Spain has been arguably the most entertaining team in the EUROS so far. Is it due to their talent? Partly, but it’s more than anything a consequence of the profiles in the team..
(A Thread)
(A Thread)
A key element in football is this:
It is not necessarily the team with the MOST talent on the pitch that wins the game. The most balanced side with complementary profiles who strengthen each other often comes out on top.
It is not necessarily the team with the MOST talent on the pitch that wins the game. The most balanced side with complementary profiles who strengthen each other often comes out on top.
On paper, Spain play in a 4-3-3 formation. However, they want Pedri to be the advanced midfielder - which is why he has fewer touches than normally (30.3 passes per 90 min). Behind Pedri, they offer protection by playing Rodri and Fabian Ruiz. Two physical players.
Rodri has the main responsibility in buildups (78.9 passes per 90 min), while Fabian Ruiz (65 passes per 90 min) goes forward if required. A balanced midfield trio allowing them to utilize different shapes (4-3-3, 4-2-3-1…)
On the sides they got two pure wingers in Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams:
- Elite dribblers in 1v1 situations (most dribbles in the squad)
- Pace in transitions.
Nico Williams is more of a runner, while Lamine is a chance creator.
- Elite dribblers in 1v1 situations (most dribbles in the squad)
- Pace in transitions.
Nico Williams is more of a runner, while Lamine is a chance creator.
Now, up top they play Morata (1.90m).
With his 83.3% win rate in aerial duels, he is a target man to bypass high pressure and unleash Pedri between the lines. Morata is also a presence in the box.
With his 83.3% win rate in aerial duels, he is a target man to bypass high pressure and unleash Pedri between the lines. Morata is also a presence in the box.
Every defender + goalkeeper is comfortable on the ball. If a team loses the ball while attacking, Spain can hurt them in transitions (directness + open space) by looking for Lamine Yamal or Nico Williams.
If Spain loses possession in a settled phase, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz can regain possession by winning duels. Spain’s counter pressure is efficient due to the profiles they use.
If an opponent constantly sit back, Spain will move the ball from side to side, giving Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams opportunities to cause havoc. Lamine’s final pass + late runs from Fabian, Morata and even Carvajal into the box is one to look out for.
Spain’s team is designed to handle every game state. Need energy towards the end of the game? Ferran Torres can come off the bench. Need someone to hold the ball? Dani Olmo/Perez is there.
This type of balance/flexibility is what Barca must strive to achieve.
This type of balance/flexibility is what Barca must strive to achieve.
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