#high-press

#high-press

There are many ways to self-destruct on a football pitch but PSV Eindhoven chose one of the more obvious methods. In opting to play out slowly from the back against high-pressing opponents possessing forwards blessed with the speed and skill of Yoane Wissa and Anthony Gordon, Peter Bosz's team were always likely to come undone. Their inevitable unravelling left Newcastle on course for the Champions League knockout phase.

For us goalkeepers, it means being more alert throughout the entire match. It's a risky strategy, we have to acknowledge that. But if it's done well and you work hard, it pays off. You force the opposition to play and think faster. If they play with less space, you force them to make more mistakes, and your team has more possession. But you have to train it well because it all comes down to centimeters,

Milan made the better start in the game, and it culminated in the opening goal in just the fourth minute, scored by the number four Samuele Ricci. A corner was cleared to him around 25 yards out, and his volley sailed past Carnesecchi via a deflection for his first goal in red and black.

For both Spurs' opening goal and Brighton's second, the ball is moved to a defender out wide, with City's attacker unable to press tightly. The wide player is able to turn and face forward before playing a long, direct pass down the channel. One of their team-mates drops deeper, dragging City's full-back with them - Nathan Ake against Spurs and Rico Lewis against Brighton. That means City end up with three players in their backline,

Wirtz is one of the most exciting prospects in Europe, and one of the best players in Germany. What makes him special is his ability to find the holes no other player seemingly can. In this Liverpool side, where you're supported by a strong core of defensive buildup, he will be able to orchestrate and eventually find the opportunities to create for his team.