A semifinal reached in the last USL Season, highest number of goal scored in their conference and a positive football with shapes close to some European managers like Tedesco and Gasperini’s idea of football.
Assumption: This Analysis was made watching Tampa Bay Rowdies v Orange County, Detroit City and Las Vegas Lights.
Basic System: 1-4-4-2 / 1-3-4-2-1 / 1-3-4-3
Offensive System: 1-4/1-4-1 – 1-2/3-4-1
Defensive System: 1-3-4/1-2 – 1-3-4/2-1
Short Description:
Tampa Bay Rowdies showed up huge abilities to create goals chances in all of three matches analyzed: the team philosophy is based on an offensive approach that reveals the great work that the manager done in the season.
The identity is clear: the first goal that the team have is dominating the match as much as they can, occupying the pitch as in width as in depth, developing the offensive phase with different patterns that has as common point the rotations on flanks, which allow the team in building solid and functional overloads, useful to have a numerical majority on which make densities that open chances to close the finalizing phase as in the same zone as in the weak opponent’s flank with a long range pass from side to side.
They possess an excellent tempo supported by a dense network of logical and congenial passes, often made in lateral and/or offensive areas.
They do not like to play the ball on aerial duels and especially do not finalise with high crosses: their priority are cut backs, especially in the space between the goal area and the penalty spot.
However, a well structured tactic shows up a small weakness: they are very structured on positions and spatial intelligence, therefore some technical individualities, such as dribbling and numerical advantages due to qualitative positional play, are lacking in the majority of players, with the exception of a few. Defensively they possess a valid tactical management of the opponent’s offensive opportunities, although the lack of concentration and poor abilities on Read and predict opponent’s offensive dynamics by several individuals, as well as the excessive tendency to attack, make them vulnerable in defensive transitions or in situations of numerical inequality in the lateral zones.
In conclusion, the Rowdies are absolutely a well-organised and proven team, capable of creating serious dangers if underestimated and not approached in a manner consistent with the patterns that will be highlighted.
OFFENSIVE PHASE
Build Up
Zone 1
In build up, zone 1 (from the GK throw in or in dynamic) the structure is a 4+1 and their aim is developing the action playing with short and ground passes, looking for a space which allow the Pivot, N4, to start the develop phase. When it’s not possible (due to opponent’s high or zonal pressure) they change plans playing on flanks, with N4, Wyke, addicted to search a pass over the first pressure.
To do that, fullback and wings lead a wide position, in order to open spaces on flanks, or forcing opponent’s to cover the width giving freedom to players in internal zones.
If the pressure is high, Rowdies may try a direct long range pass in forward, trying to search or the striker, or a pass over the
opponent’s last line which can be exploited by fast players as LaCava (N19), Harris (N21) or Antley (N2).
As it’s written, the offensive phase starts with a ball to a centerback, generally the left one, who tries to find a space for the pivot: if it happens, the develops might be these:
– Wide play for a Fullback in advance who builds an overload on his flanks;
– Vertical passes over the second pressure line towards an offensive player in half-space;
– Long range pass to a Wing in width that attacks the opponent’s defensive line running behind the defender.
Otherwise, if the ball doesn’t arrive to pivot, they look to start the phase from the flank, generally the right one: it’s important to underline that this procedure cannot be immediate, because to start the develop phase from right, Rowdies need an open space to one of the wing came in a narrow position, behind the second pressure line.
The build up results poor when is developed from the left flank: is not a case that when the ball arrives on this side the option choose by the players in this zone are oriented more about looking and playing a back or short horizontal pass, generally codified as a safe play.
It’s hard to see a direct build up from a GK with a long pass, but it can happen when the first four builder are marked with a man-to-man Approach lead by opponents.
Zone 2
In build up, zone 2 (near the midline) the structure changes in a 2+1 that may become a 2+3 if LCM and RFB come in Hilton’s (N4) same line: this generally happens when Rowdies want to have a numerical superiority in their half of the pitch. Also here the main choice to start the
develop phase is oriented to flanks because of the constant overload they build.
The main builder is always the N4, but in this case an important role is also attributed to centerbacks, that here have more freedom and
choices to play, especially on the right side where the movement to come inside the pitch made by Wyke opens a medium range pass to wing Completely in width who can play a 1 v 1 against his defender or can be part of a rotational game that will involve different protagonists (N27, N11, N2 or N33, N19 and N7) who can invade the box behind the opponent lateral defender.
Also here, if the codified pattern can’t be showed up, Rowdies are open to move the ball from side to side in order to manipulate the opponent’s Pressure and open the space that they need to progress.
It’s also important to highlight the individual abilities in recognize and fill spaces in part of the pitch where they shouldn’t play: this freedom, Majorly recognizable in Leo Fernandes (N11) and Ekra (N7) is quite important when spaces are poor and opponent’s pressure is high.
Wide Play
In build up with the 4+1 structure Rowdies put two players per flank, both in width and in support of the first offensive phase or for a quick attack. Things change when the phase is already started: different rotations and combinations on flanks are always set to be done: as we can see from data, The main flank where Tampa Bay are strong is the right flank, a zone where we can generally see several positioning switches that involve
Wyke N27, Antley N2 and Leo Fernandes N11, as in develop as in finalizing.
On the other hand, in the left side there is the conservative side, where rotations are also prepared but are more difficult to see due to the Different function and characteristic that LCM has.
In particular Guillèn (N33) is a player with decent technical skills but a defensive aptitude, so his participation on the attack phase is sustained with A bit of late, while LaCava (N19) loves to start wide and come inside the pitch as quick as he can, making the interaction between them hard.
As i said, Rowdies’ develop phases are built on overloads in flanks, structured with at least four players involved: this particular pattern allow them to Easier find a space on the relative flank or, when there’s a particular density also supported by the opponent’s pressure, switch side of the game from the one with the ball to the other without, considered weak side due to the low number of defenders involved in that zone.
This search of density is a must, also because is not helpful only in develop but in Finalize phase too, especially in the attack of the defense line or in Quick over/underlaps. As a plus considered important when Rowdies have to be faced is the quite ability in manipulate the space and the pressure: The density upon described is an important factor for both of this aspects, so in preparing the match it’s an element that has to be highlighted.
Assist Zone
Assist zone (or space behind the opponent’s second pressure line) is filled in the begin of the offensive phase with one player, normally the one in the opposite side respect the one where there is the ball, while when the off. phase is in develop that space is going to be filled with
two players in half-spaces plus the striker, also him with Aptitude oriented more to the associative game.
Players in Half Spaces are the LW/LCM (LaCava, N19, or Ekra, N7) on left, and Second Striker/RW or Rightback (Leo Fernandes, N11, or Wyke, N27).
These positions are quite useful in supporting the overloads and density on which I’ve already described the patterns, but they are also important
In the finalizing phase because let Rowdies to be ready for every cut back from the flanks: cut back are the favorite way to finalize from flanks, but we Will speak about them in the finalize chapter.
This zone is not searched a lot in develop, but the positioning are important in the economy of the team: it’s also relevant in build up, Especially when the builder is the fullback and, as I wrote before, there are not spaces for playing with the pivot and the team switch the game passing the ball from side to side waiting for a channel in the Assist Zone for an offensive player (Generally Leo Fernandes, N11).
Attack the defensive line
The defensive line is attacked by Rowdies in three ways:
the first one has the begin since the build up in zone 2, where one of the centerbacks are with the ball has a lot of spaces in front of him
where can carry the ball and see all the option available. It happens when in that phase the continue Ball switching from side to side leave
one CB to play in an open play case. When it happens, (and the opponent’s defensive line is high) the defender delivers a through pass
To the striker who Makes a run ahead his defender, using their strength to cut out an hypothetic tackle and running alone towards the goal.
This pattern is more frequent on the right side, from Wyke N27 to the striker, but it’s not a surprise watching it also on the left side, considering this Pattern a codified way to attack.
A second method is focused on a fast run behind the opponent’s lateral defenders made by the wing which is frequent to see when on the pitch There is Harris, N21, a fast and agile player.
As if the team is in the build up phase, as is In develop, as is also in the last third, if the dynamic allows this pass, it will be tried; what changes is The type of the pass: if this pattern is tried from a build up phase, the pass will be medium/long range, if it’s tried after a rotations in a develop Pattern on flanks the pass is going to be short and direct towards the opponent’s area.
The last way is not a codified play but is important the same, because due to the offensive structure they assume, sometimes they may play fast Combination at the edge of the box supported by a fast rotation (common called one-two) that allow an invasion in the area while the player
is running With the ball: this dynamic is tough to defend, so it’s important avoiding every possibility to let them making this play.
It’s not a codified play, but sometimes they try it.
Finalizing
To finalize Rowdies use the flanks a lot, as I’ve written in previous chapters. The main method Is the cut back, but are also relevant the tense ground cross directed in the edge of the goal area, a long cross on the second post or the shot outside the box, a way not in
video but tried when spaces are closed.
Going in order, cutbacks delivered towards the edge of the box: cutbacks are the most tried and the most effective way to finalize because allows invaders to run and kick the ball with strength and Good postural condition, without forgetting the spatial vantage to hit the ball near the goal. Is attempted from both flanks and there isn’t an addicted player to do this: whoever could do it, try it.
Same story is valid for the tense ground cross directed to the edge of the goal area, also this way is codified and it has same pros as cutbacks have. As we can see from Data, both are valid and dangerous due to the strategic patterns built to arrive in these conditions without issues.
The cross on the second post is an alternative way tried as an early, especially when in rotation by flanks there isn’t space to invade the box.
This method is also dangerous because the offensive Rowdies’ pattern bring the opposite wing into the box without marking, free to hit the ball or Make another pass to a better positioned teammate.
Last but not least, as I said Rowdies try to shot from outside the box, generally when spaces are inexistent and the ball is on the central channel or In halfspaces. They scored 7 goals from outside, so it’s important guarantee a proper cover when they are in these zones.
The positions they assume to attack the box are normally these: one player attack the defensive line and the goal area, two comes from outside The box to have opportunities to score from cutbacks, the wing on the opposite side, considering the position where is situated the ball, invade the Box behind defenders, taking advantage of the blind side of defenders, focused on watching the ball coming.
Offensive Transitions
When Rowdies recover the ball, independently from the pitch zone, the main idea is always based on pass the ball to the opposite side respect the part of the pitch where the ball has been recovered.
The direct counterattack results the main way to conduct a positive transition and is mostly played on the right side and it depends, as I said in other Chapter, by the players’ aptitude.
The transition is played with a long/medium range passes and it’s supported by at least three players.
When it’s not possible directly passing the ball forward they accept to make a back pass in order to have space and time to continue their plan to Directly attack with a fast counter attack.
When they are pressed or in the final period of the game the direct counter attack is searched more than other ways.
Preventive unmarking: three players rest in forward, two may change while the striker is always involved in preventive unmarking. These three are narrow between themselves with the striker more advanced than his teammates.
DEFENSIVE PHASE
First Pressure
High Block vs 4+1 Structure:
The approach against a 4+1 structure, as already written, is moving the LW and the second striker on opponent’s centerbacks, the CF on Pivot,
both CM on opponent’s midfielders and wingbacks on opponent’s fullbacks in an alternate combination: it depends by the zone where the ball is.
This idea is important because Rowdies’ priority is based on obtaining a numerical superiority on their own half, in order to control easily the opponent’s forward line. To do this they leave a Fullback alone, so in the build up by the goalkeeper’s throw-in it’s possible start the offensive phase with a medium range pass to the fullback unmarked.
If the first pressure is avoided they will recover their position and drop the defensive line, trying to reorganize they defensive system in a medium/low block.
High Block vs 3+1 Structure:
Against a 3+1 they show up a zone pressure: their aim is to cover the Pivot with the three offensive players: LW, CF and Second Striker. When the Goalkeeper plays the ball to the opponent’s CB, Rowdies rest in their instructions: with the positions previously described they also bring CMs to opponent’s midfielders, wingbacks to opponent’s wingbacks and Centerbacks in numerical superiority against opponent’s strikers.
If opponent play with 3 players in forward, same idea happens in the 4+1 structure will be showed here: one wingback drop with centerbacks in order to still have a numerical superiority in their own half. Also here if the first pressure is avoided they will recover a strategical position dropping under the ball line, reorganizing the defensive system in a medium/low block.
Medium/Low Block:
Regardless of the system they face, Rowdies tend to operate in a Medium/Low block with a more wait-and-see approach, waiting to attack the
opponent only when he initiates/develops an offensive action from the sides.
When this happens, the team moves compactly from side to side, resulting in coverages provided by the defensive line that operates, thanks to the 5-man line, short diagonals that leave no spaces for any overlapping.
Rowdies use to have a strong pressure in the whole game, except in certain periods when the high control of the ball put them in a way to leave opponents
play to recover energies and strategies.
As data confirm, they are in the 18th position in table concerned the PPDA, which explain more their approach to this strategy: in the matches analyzed Rowdies Showed up a good constancy in pressure, but in parts of the game they reduce the pressing and let opponents play more as in develop as in finalizing with vertical Passes, conceding poor occasions in overall, except in the match against Orange County where, in a situation of 10v11, they dropped the barycentre giving County The control of the game assuming risks to draw the game before the third goal.
What is important to highlight is that Rowdies is a physical and technical team which makes it more difficult to overcome and counteract strong pressure.
In any case, it is still possible to overcome their aggressiveness because in large parts of games the team unravel, opening useful space for the
advancement, especially in high block where the attackers line and the midfielders line don’t have a link the defenders line, creating a dangerous space behind
the second pressure line where it’s possible having a good position to attack in open play.
However, they are good at counter-recovery, both with proper coverage and with a foul when necessary.
Another relevant statistic is the amount of goal chances created by successful pressures: in the data it is possible to see how this defensive principle is
actually a decisive offensive weapon.
To overcome this heavy pressure, it might be useful to double the number of pivots in front of the builders, structuring the build-up phase with a 3+2,
working out rotations between pivots and laterals when the ball passes from the goalkeeper to one of the two CBs (LCB or RCB) in order to create a numerical superiority on the wing that could ensure a convenient exit from pressure.
Flank Defense – Assist Zone Covering
Flank Defense:
In first pressure I have already described the strategy that Rowdies’ assume when they face a 4+1 structure, a 3+1 structure and, for this last one, if opponents are with two strikers or three attackers.
When happens that the first pressure is avoided, Rowdies drop their barycentre under the ball line to reorganize their structure and strategy, assuming a
1-4-4/2 disposition or a 5-4/1, it depends if the opponent’s offensive phase is advanced or still in the midfield zone. In any case, what it’s important to specify is the choice of having at least two players per flanks in order to strategically start with a men against man numerical equity, where duels become important to take the lead of the flanks.
If the opponent, in their develop phase or finalizing zone, try to make density with overloads, bringing at least three players in the flank where they are building up a potential goal occasion, Rowdies will face this situation supporting the two players on flank with another one, generally the midfielder agents in the half space near the ball, still guaranteeing a numerical equity.
This aspect doesn’t happen with the same frequency in the high pressure, where if the men against men duel is lost, the team, as I said, drop their barycentre or tries to stop opponent’s progressive with a foul.
Assist Zone Covering:
In first pressure, midfielders have the duty to follow their men, even in the opponent’s half side if necessary, leaving a dangerous space behind them as I’ve previously written. When the block is medium or low, midfielders’ duties are more focused on cutting line passes to strikers, covering the line
defense (if the ball is ahead them), or attacking the strikers while they are controlling the ball received, guaranteeing a double marking with the defender addicted to mark the striker with the ball.
When The opponent’s attack is on flank, midfielders tend to stay in the central channel, but if opponents obtain a numerical superiority the mid near the ballsupport the duels and the other drop a bit covering the teammate’s position with a defensive approach.
Line Defense
The line defense generally follows all the approaches that the rest of the team use to apply when are in different zones and situations: in first pressure they guarantee a superiority number in the own half in order to manage opponent’s strikers and, when the dangerous space is opened by midfielders’ aggressions, one of the centerbacks uses to break the line covering the man acting in the Rowdies’ assist zone with the aim to recover the ball (starting a counter attack)
or put him in a way to don’t allow playing in an open play, giving time to teammates to rebuild their positions and strategies.
If all of this can’t happen, all of centerbacks don’t refuse making a foul and risks a yellow card.
When the opponent’s offensive is on develop or flanks the line appears concentrate, ready to win physical duels with strikers and covering eventual invasions made by opponent’s invades (midfielders and wings above all). Speaking about flanks, it’s important to highlight that even if they are four at back or with the
5-4/1 or 5-3/2, to defend a possible player that runs behind the lateral defender they use to support this situation with a short diagonal in order to don’t allow any attackers to arrive in Rowdies’ own third and having possibilities to create a goal occasion as from flanks as from a central channel.
If opponent’s build up phase (both from the goalkeeper or from a dynamic play in zone 2) is built on a direct long pass to strikers, the line defense seem to be ready and able to anticipate attackers in order to have a positional advantage on the aerial duel or on the ball control. Speaking about aerial duels, as Data shows, it’s tough they lose a duel on the central channel, but it can happen more in half spaces and flanks, so it can be useful play long ball on these part of the pitch.
Last but not least, their way to mark into the own area is mostly the zone marking, especially when they are five at back, while if they are four it depends from the number of attackers into the box: if two, they use to mark man on man, if one they stay with the zone marking.
Defensive Transitions
In defensive transitions there are weakness that have to be exploited. Rowdies use to attack the opponent’s ball conqueror when he has the ball with a good aggression, but sometimes they may attack the man in late, conceding the time to start a counter attack. They player addicted to push the ball owner is Hilton (N4) and together with him can help in the pressure a teammate near the ball.
The weakness is more detected on flanks, where the offensive approach wings and fullbacks have can provide to Rowdies, as consequence, a late covering on these strategical part of the pitch: when it happens, as we can see on video, a center back has to break the line trying to defend the opponent’s open play but, if it happens with late, fullback’s covering is not enough and opponents can find a good space to directly attack the Rowdies’ area.
Preventive Marking:
The main structure is a 2+1, with Hilton (N4) as vertex of this triangle (the first player that has the duty to attack the opponent’s ball owner) and two defenders (generally centerbacks on normal play or fullbacks on corners). They are quite narrow as in width as in length, that’s why the space mostly left
Is on flank. Considering the team’s physicality and athleticism, if the transition starts in the opponent’s half of the field they do not have great problems
in recovering positions, whereas if the transition takes place in their own half of the field the offensive line-up cannot be covered even by athletic readiness, so a recovery in the opponent’s half of the field with a direct lateral attack could put them in great difficulty.
For Set Pieces and Data Analysis watch the full report down below.
Software and Data:
LiveTag Pro
Keynote
Wyscout
Copyright: Sebastiano Cipollone
SCANALYST - Sebastiano Cipollone's Portofolio 