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Replacing Kevin De Bruyne At Manchester City & Overlapping And Underlapping Runs
Today, we have a data analysis piece on replacing Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City along with a tactical theory piece on overlapping and underlapping runs.
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If Manchester City fans have learned anything over the last few years, it is that their team contains plenty of star names, but there are a few who they simply can’t be without.
This season has been the epitome of that, with Pep Guardiola’s side losing defensive midfielder Rodri to a knee injury back in September and looking like a shadow of the team that has won the last four Premier League titles in a row as a result.
Another player they would and have struggled to be without at times is Kevin De Bruyne, who has been central to their recent run of success.
Time and again, he has provided a spark when one has been required, and there have been plenty of matches in which his presence has made the difference between a victory and either a draw or a defeat.
However, that quality has drawn interest from elsewhere, and reports are now linking the Belgium playmaker with other teams.
In particular, the MLS (newcomers San Diego FC are reportedly very keen on acquiring his services) and Saudi Pro League have been strongly rumoured as potential destinations for him, and there is now a possibility that De Bruyne’s time at the Etihad Stadium may be nearing its end.
It is important to stress that these are only rumours at this moment, and nothing has been finalised yet.
There is also a good chance that the Belgium playmaker will opt to turn down a move elsewhere and extend his stay at Manchester City beyond the summer.
However, even if that does happen, the question will remain as to how long that will be, and it is for that reason that this tactical analysis will look at just how prepared Manchester City are for permanent life without their captain.
David Astill’s scout report will first detail the key traits that he brings to their play before assessing other midfielders currently at the club.
The analysis will also suggest a few transfer targets they could consider if they decide that none of those on their books could adequately replicate what De Bruyne has given them over the years.
In this tactical theory piece, we unveil the advantages and disadvantages of a certain attacking strategy on a group tactical level.
As many sides attempt to force the opposition out wide when defending, any team will face the challenge of finding a way to either break through on the wing or to play back into the centre when possessing the ball on either flank.
Wing-play allows several concepts and strategies to break the opposition defence and create goal-scoring opportunities.
Underlap and overlap runs are common and effective concepts when attacking through wide areas.
While the overlapping run is way more popular, underlapping runs hold some advantages that the overlap does not provide.
In our tactical analysis, we examine the anatomy of these runs and explain in their effects on teammates and opposition players in detail.
This will allow you to understand all the pros and cons of overlap and underlap.
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Take a look at the match analysis we made of their game when Barcelona won 5-4 at the end of January to see how that game played out.
What will happen this time?
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