try & score goals, even if they are able to penetrate centrally they pas the ball to their wingers for a cross. They also like to switch the ball between the flanks, from tight to left vise vesa in relation to the position of the ball.
COLUMBUS CREW like to attack through the half spaces, final ball mot likely a cross or cutback
SEATLLE usually send long balls fro centre of pitch to left winger or wingbacks
Whitecaps play lots of longballs, mostly direct to the cf
Columbus Crew Attacking Tendencies in attacking third:
– Ball circulation from anchor in the middle to wide areas/players occupying those positions
– Diamonds and Triangles in wide areas and half spaces with rotations and overlapping runs
– #9 will often come short for a layoff to anchor who finds the third man to run beyond and in behind
– Final ball is a cross or cutback
– Finish is one-touch re-direct
Vancouver WhiteCaps Attacking Tendencies:
– Initial build-up is playing out to feet
– Penetrating passes into middle third for a layoff: up-back-over
– Clipped or driven ball with good pace and back spin for forward to receive into appropriate space
– Forwards have good pace and timing of runs to exploit the space in behind the back line
– Big tall center-back/left-back is the key distributor of this long ball
Seattle Sounders Attacking Tendencies:
– Initial build-up play in defensive third to feet with short passes but with high intensity
– Once into the midfield area, players are looking for the long diagonal switch to a deep lying full-back
– Will send this ball on the ground or in the air although more suspect in the air over longer distances
– Will cross from outside 18 yard box in the half space
– 2-3 player’s layer at different moments and points within the 18 yard box making it hard to mark runners
Columbus Crew Attacking Tendencies:
– Movements off the ball into the half spaces deep in the opponent final third
– They sometimes develop that scenario with short passes, rotations, and overloading one side
– The run into the half space develops into a cross cutting back looking for a player on penalty spot
– Midfielders, fullbacks, and wingers are usually the players making those runs
– Center mid is sometimes the key for those through passes in between the lines to reach half space
Vancouver WhiteCaps Attacking Tendencies:
– Repeated pattern of left center back sending long ball for left winger attacking space in behind back line
– There is a lot of long balls for strikers who are fast and exploit space
– Heavy reliance on developing the play forward right away
– Long passes and attacking the spaces with fast paced runs
Seattle Sounders Attacking Tendencies:
– Switching play for deep penetrating runs of fullbacks
– Switches often happen with long passes or long balls covering a lot of ground
– From deep wide runs of fullbacks, they try to get the ball into the box
– Two strikers always fill the box and 1/2 midfielders accompany the action as well
– Fullback are very involved in attacking play, with both overlapping and underlapping runs
– A few players possess technical skills to deliver precise long balls over the top into space
COLUMBUS CREW SC
When they have the ball they overload the right side and use rotations to find a free man between the opposition CB & LB with through pass and finish of the attack with low crosses or cut backs.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
They are direct and play with few passes. mostly through the fullback to play Long balls behind opposition defensive line for the run of the CF.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Seattle sounders have both RW &LW inverted and switch the attack through the DM or Winger moving centrally to recieve under no pressure to find their overlappining wingbacks in space for crosses.
The first team Columbus crew is attacking the opponent through Righ wing using RB to stretch forward through wings & passing to the RW to create chances. The RW running inside the box to call for the and attcck.
The next team Vancouver whitecaps operating their attack from back. Defense playing a long ball towards forwards and creating chances also counter attacking with long range passes.
Seattle sounders playing the balls from back and half spaces and Using full backs to attack. They playing the ball from one side that creates a huge space to full back or wing players to march forward into the box by often playing a long passes and initiating attacking by playing through balls
The Columbus Crew relied on playing balls in the half spaces and passing crosses to the striker
And the Vancouver team relied on playing long balls for the attackers in the back of the opponent’s defenders
And the Seattle team relied on pulling the opponent’s players towards one of the wings, creating a numerical superiority, and then directing the play towards the free back on the other side.
Columbus tries and make runs behind the space between cb and FB mostly on the right side. Vancouver plays long balls to their strikers who make runs behind the last man of defence. Seattle play with inverted wingers and switch of play and mostly try to score by crossing the ball near the 6 yard box
columbus play steep and straight passes between cb an fb ,, vancouver likes long passes behind defense left and right but straight,, seattle plays long and high crosspasses
The Columbus crew likes attacking the space between the FB and CB with a through pass in between the spaces. Most of their attack is from the right, creating a situation of 2v1 against the FB. Vancover tries to exploit the space behind defenders by going long during the buildup phase to catch the opponent’s defense. Seattle most often attacks from wide areas by looking for runners and sending a cross into the box from wide areas when wingers are inverted.
Great Final Third decisions
Columbus Crew
IN THE final third they target the space behind the fullback special the left back they also width the ground to help the team to find the half space which the winger attack it then give him the pass their then he make a nearby cross to the striker and the other winger too
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
the long ball and the straight ball is address of the team from any corner at the ground special the second third
the team looking usually to the space behind the fullbacks of the opposition not the striker the team they send it from his leftback to you can find out that when they have a shot on the target and a penalty
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
with the #6 and #7 the team find the good transition from dev to att with the right and left back they always play to them the full back width the ground and go forward to make a crosses into the box
Fantastic
Columbus Crew
They play a quick game with short passes with there full back overlapping providing overload and crosses from the wings.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
they play long balls over the their opponents defense for their strikers to run down the channel and inthe box
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC.
Seattle sounders engine room is on the mid field. They used overload to isolate method. Play the ball one side of the field then switch play with a long ball to another side of the field which is isolated then cross the ball in the box.
COLUMBUS
Columbus Crew plays on the attacking phase with a great combination of passing patterns, 2 forwards and 2 fullbacks are wide and depth to create a triangle of passing and combinations of play, # 10 passes between lines creating passing lines.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
Vancouver plays a high ball to the space around 25 m and long balls to the wingers around 45 m, both left back and center back and midfielders look for the forwards in order to make the run through the opponent’s back shoulder.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Seattle likes to be organized in the middle third, however, they switch the ball to play over the wings making long passes, either on the right or left of the field in order to exploit the wings and cross the ball into the box.
Columbus:
Columbus uses a variety of attacking movements to create overloads and 1v1 situations in and around the opposition’s 18 yard box. Columbus uses their wingers to stretch and occupy the outside backs within the attacking third. The outside backs from Columbus will then drift inside (into the half spaces) to create these overloads or 1v1 situations. The play initiates with a pass from the central areas either down the flank, or a thru ball in a gap. The flank ball results in a cross or cutback either to the striker or a late run from the attacking midfielder.
Vancouver:
Vancouver is quite predictable. Their primary objective is a long ball looking to play the striker in behind. These passes are initiated by either the holding midfielder or the left outside back. The passes are played from either their defensive third or just inside the middle third. This provides enough space in behind the opposition’s backline for the run. A simple up, back and thru pattern is one their primary triggers. The pass is played centrally into the holding midfielder, who sets it back for the outside back, who then springs the striker forward. The striker’s runs are generally splitting the space between the right center back and the outside back – starting centrally and running down the flank. Once the striker receives the ball in the attacking third, he is looking to cut inside or play a cross across the box. Expect the long ball to be played in the air.
Seattle:
Seattle use their positioning and the ball to draw the opposition to one side through a series of short passes and checking movements. The Sounders then look to break the press with a pass into one of the central midfielders. The central midfielder immediately initiates a switch of play (via a long ball) to the outside back on the opposite side. The outside back will look to play a cross or cutback into the box. The second option is to switch the play through a series of 2-3 passes across the middle third.
A 3-4-3 system will be effective against the wide players tucking in as the two wide CBS man mark the wingers with the two DMF dropping deep to fill the space left opened by the CBs
Columbus – Getting runners in behind, as well as trying to get the ball into the attacking midfielders in the half-spaces. Trying to play down the right hand side and get the ball into the box with runners to try and score.
Vancouver – Build up through the left side, once the left centre back or left back gets the ball with time and space, that’s a trigger for the left sided attacker to run into the channels and stretch the defense.
Seattle – Getting fullbacks involved consistently in the attacking phase. Normally looking to get the midfield on the ball and push it out to the fullbacks with 1 or two passes max. Getting the fullbacks in 1v1 situations against the other fullbacks and trying to create scoring opportunities through width.