Still look to control the central zone, but press more aggressively in each playerâs zone in Phase 3. The lines become tighter and the shape is still narrow, making extremely compact and hard to play through. The aggressive zonal pressing applies to the centre backs too. Although the team donât use an apparent stopper-cover centre back partnership, their centre backs are aggressive in challenging for the first ball, often getting in front of the opponent to win the ball. This approach is clearly successful when you consider the sheer amount, and success, of clearances made in the central zone in and around the area.
compact shape along with aggressive zonal pressing restricts the opposition attacking through the centre. A strength of defensive organisation is how well they defend the central zone, especially in and around the box. Stats and picture courtesy of Squawka.
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