Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Turkey vs. Netherlands (European Qualifiers September 6, 2015)
Turkey vs. Netherlands (European Qualifiers September 6, 2016)
It could be said that Turkey's 3 goals against Netherlands were pure luck and merely a result of the opponent's below average performance. However, capitalizing on the opposition's mistakes are a part of the game and Turkey took advantage of this efficiently. It was clear from this match that Turkey placed more emphasis on defensive stability and using counter-attacks to quickly move the ball in unorganized areas. The way that Turkey maintained their shape and limited runs behind their defense contributed to the team not conceding a goal.
Turkey utilizing 4-1-4-1 with Selçuk İnan in the holding role. His positioning is not only important to connect the attack to the defense, but also cover the back line since the opposition will stretch the team.
Here Selçuk slides back from his position in order to mark his man. Turkey momentarily have a 5-man defensive line.
It could be said that Turkey's 3 goals against Netherlands were pure luck and merely a result of the opponent's below average performance. However, capitalizing on the opposition's mistakes are a part of the game and Turkey took advantage of this efficiently. It was clear from this match that Turkey placed more emphasis on defensive stability and using counter-attacks to quickly move the ball in unorganized areas. The way that Turkey maintained their shape and limited runs behind their defense contributed to the team not conceding a goal.
Turkey use the touchline to defend against Netherlands since the angles are narrow. By playing to the touchline, Turkey can press with 2v1. Ozan Tufan and Hakan Çalhanoğlu double up against Jaïro Riedewald in order to dispossess the player.
Turkey's back line sitting deeper while Netherlands try to make runs behind. This blocks off threatening runs being made into the box, while securing against crosses. Clearances also allow Turkey to quickly mount counter-attacks when a player is near the edge of the box.
Turkey crowd their defense in front of goal to prevent Memphis' quick dribbling into the danger zone. Two Turkish players are situated to deal with a run behing made inside and provide cover.
An instance when Turkey's shape is narrow vertically while transitioning into defense since fullbacks and wingers tuck in allowing Dutch players to be stationed in wide areas. This space is conceded so Turkey could organize their defensive shape and control depth.
Selçuk provides cover for Şener who is defending against an incoming Dutch player from the right flank along with Hakan Çalhanoğlu offering support. This allows Turkey to pair up and defend using the touchline.
With Netherlands using horizontal passing while in possession, Turkey are given time to organize their defensive shape which in this case is a 4-4-2 formation. There are two banks of 4 with players close together, so they could easily close the distance. Netherlands can't gain any space unless they utilize diagonal or vertical passes.
Written by: Goral Patel
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Galatasaray vs. Inter (Preseason Friendly Match August 2, 2015)
Galatasaray vs. Inter (Preseason Friendly Match August 2, 2015)
I take a closer look at how Galatasaray were able to retain possession and control the game against Inter. In the second half, specifically the last 20 minutes of the match, Galatasaray's performance was much stronger. I wanted to focus on Galatasaray's positioning and support, which not only allowed them to move the ball forward, but also play a more dynamic style of football.
Galatasaray fullback Tarik Çamdal draws in Inter players on the right-hand side. This allows Galatasaray to spread out and position themselves in a clear line of pass without losing possession.
Using numerical superiority over Inter, Tarik, Emre, José, and Jem give each other support and options for passing. Galatasaray are able to retain possession and quickly move the ball through this shape.
Once space opens up for José Rodríguez to supply a pass, Umut Bulut moving closer to Rodriguez allows the ball to be played quicker without losing possession at this crucial stage of the build-up.
Utilizing José Rodríguez's sharp passing, Galatasaray can exploit the area out wide while Inter organize their defense and Galatasaray anticipate a cross into the box.
Galatasaray vary the space in between the lines. They use Tarik Çamdal to facilitate the attack from the right flank as well as link up with Emre Çolak who is an outlet to play the ball centrally. Their ability to read each other's movement and thus adjust positioning is an important aspect.
The shape that Galatasaray have organized means they could take advantage of support angles.
Once again Galatasaray using triangulation for angled passes and support in link-up play as they move the ball forward.
Written by: Goral Patel
I take a closer look at how Galatasaray were able to retain possession and control the game against Inter. In the second half, specifically the last 20 minutes of the match, Galatasaray's performance was much stronger. I wanted to focus on Galatasaray's positioning and support, which not only allowed them to move the ball forward, but also play a more dynamic style of football.
Written by: Goral Patel
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Break Down of Galatasaray's Game Plan vs. Beşiktaş
Lineups:
GS: Muslera, Sabri, Semih, Hakan, Telles, Melo, Selçuk, Hamit, Sneijder, Yasin, Burak
BJK: Günay, Serdar, Atınç, Sivok, Opare, Kerim, Necip, Tolgay, Atiba, Sosa, Ba
The competition in the Super Lig is truly unmatched this season. To further intensify the competitive nature, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş faced off in the penultimate game of the season. Galatasaray didn’t let the pressure get to them as they stepped up to the plate, the 4th star within their reach. The maturity of their performance was reflected in the game plan.
One major part of Galatasaray’s strategy was the organization of their defense. Beşiktaş would play the ball out wide and then cross it in order to take advantage of the space behind the defense. Beşiktaş wanted to play as close as possible to Galatasaray’s defense while pushing them into the box. As a result, Galatasaray were forced to drop back and stay compact. Since Demba Ba is very clever slipping past defenders, the centerbacks (Semih-Hakan) stayed close together to prevent him from running into space. Beşiktaş would initially use diagonal balls in the center of the pitch to bypass Galatasaray’s midfield and then create width to quickly move the ball. An extra layer of defense was added by Melo and Selçuk sitting in front of it. This prevented Ba and Sosa from easily roaming into space in front of goal, but also create room for Sneijder to operate on transitions. Another feature of Galatasaray’s defensive organization was that it offered flexibility. For example, Galatasaray used a 3-man back line to initiate the first phase of the attack [Exhibit 1].
With Telles supporting the attack, Beşiktaş took the opportunity to exploit Galatasaray’s left side. However, this did not pose a huge problem since the 3-man backline was able to stretch across the pitch covering dangerous areas. Also, Sneijder or Yasin would help the fullbacks retrieve the ball on the touchlines.
This leads to the execution of Galatasaray’s attack. The Lions utilized the flanks to create room for the attack to advance forward. Galatasaray’s first goal, courtesy of Yasin, demonstrated a combination of quick reaction time and composure. Breaking down the build-up to Yasin’s goal, Melo was seen assessing his options. Beşiktaş players were keeping an eye on Melo, so Yasin was left open. Melo saw Yasin was unmarked and Selçuk edged back to create space for Melo’s pass. Yasin recognized where Melo will play the ball, so he ran into a clear line of pass [Exhibit 2].
The long, diagonal ball from Melo was received by Yasin and a Beşiktaş defender was pulled out of position trying to close down Yasin. The tackle wasn’t enough to dispossess Yasin as he reacted quickly to play the ball forward. By slightly applying his body weight to the right, Yasin escaped a second tackle. The initial shot was saved by Günay, but Yasin read where the ball was going and swiftly finished the follow-up shot [Exhibit 3].
Since February 16 Yasin Öztekin has been involved in 8 league goals this season (4 goals, 4 assists); the most from any Galatasaray player. Besides scoring goals, Yasin shows that as a valuable player he is able to do more than that. For instance, by tracking Telles’ movement on the ball, Yasin once again exploited the space left open and anticipated a cross into the opposition box [Exhibit 4].
The turnaround Galatasaray has done this season was evident in this match and appreciated by the fans. The grueling preparations done by Hamza Hamzaoğlu and his technical staff have paid off as the exciting race for the 2014/15 Spor Toto Süper Lig comes to an end.
Written by: Goral Patel
GS: Muslera, Sabri, Semih, Hakan, Telles, Melo, Selçuk, Hamit, Sneijder, Yasin, Burak
BJK: Günay, Serdar, Atınç, Sivok, Opare, Kerim, Necip, Tolgay, Atiba, Sosa, Ba
~
The competition in the Super Lig is truly unmatched this season. To further intensify the competitive nature, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş faced off in the penultimate game of the season. Galatasaray didn’t let the pressure get to them as they stepped up to the plate, the 4th star within their reach. The maturity of their performance was reflected in the game plan.
One major part of Galatasaray’s strategy was the organization of their defense. Beşiktaş would play the ball out wide and then cross it in order to take advantage of the space behind the defense. Beşiktaş wanted to play as close as possible to Galatasaray’s defense while pushing them into the box. As a result, Galatasaray were forced to drop back and stay compact. Since Demba Ba is very clever slipping past defenders, the centerbacks (Semih-Hakan) stayed close together to prevent him from running into space. Beşiktaş would initially use diagonal balls in the center of the pitch to bypass Galatasaray’s midfield and then create width to quickly move the ball. An extra layer of defense was added by Melo and Selçuk sitting in front of it. This prevented Ba and Sosa from easily roaming into space in front of goal, but also create room for Sneijder to operate on transitions. Another feature of Galatasaray’s defensive organization was that it offered flexibility. For example, Galatasaray used a 3-man back line to initiate the first phase of the attack [Exhibit 1].
With Telles supporting the attack, Beşiktaş took the opportunity to exploit Galatasaray’s left side. However, this did not pose a huge problem since the 3-man backline was able to stretch across the pitch covering dangerous areas. Also, Sneijder or Yasin would help the fullbacks retrieve the ball on the touchlines.
This leads to the execution of Galatasaray’s attack. The Lions utilized the flanks to create room for the attack to advance forward. Galatasaray’s first goal, courtesy of Yasin, demonstrated a combination of quick reaction time and composure. Breaking down the build-up to Yasin’s goal, Melo was seen assessing his options. Beşiktaş players were keeping an eye on Melo, so Yasin was left open. Melo saw Yasin was unmarked and Selçuk edged back to create space for Melo’s pass. Yasin recognized where Melo will play the ball, so he ran into a clear line of pass [Exhibit 2].
The long, diagonal ball from Melo was received by Yasin and a Beşiktaş defender was pulled out of position trying to close down Yasin. The tackle wasn’t enough to dispossess Yasin as he reacted quickly to play the ball forward. By slightly applying his body weight to the right, Yasin escaped a second tackle. The initial shot was saved by Günay, but Yasin read where the ball was going and swiftly finished the follow-up shot [Exhibit 3].
Since February 16 Yasin Öztekin has been involved in 8 league goals this season (4 goals, 4 assists); the most from any Galatasaray player. Besides scoring goals, Yasin shows that as a valuable player he is able to do more than that. For instance, by tracking Telles’ movement on the ball, Yasin once again exploited the space left open and anticipated a cross into the opposition box [Exhibit 4].
The turnaround Galatasaray has done this season was evident in this match and appreciated by the fans. The grueling preparations done by Hamza Hamzaoğlu and his technical staff have paid off as the exciting race for the 2014/15 Spor Toto Süper Lig comes to an end.
Written by: Goral Patel