Sevilla are a funny team to watch.
Seeing them again, against Liverpool you applaud the incredible technical quality of all their players, but you wish they had a bit more bravery to play the more direct riskier pass.
I think Sevilla best exemplify the La Liga philosophy of playing football. Where it's all about keeping the ball, and ensuring the game takes place as much on the ground as possible.
Long-balls do no exist in this dojo.
Even players like Nzonzi, who was known for his more tenacious play while in the Premier League, shows incredible control of the ball once he makes the tackle and cleverly weaves past tackles to offload the short pass.
The issue here is Sevilla really could have walked away from Anfield with three points if they played with more purpose and went after the very weak and vulnerable Liverpool defence.
One of the best players on the pitch was Correa, whose balance on the ball, was like silk. He would drift past the midfield, moving either side with such ease and swiftness, that made him the true danger-man for Sevilla.
And lead to him scoring the equalizer.
Sometimes in football, it's about doing the simpler things.
Rather than making five passes. You only need two to create a chance. Football is complicated enough as it is, why make it more complex?
It's not the Spanish way of playing. You see it even in the national team. They live and die with passing the ball, keeping it tidy, and very technical with everyone getting a touch. It gave them unrivalled dominance between 2008 and 2012, and it's a framework they are maintaining.
However, it doesn't always work out as we saw at the 2014 World Cup.
All I say is winning should be put above all, and Sevilla will greatly benefit by adding some variety to their football. They are already incredibly talented in keeping possession of the ball. Why not elevate your game by playing that longer pass that finds the striker making the late run?
Especially with Muriel, who really should be their starting striker, you have a frontman who has the acceleration to latch onto a cross from deep and finish it off.
A truly great team in my eyes, is one that can switch their play seamlessly. They know how to play it short, and methodically break down a team or they can hit that route-one pass with speed to their striker who volleys home.
Do not live and die by your philosophy. Do what needs to be done, for the win. HH
Leave Comments Below
No comments:
Post a Comment