Postecoglou System + Skill set

I thought we had best have a post about the skill set an Ange Postecoglou system requires so you're better informed and can assess potential transfer targets against the skill set.

I'm looking forward to the pre-season friendlies, whichy is going to be a learning curve for the players and I expect... an enjoyable one.

A series of THBN scouting reports are available, all open in a new window (more later in the article):

• David Raya (GK)
• Guglielmo Vicario (GK)
• Kyogo Furuhashi (CF)

In possession, Ange Postecoglou's system at Tottenham focuses on utilizing versatile full-backs. He has employed various formations throughout his coaching career, including 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, and 3-4-2-1.

His teams prioritize retaining possession and creating rotations and overloads in central spaces.

Postecoglou's approach involves using wide forwards who come off the flanks and operate between the lines, while the full-backs attack simultaneously.

The midfielders, particularly the deep-lying midfielder, hold their positions to provide defensive stability and allow the full-backs to join the attack. The aim is to exploit spaces in the inside channels for the full-backs or central midfielders to exploit.

In his second season at Celtic, Postecoglou often converted the backline into a three to counter teams with a front two. This allowed the widest of the back three to step into midfield and provide additional support. The full-backs in this system have the flexibility to push forward, invert inside, or stay withdrawn as part of the defensive line.

Out of possession, Postecoglou's teams typically adopt a mid or low block.

The striker screens and covers passes between the opposition's center-backs, while the wide players aim to force play towards the touchline. The midfielders adjust their positions, with two midfielders moving towards the ball and the third staying central to cover switching of play.

In terms of defensive variations, when using three center-backs, the team defends with a back five and a narrow front three, covering central areas and forcing play wide.

The wing-back on the side of the ball engagement pushes forward, while the wide forward tracks back. The defensive block can transition between a 4-3-3 shape and a 4-5-1 shape, with the number eights working back to cover alongside the single pivot.

Postecoglou's teams employ a high press and counter-press, with a focus on suffocating the opposition after losing possession. The structure collapses inwards to counter-press effectively, and the high backline helps in this regard.

The wingers often join the center-forward in pressing high, while the number eights and full-backs support the press in the next line.

The counter-pressing intensity improved over time at Celtic, with the far-side full-back providing support to form a protective double pivot, limiting central passes and forcing the opposition to go wide.

Both number eights and the winger closest to the ball aggressively collapse upon losing possession, with the backline covering wide areas if necessary.

Postecoglou Skill Set Requirments

The skill set required to play in Ange Postecoglou's system at Tottenham can be summarized as follows:

Versatile Full-backs:

The full-backs in this system need to be versatile and capable of contributing both offensively and defensively. They should have the ability to overlap and attack down the flanks, providing width and creating crossing opportunities. At the same time, they should be comfortable defending and have the flexibility to push forward, invert inside, or stay withdrawn as part of the defensive line.

Defenders:

The defenders in Postecoglou's system need to be adaptable to different formations, including the possibility of converting to a back three. They should have good positional awareness, be comfortable covering central areas, and possess the ability to force play wide. Communication and coordination among the defenders are crucial to maintain defensive solidity and successfully transitioning between defensive shapes.

Scouting Reports;

• Roger Ibañez (LCB)
• Edmond Tapsoba (LCB)
• Micky van de Ven (LCB)

Deep-lying Midfielder:

The deep-lying midfielder holds a key role in providing defensive stability and allowing the full-backs to join the attack. This player needs to have excellent positional sense, discipline, and the ability to read the game. They should be adept at intercepting passes, breaking up opposition attacks, and distributing the ball effectively from deep positions.

Central Midfielders:

The central midfielders, aside from the deep-lying midfielder, also play an important role in the system. They need to be tactically astute, capable of adjusting their positions based on the movement of the opposition and the ball. Two of the midfielders often move towards the ball to press and disrupt the opposition's play, while the third midfielder stays central to cover the switching of play.

Scouting Report:

• Tanguy Ndombele (CM)

Wide Forwards:

The wide forwards play a crucial role in Postecoglou's system. They operate between the lines, coming off the flanks to create overloads and exploit spaces in central areas. They need to have good technical skills, be comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces, and have the ability to link play between the midfield and attack.

Pressing and Counter-pressing:

Postecoglou's system emphasizes a high press and counter-press to suffocate the opposition after losing possession. The wingers and the center-forward are actively involved in pressing high up the pitch, putting pressure on the opposition's defenders and limiting their passing options. The number eights and full-backs provide support in the next line of pressing. Players involved in pressing should have high work rate, energy, and tenacity.

Tactical Awareness:

All players in the system need to have a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities both in and out of possession. They should be able to adapt to different formations, adjust their positions based on the movements of the opposition, and make quick decisions to exploit spaces and create overloads.

Overall;

Players in Postecoglou's system should possess technical proficiency, tactical intelligence, versatility, and a strong work ethic. The ability to retain possession, create rotations and overloads, and execute pressing and counter-pressing strategies are essential aspects of playing in this system.

That will be it for today, back soon.