Brighton and Hove Albion aren’t solely on the cusp of the Champions League, however their season has included spectacular victories over Liverpool, Man United, and now Arsenal. However what’s it about Roberto De Zerbi’s crew meaning they offer the so-called “greater golf equipment” such a tricky time?
In FourFourTwo’s newest YouTube video (opens in new tab), Adam Clery delves deeper into how the ways employed by the Italian ensures Brighton are capable of play counter-attacking soccer whereas nonetheless having possession of the ball.
Historically, groups desirous to play within the area behind opposition defences would sit deep, give up possession and invite strain onto themselves. Brighton have utterly flipped this idea, although.
With so-called “greater groups” anticipated and extra keen to press excessive in an try and win the ball again, Brighton manipulate this by retaining possession in their very own defensive third.
They fortunately go the ball round on the again, inviting groups comparable to Arsenal and Manchester United onto them, earlier than springing a non-traditional counter-attack by breaking traces with their passes and exploiting the area in behind with pacey wingers comparable to Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March and Julio Enciso.
What’s key, although, is ready for the opportune second when a central midfielder, comparable to Alexis MacAllister, Moises Caicedo or Billy Gilmour are capable of acquire a few yards of area to activate the ball and play it forwards into the entrance males, who’re pinning again the defenders on the midway line.
To focus on this level, Lewis Dunk has had, surprisingly, essentially the most touches of the ball within the Premier League this season. With over 3000 touches, the Brighton captain is snug being pressed and passing to his fellow defenders and central midfielders whereas opposition gamers put them below intense strain.
Inevitably, this creates gaps throughout the pitch, taking part in proper into Brighton’s arms. Nowhere was this extra evident than the torrid time Mitoma gave Ben White throughout Brighton’s 3-0 win in opposition to Arsenal on the Emirates, with balls continuously being delivered over the Gunners full-back’s head through the sport.
