Although Bayer Leverkusen’s treble charge and 51-match unbeaten run was ended by an inspired Atalanta side in the Europa League final, Xabi Alonso’s men have since added the DFB-Pokal to their historic Bundesliga triumph. ‌ This league and cup double has propelled...

The tactics deployed by elite football teams tend to influence the low-tier and grassroot levels of the sport. ‌ Recently, the success of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has encouraged coaches to create position and possession-based systems, which require a certain...

Much of the recent criticism of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revolved around a perceived lack of team identity, with his side at times appearing to press high and simultaneously maintain a relatively low defensive block. ‌ Ultimately, the definition and...

While pressing has always been a part of football (at all levels pf the game too), it has arguably gained increased tactical importance in top flight leagues around the world during the previous decade. As players have become fitter, they’ve also become more adept at...

In many ways, football’s incredible history has been at least partially shaped by tactical trends and innovations. ‌ From Hungary’s iconic 3–2–3–2 formation and deployment of a deep-lying forward in the 1950s to the emergence of the iconic 4-4-2 shape midway through...

The UK is widely considered to be the home of football, and this is borne out by the fact that the 10 oldest football clubs in the world all herald from either England, Scotland or Wales. Of course, several of these clubs have laid claim to being the oldest football...