Since the geometric masterclass by Andrea Pirlo against England at Euro 2012, school boys across the country have tried to emulate the Italian metronome.
Suddenly, the sensation of making a 30 yard switch to exploit space on the opposite flank or a killer ball between the channels has equalled the sensation of scoring a goal. Before the hype of Pirlo, the number 10 had been in fashion as Mesut Ozil's exhibition of flair and poise in Germany's 4 goal drubbing of England and David Silva's consistent displays of intelligence and balance in 2011-12 for a title winning Manchester City had inspired boys across the country to follow their lead.
In this piece, I will reveal how anyone can play like Barcelona's Xavi or Juventus' Pirlo with some simple tips on how to be the maestro of team from a withdrawn position.
Looking Over Your Shoulder
This is what Frank Lampard, and sometimes Jack Wilshere, are guilty of and one of the reasons why Super Frank has never settled into a deep position for club and country. Before the ball is even at your feet, you MUST know your next move. When you are roaming across the pitch, always look for options to your left, right , in front and behind you. That quick glance over your shoulder could make all the difference in your game.
Here is an example of Xavi's vision off the ball :
There is the conductor, looking to his right for any options to pass to or space to make use of.
There is his second look to the right, that's two in two seconds.
That's three looks in three seconds, and now it's behind him and to his left.
Xavi takes a step forward to give Khedira the impression that he is going forward to control the ball. However, the Spaniard opens his body and turns out into the space spotted by his three looks beforehand.
Xavi then releases the lightning quick Jesus Navas and leaves the entire German team chasing back as Navas in 1-on-1.
In this Lampard performance, watch the passes that he misplaced that could have been easily prevented, although the mistakes cannot overshadow his magnificent two goal salvo :
Switching The Play
This is what makes playing in the deep position so satisfying, those 40 yard 'pings' to your teammate. That feeling of being able to execute a pass of such accuracy and glamour cannot be beaten. As the ball flies through the air, you think that you could be the next Xabi Alonso. We all know the feeling.
In Italy's 3-5-2 system, there is a lot of space for the wingbacks to move up and down the field thanks to the withdrawal of the wingers. Pirlo's sublime technique means that he can find these players at each time of asking. Look at the concentration of England players in the image. Pirlo is about to release the ball to an onrushing Balzaretti.
That is absolutely ACRES of space for Balzaretti to utilise. Italy can now attack from a different flank with a lot more area thanks to a delightful pass from Andrea.
Find Space and Within Distance Of The Ball
Every wondered how Xavi, Arteta and Pirlo manage to rake up so many passes during a 90 minute game and seemingly under no pressure? Simple really. They are clever in their movement off the ball to find space to receive a pass. While the whole stadium has eyes on the ball, these players have eyes only for space to drift into to pick up the ball.
The master of the ball himself said this in an interview with The Guardian :
" Think quickly, look for spaces. That's what I do: look for spaces. All day. I'm always looking. All day, all day. [Xavi starts gesturing as if he is looking around, swinging his head]. Here? No. There? No. People who haven't played don't realise how hard that is. Space, space, space. It's like being on the PlayStation. I think sh*t, the defender's here, play it there. I see the space and pass. That's what I do. "
Xavi has averaged 105 passes a game in his 38 appearances this season, in Spain and in Europe.
Mikel Arteta has averaged 83 passes a game in his 39 appearances this season.
Andrea Pirlo has averaged 79 passes a game in his 32 appearances this season.
Xabi Alonso has averaged 66 passes a game in his 28 appearances this season.
How Much Space Do You Need To Operate?
This is a vital question you need to ask yourself : How much space do you need?
That's the difference between Andrea Pirlo and Xabi Alonso. Pirlo was constantly being harried when Juventus traveled to Celtic in the UEFA Champions League group stage, with Kris Commons pressing when Pirlo picked up the ball from deep, and Wanyama when Pirlo was allowed to push forward. However, despite the compression of space, here are some key statistics for that game :
He made 64 successful passes and had a pass accuracy of 81%. His Champions League average is 58 passes per game at an 83% success rate.
However, when Xabi Alonso was put under pressure by Shinji Kagawa and Danny Welbeck when United came to town, he managed 54 passes at an 81% accuracy, compared to his CL average of 69 passes and 83% accuracy.
Can Alonso knock it around when there are two men designated to stop his every move? He needs much more space than Pirlo and Xavi to play in, and that's what makes the greats so...great.
Practice Makes Perfect
What you need :
- A tennis ball
- A wall or two
To practice decreasing your reaction time, fire the tennis ball at one wall, and when it rebounds back to you, open your body to control and pass to the other wall. Keep the tempo high to achieve maximum development. This will also enhance your patience as that is key to succeeding in this position.
What you need :
- A football
- A 40 yard area
- A partner
To practice your accuracy and execution, just knock 30-40 yard passes between you and your partner. Try and include your partner making a run to improve precision of passes for a player on the move.
Football Boots
Nike Tiempo Legend Elite
The weapon of choice for many of the world's top playmakers, such as Juventus' Andrea Pirlo, and top centre backs, with the likes of Gerard Pique sporting them. For ultimate control and execution, I'd pick these boots. I own a pair and they are, in my opinion, the best range of football boots out of the whole Nike collection of Mercurial Vapor, T90, and CTR360 collection.
Adidas Predator Lethal Zones
A boot well on the rise, currently in use by legendary playmaker, Xavi, Bayern Munich's metronome, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Real Madrid's quarterback, Xabi Alonso. Armed with five 'lethal zones' for maximum first touch, drive, pass, and dribble. Not to mention, the sacred sweet spot to unleash a total shot of incredible drive and curve.
Football Boots
Nike Tiempo Legend Elite
The weapon of choice for many of the world's top playmakers, such as Juventus' Andrea Pirlo, and top centre backs, with the likes of Gerard Pique sporting them. For ultimate control and execution, I'd pick these boots. I own a pair and they are, in my opinion, the best range of football boots out of the whole Nike collection of Mercurial Vapor, T90, and CTR360 collection.
Adidas Predator Lethal Zones
A boot well on the rise, currently in use by legendary playmaker, Xavi, Bayern Munich's metronome, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Real Madrid's quarterback, Xabi Alonso. Armed with five 'lethal zones' for maximum first touch, drive, pass, and dribble. Not to mention, the sacred sweet spot to unleash a total shot of incredible drive and curve.
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