"The same formation used to dominate the UEFA Euro 2012"
Introduction: Spanish Domination
Over the past 5 years world football has been dominated by one team, Spain. Many reasons show why they dominate, from world class player to dozens of great youth players on hold. Some fans and pundits can agree that this side can compete with some of the best international teams of all time. From the best team not to win a WC, 1982 Brazil to a team that dominated their peers, 1998-2006 France. I would like to believe they would beat each team with ease as their philosophy of football is amazing. Vicente Del Bosque is at the helm of this phenomenal side and has helped introduce world football to the 4-6-0. You can also call this formation the "False 9", a formation that doesn't include no true forward which is fairly unusual nowadays. Instead they use an advanced attacking playmaker or a "Trequartista" to make up for the lack of a forward. It seems like this would generate little to none attacking chances, but Spain proved every one wrong with this formation change.
The Formation:
"A more detailed explanation of movement"
GK:
In this formation it would seem like the keeper wouldn't get that many touches. But Del Bosque has integrated a system where Iker Casillas has the oppurtunity to distribute the ball with his feet. In the detailed explanation the keeper has the ability to show for his defenders and distribute the ball up field.
Centre Back:
The job for the defenders are to play the ball to the the midfielders and full-backs. They move side to side along their back line and have a fairly high back line too. Both Ramos and Pique also have the job to push up and help the attack out on occasion. Del Bosque prefers them to stay more central on the pitch and their other job is to organize the back line. This leads to many passes between the back line and the midfield which also leads to higher possession.
Full-Backs:
Both full-backs have a big job to do as their apart of the attack in many ways. Alvaro Arbeloa stays a little deeper because Alba is the better attacking option. On the detailed explanation of the formation they also have a lot of movement to do up and down the pitch. Both usually run from 6-7 miles a game, a big amount as they also have to distribute the ball all over the pitch. They also have the option to play the ball to a winger, centre midfielder, etc. this creates the fabled playing style called "Tiki-Taka".
Deep-Lying Midfielders:
These two instrumental players have the most to do on the pitch along with the false 9 and the central midfielder. The first DLM is deeper than the other and can be called an "Anchor" or "Water Carrier". Sergio Busquets usually sits in this role and has to win the ball, distribute it on all parts of the pitch, and most important of all, play simple. Busquet's job is important because he's like a connection that feeds to Xabi Alonso so he can feed the players in front of him. Xabi Alonso's job is to deliver penetrating ball to the midfielders ahead of him. He dictates play sometimes and also has the job to win the ball. The only other differences are that he sits higher up and he plays riskier balls.
Central Midfielder:
This is possibly the most important player on the pitch, this player must hold all the tools for it. This sublime players name is Xavi Hernandez and he is the pass master of the side. His objective is to deliver balls to the "forward line" and to also help the connection between the two DLM. Xavi has to win the ball, play passes, and dictate play throughout the pitch, he also helps out with the attack too. On the detailed explanation it shows that he moves all around the midfield line. During a UEFA Euro 2012 group-stage match he attempted a staggering 136 passes (127 were completed with a 94% completion rate). This shows you how important he is to the national team and how he gets around the pitch during the match.
Wingers:
Both Pedro Rodriguez and Andres Iniesta have a big job to do also, just like the full-backs there is one winger that is preferred as an attacking option. That option is Pedro, he links up with Alba, Xavi, Alonso, and Fabregas. Iniesta has the option to drop deeper to assist Xavi or push up to assist Fabregas. Both garner the ability to beat a player with ease and can play devastating through balls to a option ahead. Iniesta doesn't really have any defensive duty's as Alba push's up high. But Pedro has to do a bit to help the team out defensively to help out the side. Their main option has to be Cesc Fabregas as he is the lone "forward" for the team.
False 9:
Cesc Fabregas has a heavy workload as he has to be the "eyes" for the wingers and central midfielder. What this means it that he guides where the ball goes to him as he moves along the "forward line". He also has the objective to take defenders with him so he can create space for others. A perfect example has to be the UEFA Euro 2012 Final where Spain handled Italy easily, winning 4-0. One occasion where he pulled the defenders away to create space was the first goal, a David Silva 14th minute goal. He made a perfect run and crossed it to a fairly open David Silva for the header. Cesc is basically a provider for the team as he usually assists teammates instead of scoring regularly.
Liverpool F.C. seemed to have picked up a good centre-back pair in Tiago Ilori and Mamadou Sakho. Both cost a combined 32.9 Million Euros, even though the price is hefty its a deal for the future. Ilori helped guide the U-20 Portugal side to the round of 16 during the U-20 WC eventually losing to Ghana. He was a rock along with others only conceding 4 goals during the group stage with the likes of Nigeria and South Korea. Mamadou Sakho has been disgruntled ever since he lost his starting role to Brazilians Alex & Thiago Silva. But when he got his occasional start he would impress throughout the game, these efforts helped the team win their first Ligue 1 title since 1994. These transfers make sense because both current starters at Liverpool; Martin Skrtel & Daniel Agger, have been subject of many transfer rumors. Both are under the age of 25 and it seems like they have a bright future ahead of themselves for club & country.
2. Mesut Ozil (Attacking Midfielder)
Arsenal broke their transfer fee record for this player, shelling out a big 50 Million Euros for the German international. But this transfer does make sense for alot of reasons, Arsenal were in need of a CF and also need a little depth in the attacking midfield area. Ozil can play behind the striker and along the midfield line, the type of versatility you don't see these days. He's great at unlocking a back line and his passing range is sublime, plus he has a alright shot too. Many gunners hope he can push Arsenal to a title run but it will take time, no doubt he will bring extra motivation to fans and players. Arsene Wenger really shut up alot of people with this transfer and he hopes the 24 year old can deliver.
3. Asier Illaramendi (Defensive Midfielder)
Illaramendi wowed many football pundits and fans with his preformances for Real Sociedad and the U-21 Spanish national side. He's a composed passer of the ball and can dispossess an opponent with ease at times. Many feel he's the second coming of Xabi Alonso, its fair to say that but he is his own type of player. Instead of pushing up the pitch Asier like to sit in a little pocket between the midfield and the back line. You can call him a water carrier of sorts, bringing the ball from one side to another. Even though Real spent 38 Million Euros it seems like good karma has hit him. Starting DM Alonso is going to be out for 3 months with a broken metatarsal. With only Sami Khedira and Casemiro as true DM's Asier can find a easy road to a starting role in the beginning of the 2013-2014 season.
Worst Transfers:
1. Gareth Bale (Winger/Forward)
Around the world football fans feel Real Madrid C.F. have highly overpriced the 24 year old Welshman Gareth Bale. During the 2012-2013 season he won the PFA Young Player of the Year & PFA Players' Player of the Year and scored 21 Premier League goals. I understand that he won those and finished third in the scoring charts, but is 100 Million Euros a realistic fee for him. Around 60-70 Million Euros would seem a realistic fee for him as one player accomplished more than him at the time he moved to the same club. That player is Cristiano Ronaldo, who Bale draws alot of comparisons to, from the hair-style to the free kick technique. Ronaldo won what bale won but added 3 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 2 Carling Cups, 1 FIFA Club WC, and the all important UEFA Champions League. Now if Gareth stayed one more season and had the same form i would understand the fee, but after one season he's worth 100 Million Euros. Hopefully he proves me wrong as he seems like a nice guy and wants to win trophy's like everyone else.
2. Christopher Samba (Centre Back)
There's one thing that agitates me in the world of football, and that's players who leave for outrageous prices after one season at their previous club. Samba is a case where he only stayed half a season, HALF A SEASON, at English club QPR. Over the past year and a half he's played for 2 teams, Anzhi Makhachkala & QPR. After that tumultuous half season at QPR where they ended up getting relegated, he moved back to Anzhi. The combined price for him over those years was 28.8 Million Euros which is a little more than Tiago Ilori's and Mamadou Sakho's transfers combined. What makes this even more outrageous is the fact that he's going to move to another club. This club is another Russian Premier League side named F.C. Dynamo Moscow, only time will tell if he can prove himself and not give up on a team.
3. Thiago Alcantara (Centre Midfielder)
Don't get me wrong but Thiago is an amazing prospect for the future and has a alot in store for the world of football. But his transfer to F.C. Bayern Munich for 25 Million Euros really doesn't make sense to me. The Bayern midfield is stacked and has few spots to give up. Plus the starting lineup includes one of the best midfielders in the world, Bastian Schwiensteiger and one of the best young holding midfielders in Javi Martinez. I understand that Barcelona's also had a stacked midfield, but he could easily have gotten a starting berth in the side. Alcantara is one for the future for club and country so i hope he can prove many wrong including me with his play on the pitch.
Defensive Midfielders are known to have a incredible job to do, most stay with the back line and just pass the ball out the back. But there are others who put themselves ahead of others, having the ability to play on both sides of the pitch during all times of the game. This list will show you ten of them that did their job exceptionally in the year of 2013
#10. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal FC)
Mikel Arteta is a interesting player coming in a number 10, a player who was converted into a DM. Over the past year and a half he's changed from the player he was at Everton FC. While at Everton Arteta was in a more advanced role, which lead to a career best 9 goals and 12 assists during the 2006-2007 season. But all has changed for the Spaniard who has exceptional passing range and can open up a game at key moments for the gunners. A notable accolade he recieved was Arsenal's co-captaincy, a role he took after a great first season as the anchor for Arsenal. Lets hope we get to see more of him during the rest of the season as he is currently out with a torn hamstring.
#9. Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
It may seem surprising that a key catalyst for Man United's title win is at the bottom half of the list. Many people should appreciate the way Carrick plays as he dominated at the helm of the back line. Passing the ball out the back, winning it in key situations, and pushing up the pitch to help support the forward line. If you still don't think Carrick is a great player just look at his pass to Javier Hernandez against Chelsea.
Carrick will be eager to give Manchester United another title with more sublime performances.
#8. Roman Neustadter (Schalke 04)
This 25 year old Ukraine born German international may seem like a average player but he was one of the steals of the 2012-2013 season. Roman was purchased by Schalke 04 on a free transfer from fellow Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbech and has never looked back. His phenomenal play lead Schalke to a fourth place finish. You can also tell the player is immense when he leads his team in passes completed (1123), tackles (57), and interceptions (55). All three categories show how important Neustadter is to his club.
#7. Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint Germain)
26 year old Frenchman Blaise Matuidi has grown as a indispensable player for PSG ever since he moved there in 2011. Know for his passing accuracy and ability to win the ball cleanly, he is a player who's key in most of PSG's games. It showed in his amazing performance against European giant Barcelona, putting in the last minute equalizer to save PSG from defeat. He also capped of the 2012-2013 season with a Ligue 1 trophy to add to his growing collection.
#6. Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich)
Javi Martinez has had a great year for club and country, winning trophy's with one and reaching the final with the latter. After moving to Bayern for 40 million euros from Athletic Bilbao many had high expectations for him. And boy did he deliver, playing in a pivot role in front of the back line with Bastian Schweinsteiger. This was extremely instrumental as Bayern would go on to win a historic treble (Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League). The latter competition he was a key figure, helping break up Barcelona's midfield to progress to the final. He's still only 24 years old so he has plenty of time to prefect his craft and cement his role as a starter for the amazing Spain national side.
#5. Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen)
Many would agree that Lars is the better than his twin brother Sven Bender of Borussia Dortmund. At the age of 24 he is vice-captain of Leverkusen and is a great tackler of the ball for his club. It showed as Bayer had the second best defense in the league only conceding 39 goals all season behind Bayern Munich. He also helped and put in amazing efforts to lead Bayer to a 3rd place finish in the Bundesliga. His play has developed a lot over the years and he has a starting role in the German national squad. For now you can say that Lars is the Michael Laudrup to his brother in terms of who's better. He has plenty years ahead of him and can probably become a captain for club and country.
#4. Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
Xabi Alonso is one of the best passers in the world when he steps on the pitch. To see a player of his class be out for 3 months isn't great at all. It seems like he has a connection with the ball that lets him play the ball calmly wherever he wants. He is the lynchpin between the defense and the offense and does it extremely well. Over the past 2 years he's won a euro and finished runners up against Brazil in the Confederations Cup. When he plays for Madrid he is a exceptional tackler of the ball and gets a few key passes a game. At the age of 31 he still has a few years left in him and it is a pleasure to see him play.
#3. Maxime Gonalons (Olympique Lyonnais)
This may seem like a unlikely player for the top 3 but Maxime Gonalons is a player who holds all the tools.When he plays it out the back line he plays it safe and he has a high passing accuracy. He also led his team in tackles and is one of the leaders of intereptions for his side. Gonalons also played well in the Ligue 1 as he helped led Lyon as captain to a third place finish. He has also gotten a berth in the French national squad and it seems like he can be a fixture in the side for years to come. He'll be looking to add some silverware to his collection this season and at 24 he has plenty of years ahead of him.
#2. Andrea Pirlo (Juventes)
Coming in at number two is the always sublime Andrea Pirlo, who possesses some of the best passing in the game. The Italian has made a name for himself over his career at AC Milan and his current club Juventes for his mind-blowing passes. Pirlo plays as the anchor in Italy's 3-5-2 and pulls the string for the side who reached the 2012 UEFA Euro final. He also helped Juventes to two straight Serie A titles in the process. Even though he his is diminutive to other DM's his smooth play and calm passing makes up for it. Andrea hopes to play until the 2014 FIFA World Cup, it would be amazing to see him cap off his career with a win in the final.
#1. Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona)
If Lionel Messi is important to Barcelona's success, Sergio Busquets must be twice as important to the club. He burst on to the scene a lanky young player, but showed what he was about as he pushed the powerful Yaya Toure out of the starting eleven. Over time he has gotten smarter and smarter leaving the passing to midfielders in front of him. He's a amazing tackler and his bad rap as a diver has seemed to wear off. His off ball movement is also top par as it seems he's always in the right position to disposes the opponent. Busquets is the one who stays with the back line while Alonso pushes up the pitch for the national side. Some players are even having trouble breaking into their respective starting eleven because of him. Mark my words, Sergio Busquets will be one of the best players of all time by the end of his career.
