AW Team Formation Analysis: 4-6-0: Spanish Domination

4-6-0: Spanish Domination 

"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.


Conclusion:

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