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This video illustrates how recoveries can be distinguished not only in terms of their effectiveness, but also their quality. Barcelona record the fourth-most advantageous recoveries in the league, i.e. situations that involve a numerical advantage and where the side in possession has more players ahead of the ball than the opposition.
Given the importance of build-up play in the system deployed by Xavi’s troops, the team’s set-up at the start of the attacking transition is key. This video shows how the Barcelona players react in these situations. It’s worth pointing out that 15% of the Catalan giants’ recoveries put them at an advantage.
Real Madrid are the LaLiga Santander front runners for the number of carries leading to shots, with four per game to their name. Carries can be analysed from a whole host of angles, but in this case we’re keen to look at their outcome, i.e. shots.
There’s no question that Ancelotti’s charges are capable of making the most of these actions, as illustrated in our Clip of the Week. The players’ ability to go past their man, their skill level and decision-making ability are key to the success of such actions, which can reap rich rewards for the capital club.
As we can see in this clip, Simeone’s boys post an average of two carries that lead to shots per game. Indeed, this is one of Atleti’s favourite tactics to pose a threat on goal. If we dive deeper and take a look at what the Wanda Metropolitano-based outfit do in possession, we learn that they feature amongst the league’s top five teams for the number of players per possession (almost three), whilst they find themselves amongst the division’s leading five teams for the number of dangerous possessions per match (4.6).
When it comes to possession, there are a whole host of aspects that we can analyse, with one of them being the degree of danger created. When we speak of dangerous possessions, we’re referring to those that end in a goal or a goalscoring opportunity. This video features a dangerous possession put together by Manuel Pellegrini’s charges. Betis excel in this department and lie second in the LaLiga standings for the number of dangerous possessions (5.7 per outing).
The Real Madrid players ensure that their team balance enables them to consistently produce and improve on their statistics as the games goes on. As we can see in the latest instalment of Clip of the Week, the Blancos record more dangerous possessions than any other side in the league (6.76 per game) and, crucially, they make them count.
Valencia CF
Villarreal CF
SÁB 30.10.2021
16:30
Season 2021/2022
Camp de Mestalla
Atlético de Madrid
Real Betis
DOM 31.10.2021
15:15
Season 2021/2022
Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Real Sociedad
Athletic Club
DOM 31.10.2021
20:00
Season 2021/2022
Reale Arena
Sevilla FC
CA Osasuna
SÁB 30.10.2021
14:15
Season 2021/2022
Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán
Atlético de Madrid
Real Betis
DOM 31.10.2021
15:15
Season 2021/2022
Matchday 12
Riyadh Air Metropolitano
The Wanda Metropolitano is set to play host to a meeting of two excellent teams who are in fine fettle and have amassed the same number of points so far this term. Atletico Madrid come into the game in second spot in the LaLiga Santander standings for total distance covered and are top of the class when it comes to defensive containment and the number of shots taken by the opposition. Diego Simeone’s troops manage to be solid defensively without relinquishing any of their attacking menace and are the division’s top dogs when it comes to shots taken by the opposition, whilst lying amongst the top five for shots taken.
Another aspect of the Madrilenians’ game that’s well worth highlighting and that once again relates to their defensive endeavours is the small size of their convex hull when out of possession, which speaks volumes of the team’s effort in the defensive phase. Indeed, Atleti’s convex hull without the ball is amongst the fifth smallest in the division.
Matchday 12 pits the Colchoneros against a Real Betis side that has managed to strike the right balance in all areas of the pitch so far this term. The Andalusians rank as one of the top five teams in terms of passes per possession and one of the top three performing sides when it comes to the attacking build-up phase. The Sevillians are third in terms of possession that ends in the final third and are sitting pretty in second when it comes to shots taken per game.
Betis create chances and put them away, it’s as simple as that. The Andalusians are the league’s pacesetters on carries that lead to shots. The Verdiblancos are solid in possession and accurate with their passing. Indeed, Manuel Pellegrini’s men are amongst the leading sides in the convex hull stakes when in possession. Playing over a wider area promotes ball circulation due to the fact that there is greater spacing between players and more space in which to play. This is one facet that the Betis boss works on to ensure that his men take full advantage of their on-field positioning.
In contrast, Atletico’s game is focused on sound defensive foundations and they top the pressing after losing the ball standings as they aim to win the ball back as quickly as possible. When they’re unable to regain possession, one tactic that we’ve seen on countless occasions in recent years from El Cholo’s recruits involves them forming a compact unit in front of their goal to successfully cut off spaces in the inside channels. Indeed, when out of possession, the team boasts one of five smallest convex hulls in the league.
No shortage of column inches have been dedicated to the Uruguayan hitman’s playing style, talent and countless qualities. He has opened the current campaign just as he ended the last: scoring goals and acting as a focal point in the Atleti frontline. Suarez currently lies level with Mikel Oyarzabal in second spot in the LaLiga Santander scoring charts. He’s a key part of Simeone’s starting line-up week-in, week-out and has chalked up more high-impact actions than any of his teammates. He has also chipped in with one assist and occupies a top-10 berth for the number of shots taken across the division. His work ethic and quality mean that he is closely marshalled by opposition defences and it’s little wonder that he’s the most tightly marked player within the Atletico ranks, with opponents stationed an average of 3.07m away from the deadly frontrunner when he receives the ball. There’s just no stopping this tireless goal-getter!