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Eric Smith's Throwback Libero Role At St. Pauli 2024/25 & Three Star Signings This Winter In WSL
Today, we have a scouting report on St. Pauli libero Eric Smith along with analysis of three impactful WSL winter signings!
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From the 1960s to the 1980s, the role of the sweeper (or libero) was very popular in football.
One of the most interesting features of the role was that it allowed the defender, usually behind the rest of the back line, to drive vertically into the midfield area with or without the ball.
In recent years, the evolution of football tactics has seen a return to this pattern, with many coaches preferring to play their centre-back forward when in possession of the ball.
The centre-back will play higher than the others, usually on the same line as the midfielder (or sometimes even higher).
Names such as John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Ricardo Calafiori have emerged from this trend by playing this role.
In Germany, one name is hardly ever mentioned, even though he's been playing quite well in that role since 2022.
His name is Eric Smith, and he plays for St. Pauli.
In his debut piece for TFA, Bergas Brillianto analyses the St. Pauli player’s game and unique, throwback role.
Common opinion among the WSL fanbase is that the title race has already reached its conclusion, with defending champions Chelsea Women still unbeaten after 12 games and now sitting seven points clear at the summit.
However, while there may be some truth to that, there is still plenty for the other 11 sides in the top flight to compete for.
The race to join Sonia Bompastor’s side in next season’s Champions League and the battle to stay in the league are very much alive.
To that end, the winter transfer window has seen plenty of activity, with sides fighting to secure what they feel is needed to help them achieve their aims.
David Astill analyses three star signings in the WSL this winter!
TFA Archives 📆
Manchester United face FCSB in their final UEFA Europa League league phase game today.
Check out our analysis of RĂşben Amorim and his tactics!
Second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt face AS Roma in the UEFA Europa League this evening.
Check out our analysis of Dino Toppmöller’s tactics in-possession!
Lazio sit top of the table in the UEFA Europa League heading into their final league phase game versus SC Braga this evening.
Check out our tactical analysis of Marco Baroni’s attack!
José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe fight for a place in the next phase of the UEFA Europa League this evening while rivals Galatasaray aim to secure a top-eight finish.
Check out our analysis of both teams ahead of their derby clash earlier this season!
