Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou sets up in a 4–3–3 with a pivot player, 2 8s and an inverted fullback. His first phase buildup formation is a 2–3 with the two CBs as the 2 and the 2 fullbacks invert into the 3 alongside the pivot. The double 8s then push up into the 3rd phase of play to form a front 5 with the ST, LW and RW. The wingers hold the width as 2 touchline wingers allow the 2 8s to push on in into the space, positional play. The 6 and inverted fullback alongside the 2 8s create a box midfield and create good passing angles. Fullbacks are extremely important in Anges system. A passage of play Ange uses a lot is inverting a fullback when a CB has the ball. For example when the LCB has the ball the LB inverts into midfield with the winger dropping deep receiving the ball who can then look to find his fullback making an underlapping run. When the fullback gets the ball in this position he is instructed to play a low ball across the box where the two 8s, ST and RW will be waiting. Out of possession Postecoglous side pressed man to man. The midfield push on to their men, and one of the 8s look to support ST with the wingers marking the fullbacks. The RCM uses his cover shadow to cover the midfielder he has left to press the CBs. Postecoglous side make the winger trigger a press and want to win the ball from the FBs to prevent central progression. For example if the ball is on the LHS the ST will press the LCB, the right winger will press the LB and the 8 will push onto the 6. This forces the opposition to go long, something Ange promotes. An important thing to note is the fact that Anges wingers dont instantly press the FB, they wait until theyre in a zone of proximity, then will they trigger their press. They press in a 4–4–2, the basic 4 at the back the 6 and 8 as the 2 with the right and left winger marking the LB and RB and an 8 pressing alongside the ST.

Ange Postecoglou defensive dillema

Ange Postecoglou has a whole host of talent at his disposal at Spurs but choosing the right balance for his system is the important thing. Spurs currently have about 7 out right starters. Vicario as the GK, Romero as the RCB, Bissouma as the 6, Madisson as the RCM, Son as the LW, Kane as the ST and Kulusevski as the RW. So in Anges in possession 3–3–4 they still need to fill their CCB, LCB, RB (IFB), and left 8. But their main issue is their defense and thats what ill be getting into. Spurs have a good RWB in Porro and another in Udogie. But they cant play the 2 as they would be torn to shreds. So this is where VDV comes in. VDV appears to be an inverted full back profile. VDVs ball carrying ability is exceptional. So having him as a LCB in a 3 in buildup allows him to not focus so much on his ball playing ability (slight weakness) but instead progress the ball with his ball carrying ability. That is one case with a back four of Porro, Romero, Tanganga? And VDV. The other player Spurs are actively pursuing is B04s Edmond Tapsoba. Edmond Tapsoba is a physical monster at 6 ft 4. His long arms constantly throw attackers off balance. His speed and acceleration are also brilliant. His ball playing ability is ELITE and loves a long ball which frequently finds his teammates. Tapsoba can also break the lines superbly, finding his midfielder in a good position to turn. This is where he would excel in an Ange system, a quick line breaking pass to an 8 (Maddison) who can turn and run at the defence. He’s a high volume passer attempting an average of 71.62 passes p90 which puts him in the 91st percentile completing an average of 62.14 of them p90 which puts him in the 89th percentile. As well as being an elite ball player, he’s also extremely capable at ball carrying. Both Tapsoba and VDV are both great profiles but if I were to choose 1, it would be Tapsoba. Tapsoba enables Spurs to play a free flowing 2–3–5 or 3–3–4.

Thanks for reading.