The Build-up Game Strategy of Roberto De Zerbi

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Hello and welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! In this issue, we'll be focusing on the following topics:

1. ⚽Roberto De Zerbi's Build-up Game Approach

2. ❓Survey Game Analysis

⚽Roberto De Zerbi's Build-up Game Approach

De Zerbi's distinctive football style is defined by its clear identity. His objective is to maintain game control and retain possession of the ball within his team to create scoring opportunities.

In a recent interview, De Zerbi revealed that he divides his team's build-up game into three clearly defined phases:

1. Build-up game from Goalkeeper's Kick-off

2. Build-up game in open play (Zone 1)

3. Build-up game in Zone 2 & 3

The way the team sets up and plays during these phases changes depending on how the opponent is playing – like if they have one or two strikers. These factors are really important. But no matter what, De Zerbi always aims to have six outfield players (or seven, counting the goalkeeper) involved in building up the play from their own half.

A closer look at the second phase is particularly interesting - Build-up game in open play (Zone 1).

When watching Brighton's games, it's immediately noticeable how closely all the players are positioned to each other, especially the two center-backs and the two defensive midfielders. They typically maintain a distance of between 10 to a maximum of 20 meters from each other.

While it's common to spread out and create depth during ball possession, De Zerbi adopts a slightly different approach. While he focuses on keeping all six players closely knit during build-up play, the four attacking players position themselves differently.

The two wingers need to position themselves wide along the touchline to stretch the opposing defenders and create more space in the midfield. Meanwhile, the striker and playmaker adopt a more central position, aiming to exploit the gaps between the opposing lines.

De Zerbi highlights two key reasons for players staying close together during the build-up:

Planning for potential ball loss: Modern football coaches anticipate the possibility of losing possession even during the build-up. De Zerbi places great importance on his team's ability to react quickly in case of a turnover, as they prioritize ball possession. With their tight positioning and six players readily available, they are well-positioned to swiftly regain control of the ball.

Creating a numerical advantage: In football, the aim is always to have more players on your side than the opponent. De Zerbi also strives to provide his team with as many options as possible during the build-up. Few teams attack with six or more players to disrupt the opponent early on. This is because it could lead to gaps in defense, which could be exploited, for example, by long balls.

The striker and the number ten:

The strategic importance of these two central attacking players in De Zerbi's game plan is undeniable. Their flexibility is crucial, as they must be ready to receive the ball depending on its position.

Of particular importance is the pass to the third player, which plays a key role in De Zerbi's style of play. Here, one of the central attacking players drops back and passes the ball to one of the midfielders, who then takes charge of the game. However, if there is enough space, both the number ten and the striker also have the option to turn around and run directly towards the goal.

What challenge does the opponent face? If the center-backs choose to mark the number ten and the striker, it creates a significant gap that can be exploited by the wingers. On the other hand, if they give space to these players, they can turn around and run directly towards the goal. The opponent is constantly faced with difficult decisions.

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❓Survey Game Analysis

This week, we have Champions League games once again. Which game from Wednesday would you like us to analyze in more detail on Friday?

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