A quick observation about the lack of speed in the forward line.

An essential part of setting up a system & tactical strategy is about providing the players with the right context to exploit their strong points & hide their weaknesses.

So how and when is the lack of speed in the attacking line a problem ? And which adjustments could be done to compensate it?

CRUYFF EXPLAINS

As usual, the wisdom of El Maestro Johan Cruyff can guide us in finding an answer.

Here he is talking about how he dealt with Guardiola and Koeman’s lack of speed and defensive abilities when he coached FC Barcelona :

Short version : it’s a matter of space. The solution would be to limit their area of action.

In a 100 meters race, any center back would win vs Suarez. In a 5 to 10 meters race? Not so sure.

The higher on the pitch the team plays, the less the notion of speed in the forward line will be crucial.

It’s also a reason why I believe Arthur & Frenkie’s skill set may be very useful in the last third. Their ability to attract several rival players around them, but still hold the ball & pass it accurately will provide the forwards with a bit more TIME & space & help compensate their lack of speed (even a split second or half meter of free space count).

SPEED VS COUNTER-PRESSING

So, the more intense the counter-pressing, the more probability of keeping the ball high on the pitch, and the less the lack of speed would be an issue.

The problem with playing both Suarez & Messi then becomes : a lack of speed AND counter-pressing activity simultaneously.

If they were to press high, the lack of speed would be less of a problem.

What currently happens is the following process :

Messi & Suarez not pressing high/counter-pressing

The team is forced to play a mid-block.

Ball recovery happens deeper.

Inability to exploit the counter-attacking opportunities due to their lack of speed.

That’s when the lack of speed matters. When ball recovery happens in Barça’s half, not if it happens in the opponent’s last third.

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