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FOOTBALL TACTICS - Third-Man Combinations

by 오천크루즈 2023. 11. 10.

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In the realm of football tactics, where strategy and precision reign supreme, a subtle art has emerged that can leave opponents bewildered and defenseless. Welcome to the world of third-man combinations in the double pivot – a tactic that's turning heads and creating waves in the beautiful game. A decade ago, the football landscape was vastly different. The lone defensive midfielder, exemplified by the stylish Xabi Alonso during his tenure at Bayern Munich under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, was a common sight. Alonso's suave demeanor and football prowess seemingly left his teammates in awe, making it challenging for them to stand alongside him. Fast forward to today, and the game has evolved. The rise of advanced pressing tactics has forced teams seeking to build up play through the midfield to deploy not one, but two defensive midfielders – the so-called "double pivot." In recent times, ambitious teams have harnessed the power of the double pivot to execute rapid, close-quarters passing sequences that entice the opponent's press before dismantling it. One such team is Bayer Leverkusen, led by none other than Xabi Alonso himself. In a recent clash against Bayern Munich, Leverkusen left spectators in awe as they elegantly bypassed Bayern's defense, exploiting pockets of space in the middle of the pitch. Their secret weapon? Third-man combinations within the double pivot. For those unacquainted with this term, a "third man" is precisely what it sounds like. When Player A aims to pass to Player B but faces an opponent blocking the path, Player A sends the ball to Player C – the third man. This subtle pass not only diverts the defense's attention but also positions Player B favorably to receive the ball without turning, facilitating quicker play progression. When executed correctly, third-man combinations act as a shortcut to advancing the ball upfield. To illustrate this concept, let's dissect how Leverkusen employed it against Bayern Munich. Harry Kane initiated the sequence by chasing a wall pass from Granit Xhaka to Edmond Tapsoba, the center-back. The angle of Kane's pressure disrupted the passing lane to Xhaka, requiring a third man – Robert Andrich in this instance – to relay the ball. This orchestration allowed Xhaka to receive the ball while facing forward, primed for a one-touch pass through the next defensive line. But Leverkusen didn't stop there. Immediately after the initial layoff, Robert Andrich initiated another third-man combination, positioning himself in front of Bayern's back line for a final through ball to the striker. In a matter of seconds, Leverkusen transitioned from patient ball circulation at the back to a rapid, middle-piercing attack. This sudden change of tempo, from methodical buildup to explosive forward movement, exemplifies the allure of third-man combinations for coaches. Leverkusen entices the opponent's press with daring passes, only to exploit the spaces left behind as the pressers react. However, perfecting this style requires precision. The two pivots in the double pivot must stay close, arranged at staggered heights, allowing them to combine faster than the opposition's response. Despite its effectiveness, one-touch passing in the most perilous part of the pitch carries risks. Leverkusen experienced occasional turnovers against Bayern. Yet, they willingly invite pressure and turnovers in exchange for the expanses their style opens up behind the pressing team's lines. This approach mirrors Xabi Alonso's role in Rafa Benitez's Liverpool side, where Alonso would draw opponents toward him in the double pivot to free up space for Steven Gerrard between the lines. The similarities don't end there. Brighton, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, has elevated double pivot combination play into an art form. Last season, they led the Premier League in third-man passing patterns through the middle. Opponents are scrambling to counter Brighton's tactics. For instance, Manchester United employed a 4-4-2 diamond to cut off passing lanes from Brighton's center-backs to the defensive midfielders. Although effective initially, United's strategy left the flanks exposed, allowing Brighton to exploit wide areas. While Brighton emphasizes width, Leverkusen adopts a more central and direct approach. Yet, both teams pose similar challenges to opponents with their narrow, staggered double pivot that disrupts the press and increases the tempo. As this trend continues to evolve, the footballing world awaits how opponents will dismantle these combinations and tip the risk-reward balance in their favor. For now, it remains an intimidatingly handsome spectacle on the football pitch.

출처 : 스피쿠스

한글요약

현대 축구 전술에서 '더블 피벗' 내의 '서드맨 조합'은 중요한 역할을 하고 있습니다. 이 전술은 팀이 상대방의 압박을 유인한 후 빠르게 공격으로 전환하는 방법입니다. 예를 들어, 바이엘 레버쿠젠은 이 전술을 사용하여 바이에른 뮌헨의 수비를 뚫었습니다. 이 전술은 한 선수가 직접 패스할 수 없을 때 '제3의 선수'를 통해 패스를 이어가며, 상대 수비를 혼란에 빠뜨리고 빠르게 공을 전달합니다. 레버쿠젠과 브라이튼은 이 전술을 사용하여 경기의 템포를 높이고 상대의 압박을 무너뜨립니다. 브라이튼은 넓은 플레이를 강조하는 반면, 레버쿠젠은 중앙을 뚫는 직접적인 방식을 취합니다.

 

 

학습 키워드 단어

  • Tactic (전술): 전략적인 계획이나 방법:
    • 예문: The team's tactic to use a fast counter-attack caught their opponents off guard.
  • Pressing (압박): 상대방에게 지속적으로 압박을 가하여 실수를 유도하는 전략.:
    • 예문: Their pressing style forced the other team to make errors in their own half.
  • Pivot (피벗): 중심 선수, 경기에서 중요한 역할을 하는 선수.:
    • 예문: The midfielder acted as a pivot, orchestrating the team's movements on the field.
  • Combination (조합): 여러 요소나 선수들의 결합.:
    • 예문: The combination of the two forwards created a dynamic attack.
  • Tempo (템포): 경기의 속도나 리듬. :
    • 예문: The team increased the tempo in the second half, putting more pressure on their opponents.

학습 표현

  • "bypassed the defense" (수비를 우회하다) :
    • 예문: The player skillfully bypassed the defense with a clever dribble, creating a chance to score.
  • "entice the opponent's press" (상대방의 압박을 유인하다) :
    • 예문: By keeping possession in their own half, the team managed to entice the opponent's press, opening up spaces for a counter-attack.