#football-tactics

#football-tactics

These days, the best defensive midfielders in the world tend to be specialists who stay deeper in the engine room. But this was never the case 30 years ago: midfielders tended to chip in to do a little of everything, getting forward when needed and tracking back in reverse. As the role of a DM evolves, it's not unusual that some of the best players in the world right now play at the base of a midfield, given that it's a position that you need vision, awareness and a high IQ so let's delve into what makes a world-class no.6 in 2025.

What is the difference between coaching and managing a team?

Say what you like about Hansi Flick, but the first-team head coach isn't for turning. Win, lose or draw, he clearly won't have his Barça side playing any other way than with the high-risk, high-reward high line. As we saw again at Celta, when it doesn't work and the Blaugranes are so easily exposed, it looks amateurish. However, in the second half, there was a clear indication of how well it can contain opposition teams when used correctly.

Liverpool's performance showcased a stark contrast in play, demonstrating promise in the first half while revealing vulnerabilities and fatigue in the second half of the match.

Amorim stated, "I really have an idea and I love training my players. I truly believe in my work - for me, that is the fun part."

England's tactical adjustments were evident as they replaced previous players and shifted formations, helping them achieve a dominant 4-0 victory against the Netherlands.

Italy's 2-0 victory over Moldova marked Luciano Spalletti's final match as head coach, allowing him to secure 12 wins in just 24 matches.

Aberdeen's tactical approach, designed to stifle Celtic, thrived despite the gloom of the final, showcasing resilience and a historic repeat of their 1990 triumph.

Maresca denies that tactical changes are to blame for Cole Palmer's goal drought, attributing it to mental factors instead.

"We have a clear way to play and when we found ourselves in our identity... We've been able this season to compete well and fight for every ball."

In the Bundesliga more teams try to play out from the back, more teams press and sometimes even play man-v-man. Therefore, the spaces are a bit bigger, which we can take advantage of by bringing pace into our game.