Roberto De Zerbi Marseille, Roberto De Zerbi Ball Tactics and Style of Play
Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton typically line up in a nominal 4 2 3 1 formation. De Zerbi has throughout his managerial career always looked to play an attacking and offensive football, regardless of the opposition. One of his key principles in doing this is to play where the space is. Brighton look to play fast in behind high-pressing teams, but often relax with the ball, waiting for the right opportunities, when playing against a low block.
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern football, few coaches have made as profound an impact as Roberto De Zerbi. Leading Brighton to their inaugural European campaign, De Zerbi’s tactical prowess has not only rewritten the club’s history but has also left an indelible mark on the global football stage. This article delves into the tactical intricacies that define Brighton under De Zerbi’s guidance, focusing on their strengths, vulnerabilities, and the captivating evolution of their playing style.
De Zerbi and Brighton’s biggest tactical strength is arguably the build-up. In the low build-up, Brighton line up in a 1 4 2 2 2 formation.
They build with seven players: The goalkeeper, a back four, and the two holding midfielders in a 1 4 2 shape. The wingers are high and wide, and the two number 10s position themselves between the opposition backline and midfield line. Many teams defend in a 1 4 4 2 formation, and if they do, the position of the number 10s forces the opposition center-backs to make a decision:
If they push up, the space behind them opens up, giving the winger a 1v1 against the fullback. If they do not push up the number 10s, a numerical superiority gets created in the midfield, and Brighton should be able to play through the press. Some teams try to solve this by dropping one of the strikers into the midfield to create a 1 4 5 1 formation, thus creating a numerical advantage against the two number 10s.
However, this gives Brighton a numerical advantage against the opposition pressing line which they should be able to play through. Dropping even more players will stop Brighton from creating goalscoring opportunities from the low build-up, however, they will easily beat the press and progress to the high build-up.
In the high build-up, De Zerbi changes the formation to either a 1 2 3 5. Or, as they have done this year 2023/24, a 1 3 1 5 1. De Zerbi likes having only one wide player in the high build-up. This is because he prioritizes playing through the middle. He needs one player high and wide to pull apart the backline. The rest of the players create numerical advantages in the midfield areas. Another purpose for keeping the majority of the players centrally is that it shortens the length of the passes. This naturally shortens the time between passes and the opposition players will have less time to push up and press. Another essential principle of Brighton’s system is creating numerical advantages. Brighton constantly look to create 3v2 and 2v1 situations, and it is through these that they progress the ball through the opposition lines. Using the goalkeeper in possession is an important aspect of that. The third-man concept is also a vital tool in following this principle.
Another important tool for progressing the ball is following the pressure. This means running into the space that the pressing player is leaving behind.
A third important principle in De Zerbi’s game plan is to control the tempo of the game. Brighton are masters at changing the tempo with a few quick passes to beat lines after having the ball for a long time. One tool that helps control the game is for the center-backs to stand still with the ball. They do this for two reasons. 1 It enables the center-back to play the ball to either side. 2 It lures the press while still having control of the ball.
Brighton place a lot of value in being aggressive without the ball. This shows in their high pressure. Brighton usually go man-to-man and vigorously press the opposition.
🔴 SVMMcomps (2nd channel): [ Ссылка ]
🔵 Fanpage: [ Ссылка ]
*If you have anything against my uploads, send me an e-mail: sportvideosmm2@gmail.com and I'll take it down.
► Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
► Business e-mail: sportvideosmm2@gmail.com
► Music by @COURAGEBeats:
▶️ [ Ссылка ]
[ Ссылка ]
🛒 couragebeats.beatstars.com
📲 instagram.com/courage_beats
🌐 [ Ссылка ]
This content is both in Transformative and Educational nature.
Video is in compliance with Content Quality section of YPP Policies as the editing adds creative value which makes the content unique.
#RobertoDeZerbi #Marseille #DeZerbi
© SVMM
![](https://s2.save4k.ru/pic/trkwWRjiNUM/maxresdefault.jpg)