Saif
@saif4tfp.bsky.social
Aspiring Football Analyst
https://substack.com/@saif4tfp
https://substack.com/@saif4tfp
Pinned
Saif
@saif4tfp.bsky.social
· May 8
That turnover from Olmo.
Pedri plays a layoff to FDJ then angles his run smartly into the left half-space. Meanwhile, Olmo drops to link play but misses a crucial second scan before receiving the ball.
The geometry was perfect: a quick 3rd man combo would release Pedri behind Inter's mid.
Pedri plays a layoff to FDJ then angles his run smartly into the left half-space. Meanwhile, Olmo drops to link play but misses a crucial second scan before receiving the ball.
The geometry was perfect: a quick 3rd man combo would release Pedri behind Inter's mid.
That turnover from Olmo.
Pedri plays a layoff to FDJ then angles his run smartly into the left half-space. Meanwhile, Olmo drops to link play but misses a crucial second scan before receiving the ball.
The geometry was perfect: a quick 3rd man combo would release Pedri behind Inter's mid.
Pedri plays a layoff to FDJ then angles his run smartly into the left half-space. Meanwhile, Olmo drops to link play but misses a crucial second scan before receiving the ball.
The geometry was perfect: a quick 3rd man combo would release Pedri behind Inter's mid.
May 8, 2025 at 7:15 PM
That turnover from Olmo.
Pedri plays a layoff to FDJ then angles his run smartly into the left half-space. Meanwhile, Olmo drops to link play but misses a crucial second scan before receiving the ball.
The geometry was perfect: a quick 3rd man combo would release Pedri behind Inter's mid.
Pedri plays a layoff to FDJ then angles his run smartly into the left half-space. Meanwhile, Olmo drops to link play but misses a crucial second scan before receiving the ball.
The geometry was perfect: a quick 3rd man combo would release Pedri behind Inter's mid.
Leading Barça’s attack, Ferran Torres played a crucial role, frequently positioning himself behind the n 10s Raphinha and Dani Olmo to manipulate Inter’s back three.
His smart positioning and well-timed runs were instrumental, eventually leading to the second goal. Videos 👇
His smart positioning and well-timed runs were instrumental, eventually leading to the second goal. Videos 👇
May 3, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Leading Barça’s attack, Ferran Torres played a crucial role, frequently positioning himself behind the n 10s Raphinha and Dani Olmo to manipulate Inter’s back three.
His smart positioning and well-timed runs were instrumental, eventually leading to the second goal. Videos 👇
His smart positioning and well-timed runs were instrumental, eventually leading to the second goal. Videos 👇
March 24, 2025 at 6:19 PM
My latest article:
open.substack.com/pub/thefarpo...
open.substack.com/pub/thefarpo...
Hansi Flick: Shaping Barcelona into a Dynamic Powerhouse.
Even though Barcelona played well against Atletico in their league game at Montjuic in December and in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, they were slow to get going this time.
open.substack.com
March 24, 2025 at 6:12 PM
My latest article:
open.substack.com/pub/thefarpo...
open.substack.com/pub/thefarpo...
Reposted by Saif
Barca's biggest edge vs Benfica was the superiority during build-up play.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
March 15, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Barca's biggest edge vs Benfica was the superiority during build-up play.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
Barca's biggest edge vs Benfica was the superiority during build-up play.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
March 15, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Barca's biggest edge vs Benfica was the superiority during build-up play.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
Reposted by Saif
“In the second 45 minutes we saw a different Juve. They became more aggressive, courageous, dynamic, and determined."
Said Capello in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
What did Juve change in the second half to win the derby?
🧵
Said Capello in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
What did Juve change in the second half to win the derby?
🧵
February 18, 2025 at 10:40 PM
“In the second 45 minutes we saw a different Juve. They became more aggressive, courageous, dynamic, and determined."
Said Capello in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
What did Juve change in the second half to win the derby?
🧵
Said Capello in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
What did Juve change in the second half to win the derby?
🧵
Reposted by Saif
How Rayo Vallecano unmasked Barcelona’s def flaws 🧵🎥
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
February 20, 2025 at 4:31 AM
How Rayo Vallecano unmasked Barcelona’s def flaws 🧵🎥
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
How Rayo Vallecano unmasked Barcelona’s def flaws 🧵🎥
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
February 20, 2025 at 4:31 AM
How Rayo Vallecano unmasked Barcelona’s def flaws 🧵🎥
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
“In the second 45 minutes we saw a different Juve. They became more aggressive, courageous, dynamic, and determined."
Said Capello in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
What did Juve change in the second half to win the derby?
🧵
Said Capello in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
What did Juve change in the second half to win the derby?
🧵
February 18, 2025 at 10:40 PM
“In the second 45 minutes we saw a different Juve. They became more aggressive, courageous, dynamic, and determined."
Said Capello in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
What did Juve change in the second half to win the derby?
🧵
Said Capello in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
What did Juve change in the second half to win the derby?
🧵
Defensive Fragility: City and Madrid’s Out-of-Possession Problems. 🧵🎥
City's 2-3 build-up structure with both FBs tucked inside effectively bypassed Madrid’s press. The idea was to pull the winger or the No. 10 wide toward the touchline As a result, Haaland was often left isolated vs the other CB.
City's 2-3 build-up structure with both FBs tucked inside effectively bypassed Madrid’s press. The idea was to pull the winger or the No. 10 wide toward the touchline As a result, Haaland was often left isolated vs the other CB.
February 13, 2025 at 4:49 AM
Defensive Fragility: City and Madrid’s Out-of-Possession Problems. 🧵🎥
City's 2-3 build-up structure with both FBs tucked inside effectively bypassed Madrid’s press. The idea was to pull the winger or the No. 10 wide toward the touchline As a result, Haaland was often left isolated vs the other CB.
City's 2-3 build-up structure with both FBs tucked inside effectively bypassed Madrid’s press. The idea was to pull the winger or the No. 10 wide toward the touchline As a result, Haaland was often left isolated vs the other CB.
Barcelona employed a well-defined tactical approach to neutralize Atalanta's high press, which can be summarized as follows: create space through intelligent off-the-ball movement and find ways to break free from markers to take advantage of this space. 🧵🎥
January 31, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Barcelona employed a well-defined tactical approach to neutralize Atalanta's high press, which can be summarized as follows: create space through intelligent off-the-ball movement and find ways to break free from markers to take advantage of this space. 🧵🎥
Barcelona's High Press :🧵
First half in Lisbon raised concerns about Barcelona's off-the-ball structure. Early on, it became clear that their defensive vulnerabilities were linked to spaces opening up on the flanks, particularly when the defensive line shifted across the pitch.
First half in Lisbon raised concerns about Barcelona's off-the-ball structure. Early on, it became clear that their defensive vulnerabilities were linked to spaces opening up on the flanks, particularly when the defensive line shifted across the pitch.
January 25, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Barcelona's High Press :🧵
First half in Lisbon raised concerns about Barcelona's off-the-ball structure. Early on, it became clear that their defensive vulnerabilities were linked to spaces opening up on the flanks, particularly when the defensive line shifted across the pitch.
First half in Lisbon raised concerns about Barcelona's off-the-ball structure. Early on, it became clear that their defensive vulnerabilities were linked to spaces opening up on the flanks, particularly when the defensive line shifted across the pitch.
PSG has developed a solid possession game against City, using a 4-3-3 that shifts to a 3-3-4.
The idea focused on overloading the ball side and switching the play to wingers for a 1v1 ,while forwards rotate freely to enhance fluidity and exploit space behind City's backline.
The idea focused on overloading the ball side and switching the play to wingers for a 1v1 ,while forwards rotate freely to enhance fluidity and exploit space behind City's backline.
January 23, 2025 at 5:14 AM
PSG has developed a solid possession game against City, using a 4-3-3 that shifts to a 3-3-4.
The idea focused on overloading the ball side and switching the play to wingers for a 1v1 ,while forwards rotate freely to enhance fluidity and exploit space behind City's backline.
The idea focused on overloading the ball side and switching the play to wingers for a 1v1 ,while forwards rotate freely to enhance fluidity and exploit space behind City's backline.
Reposted by Saif
🏃♂️⏪ 🏃♀️ 𝐀𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐫
It's been over a year now since I was invited to present my 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 metric to a small group of people at a SkillCorner event in Dallas, TX.
I've finally put some effort into writing a blog on it!
unravelsports.github.io/2024/12/12/p...
It's been over a year now since I was invited to present my 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 metric to a small group of people at a SkillCorner event in Dallas, TX.
I've finally put some effort into writing a blog on it!
unravelsports.github.io/2024/12/12/p...
🔬 An Intuitive Measure for Pressing
For a long time I’ve had the aim to develop an intuitive measure for pressing that can be used by coaches, assistants and (data) analysts to identify and analyze pressing situations, compute advanced ...
unravelsports.github.io
December 12, 2024 at 1:34 PM
🏃♂️⏪ 🏃♀️ 𝐀𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐫
It's been over a year now since I was invited to present my 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 metric to a small group of people at a SkillCorner event in Dallas, TX.
I've finally put some effort into writing a blog on it!
unravelsports.github.io/2024/12/12/p...
It's been over a year now since I was invited to present my 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 metric to a small group of people at a SkillCorner event in Dallas, TX.
I've finally put some effort into writing a blog on it!
unravelsports.github.io/2024/12/12/p...
Thoughts on Newcastle's OOP vs Liverpool 🧵
Newcastle adopted a 4-5-1 mid/low block shape when out of possession, focusing on overloading Liverpool's midfield to create opportunities for turnovers and counter-attacks.
ttx
Newcastle adopted a 4-5-1 mid/low block shape when out of possession, focusing on overloading Liverpool's midfield to create opportunities for turnovers and counter-attacks.
ttx
December 7, 2024 at 5:19 AM
Thoughts on Newcastle's OOP vs Liverpool 🧵
Newcastle adopted a 4-5-1 mid/low block shape when out of possession, focusing on overloading Liverpool's midfield to create opportunities for turnovers and counter-attacks.
ttx
Newcastle adopted a 4-5-1 mid/low block shape when out of possession, focusing on overloading Liverpool's midfield to create opportunities for turnovers and counter-attacks.
ttx
Newcastle's compact zonal block proved to be a significant challenge for Liverpool.
Despite conceding 3 goals, a solid pressing and the ability of forcing turnovers into counterattacks, are things that Eddie Howe can take solace in.
#NewcastleLiverpool
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
Despite conceding 3 goals, a solid pressing and the ability of forcing turnovers into counterattacks, are things that Eddie Howe can take solace in.
#NewcastleLiverpool
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
December 6, 2024 at 5:34 PM
Newcastle's compact zonal block proved to be a significant challenge for Liverpool.
Despite conceding 3 goals, a solid pressing and the ability of forcing turnovers into counterattacks, are things that Eddie Howe can take solace in.
#NewcastleLiverpool
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
Despite conceding 3 goals, a solid pressing and the ability of forcing turnovers into counterattacks, are things that Eddie Howe can take solace in.
#NewcastleLiverpool
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
Some thoughts on Liverpool-Real Madrid 🧵
Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive game plan was pretty obvious, but when it came to keeping the ball, there wasn’t much going on. RM didn’t seem interested in transitions and they looked a bit clueless trying to figure out how to break down Liverpool in open play.
Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive game plan was pretty obvious, but when it came to keeping the ball, there wasn’t much going on. RM didn’t seem interested in transitions and they looked a bit clueless trying to figure out how to break down Liverpool in open play.
November 28, 2024 at 4:57 AM
Some thoughts on Liverpool-Real Madrid 🧵
Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive game plan was pretty obvious, but when it came to keeping the ball, there wasn’t much going on. RM didn’t seem interested in transitions and they looked a bit clueless trying to figure out how to break down Liverpool in open play.
Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive game plan was pretty obvious, but when it came to keeping the ball, there wasn’t much going on. RM didn’t seem interested in transitions and they looked a bit clueless trying to figure out how to break down Liverpool in open play.
ttx
November 28, 2024 at 1:51 AM
ttx
Reposted by Saif
How Spurs stunned City at Etihad.
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
November 24, 2024 at 8:57 PM
How Spurs stunned City at Etihad.
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
November 28, 2024 at 1:49 AM
How Spurs stunned City at Etihad.
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
November 24, 2024 at 8:57 PM
How Spurs stunned City at Etihad.
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
open.substack.com/pub/saif4tfp...
Reposted by Saif
Competition 🎉 Win one of our 90s Football Mugs!
To enter:
➡️ Repost this post
➡️ Follow us
It's that simple! Good luck 🤞
To enter:
➡️ Repost this post
➡️ Follow us
It's that simple! Good luck 🤞
November 20, 2024 at 12:56 PM
Competition 🎉 Win one of our 90s Football Mugs!
To enter:
➡️ Repost this post
➡️ Follow us
It's that simple! Good luck 🤞
To enter:
➡️ Repost this post
➡️ Follow us
It's that simple! Good luck 🤞
Reposted by Saif
I've built a Football Tactics feed which I'm going to start populating with some of the best tactical accounts on here. It's a curated feed which means only posts which are specifically tagged will go into it so it should be a pretty clean.
ttx
bsky.app/profile/did:...
ttx
bsky.app/profile/did:...
November 19, 2024 at 11:51 PM
I've built a Football Tactics feed which I'm going to start populating with some of the best tactical accounts on here. It's a curated feed which means only posts which are specifically tagged will go into it so it should be a pretty clean.
ttx
bsky.app/profile/did:...
ttx
bsky.app/profile/did:...