ACHRAF
@lamdarhriachraf.bsky.social
✍️ Football Writer focusing mainly on Tactical Analysis BetweenThePosts.net. Most Importantly Philosophy Lover.
Founder of The Inside Channel Blog 👇.
https://lamdarhri.substack.com/
Founder of The Inside Channel Blog 👇.
https://lamdarhri.substack.com/
Pinned
ACHRAF
@lamdarhriachraf.bsky.social
· Jan 3
Real Madrid: A Mixed Bag
On Real Madrid struggles after November international break, the good things and bad things, the fluctuation between lows and downs, efficiencies and deficiencies.
open.substack.com
Real Madrid: A mixed bag.
My biggest Newsletter.
On Real Madrid OOP issues (lane coverage, hybrid press, low block shambles), buildup vs man-oriented and hybrid presses, outswinging corners, attacking medium and low blocks (problems and solutions), and more.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
My biggest Newsletter.
On Real Madrid OOP issues (lane coverage, hybrid press, low block shambles), buildup vs man-oriented and hybrid presses, outswinging corners, attacking medium and low blocks (problems and solutions), and more.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
Using Bryan Mbeumo as a false nine is good given how often he attacks the space in behind, exploit the defenders blindsides, transitional threat, and I think is more reliable than the likes of Sesko & Zirkzee at this point.
February 10, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Using Bryan Mbeumo as a false nine is good given how often he attacks the space in behind, exploit the defenders blindsides, transitional threat, and I think is more reliable than the likes of Sesko & Zirkzee at this point.
Manchester United (Michael Carrick) diagonality.
The majority of the players are on the half-turn to receive.
Diagonal passes from Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and Cunha break down the orthogonal low block of Tottenham.
Casemiro, Cunha, and Bruno take places between the gaps.
The majority of the players are on the half-turn to receive.
Diagonal passes from Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and Cunha break down the orthogonal low block of Tottenham.
Casemiro, Cunha, and Bruno take places between the gaps.
February 10, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Manchester United (Michael Carrick) diagonality.
The majority of the players are on the half-turn to receive.
Diagonal passes from Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and Cunha break down the orthogonal low block of Tottenham.
Casemiro, Cunha, and Bruno take places between the gaps.
The majority of the players are on the half-turn to receive.
Diagonal passes from Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and Cunha break down the orthogonal low block of Tottenham.
Casemiro, Cunha, and Bruno take places between the gaps.
I really like Haaland pinning Van Dijk and pulling him wide.
It expands the distance between Van Dijk & Konaté for any potential pass in behind for Marmoush, who enjoys the diagonal runs (Konaté blindside) between Szoboszlai & Konaté.
It expands the distance between Van Dijk & Konaté for any potential pass in behind for Marmoush, who enjoys the diagonal runs (Konaté blindside) between Szoboszlai & Konaté.
February 8, 2026 at 5:27 PM
I really like Haaland pinning Van Dijk and pulling him wide.
It expands the distance between Van Dijk & Konaté for any potential pass in behind for Marmoush, who enjoys the diagonal runs (Konaté blindside) between Szoboszlai & Konaté.
It expands the distance between Van Dijk & Konaté for any potential pass in behind for Marmoush, who enjoys the diagonal runs (Konaté blindside) between Szoboszlai & Konaté.
Diagonal passes are one of the most efficient tools to exploit a team shuffling their blocks across.
Here, Manchester United Escadinhas (staircase) allows a smooth diagonal passing circulation between Dalot, Casemiro & Mbeumo.
Here, Manchester United Escadinhas (staircase) allows a smooth diagonal passing circulation between Dalot, Casemiro & Mbeumo.
February 7, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Diagonal passes are one of the most efficient tools to exploit a team shuffling their blocks across.
Here, Manchester United Escadinhas (staircase) allows a smooth diagonal passing circulation between Dalot, Casemiro & Mbeumo.
Here, Manchester United Escadinhas (staircase) allows a smooth diagonal passing circulation between Dalot, Casemiro & Mbeumo.
There is so much emphasis on central penetration initiated by Lisandro Martinez line breakers.
They enable Manchester United to access the space BTLs for Mbeumo, Cunha, and Bruno to thread passes.
However, Man Utd takes some average quality decisions and shots IMO.
They enable Manchester United to access the space BTLs for Mbeumo, Cunha, and Bruno to thread passes.
However, Man Utd takes some average quality decisions and shots IMO.
February 7, 2026 at 2:08 PM
There is so much emphasis on central penetration initiated by Lisandro Martinez line breakers.
They enable Manchester United to access the space BTLs for Mbeumo, Cunha, and Bruno to thread passes.
However, Man Utd takes some average quality decisions and shots IMO.
They enable Manchester United to access the space BTLs for Mbeumo, Cunha, and Bruno to thread passes.
However, Man Utd takes some average quality decisions and shots IMO.
The positional fluidity of Manchester United help the team to find inroads either via long passes in space & in 1v1 situations (Mbeumo or Diallo vs one of the defenders)
Also, Bruno position around Tottenham midfield (wide) & Amad Diallo tucking inside enabled the out-in passes.
Also, Bruno position around Tottenham midfield (wide) & Amad Diallo tucking inside enabled the out-in passes.
February 7, 2026 at 1:17 PM
The positional fluidity of Manchester United help the team to find inroads either via long passes in space & in 1v1 situations (Mbeumo or Diallo vs one of the defenders)
Also, Bruno position around Tottenham midfield (wide) & Amad Diallo tucking inside enabled the out-in passes.
Also, Bruno position around Tottenham midfield (wide) & Amad Diallo tucking inside enabled the out-in passes.
Manchester United players On Ball Value.
I want to focus more on Lisandro Martinez.
I don't think Man Utd could perform the same way when he's not available in deep buildup or in settled play.
Line breakers, long & medium range passing & cunning to evade pressure.
I want to focus more on Lisandro Martinez.
I don't think Man Utd could perform the same way when he's not available in deep buildup or in settled play.
Line breakers, long & medium range passing & cunning to evade pressure.
February 6, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Manchester United players On Ball Value.
I want to focus more on Lisandro Martinez.
I don't think Man Utd could perform the same way when he's not available in deep buildup or in settled play.
Line breakers, long & medium range passing & cunning to evade pressure.
I want to focus more on Lisandro Martinez.
I don't think Man Utd could perform the same way when he's not available in deep buildup or in settled play.
Line breakers, long & medium range passing & cunning to evade pressure.
Real Madrid’s Flawed Diamond
Real Madrid’s ‘kind of press’ is suicidal.
www.managingmadrid.com/formations-a...
Real Madrid’s ‘kind of press’ is suicidal.
www.managingmadrid.com/formations-a...
Real Madrid’s Flawed Diamond
Real Madrid’s ‘kind of press’ is suicidal.
www.managingmadrid.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Real Madrid’s Flawed Diamond
Real Madrid’s ‘kind of press’ is suicidal.
www.managingmadrid.com/formations-a...
Real Madrid’s ‘kind of press’ is suicidal.
www.managingmadrid.com/formations-a...
I think Luke Shaw stood out against Arsenal in terms of anticipation, being proactive, and good reading of the situation to defend Arsenal's channel balls.
By stretching the width of the pitch, Arsenal tended to expand the space between CB & FB to slide passes into a runner.
By stretching the width of the pitch, Arsenal tended to expand the space between CB & FB to slide passes into a runner.
February 3, 2026 at 3:28 PM
I think Luke Shaw stood out against Arsenal in terms of anticipation, being proactive, and good reading of the situation to defend Arsenal's channel balls.
By stretching the width of the pitch, Arsenal tended to expand the space between CB & FB to slide passes into a runner.
By stretching the width of the pitch, Arsenal tended to expand the space between CB & FB to slide passes into a runner.
Elche - Barcelona analysis is up:
—Barca baits Elche man-oriented press to hit the space behind;
—Barca off-ball movements & diagonal combinations;
—Elche overloads & late runners to break down Barca highline & offside trap;
—Clash of direct Attacks;
betweentheposts.net/elche-barcel...
—Barca baits Elche man-oriented press to hit the space behind;
—Barca off-ball movements & diagonal combinations;
—Elche overloads & late runners to break down Barca highline & offside trap;
—Clash of direct Attacks;
betweentheposts.net/elche-barcel...
Elche – Barcelona: A Clash Of Direct Attacks (1-3) - Between The Posts
In a battle of direct attacks, Barcelona came out victorious to maintain La Liga's lead. Baiting, off-ball movements, and diagonal combinations paved the road for the Catalans to create an unprecedent...
betweentheposts.net
February 2, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Elche - Barcelona analysis is up:
—Barca baits Elche man-oriented press to hit the space behind;
—Barca off-ball movements & diagonal combinations;
—Elche overloads & late runners to break down Barca highline & offside trap;
—Clash of direct Attacks;
betweentheposts.net/elche-barcel...
—Barca baits Elche man-oriented press to hit the space behind;
—Barca off-ball movements & diagonal combinations;
—Elche overloads & late runners to break down Barca highline & offside trap;
—Clash of direct Attacks;
betweentheposts.net/elche-barcel...
You just have to give credit to what Bernardo Silva provides.
One of the most intelligent players out there, versatile, offers solutions in the buildup & progression & can retain the ball under pressure.
OOP, he doesn't stop running, aware of angles to block off passing lanes.
One of the most intelligent players out there, versatile, offers solutions in the buildup & progression & can retain the ball under pressure.
OOP, he doesn't stop running, aware of angles to block off passing lanes.
February 1, 2026 at 6:18 PM
You just have to give credit to what Bernardo Silva provides.
One of the most intelligent players out there, versatile, offers solutions in the buildup & progression & can retain the ball under pressure.
OOP, he doesn't stop running, aware of angles to block off passing lanes.
One of the most intelligent players out there, versatile, offers solutions in the buildup & progression & can retain the ball under pressure.
OOP, he doesn't stop running, aware of angles to block off passing lanes.
I like how Zubimendi often wins his aerial duels by quickly reading the situation and anticipating a win on the first contact with the ball.
When he needs to jump, he has the power that gives him that height and momentum on the leap.
No wonder Arteta (Jover) put in the box.
When he needs to jump, he has the power that gives him that height and momentum on the leap.
No wonder Arteta (Jover) put in the box.
January 31, 2026 at 3:59 PM
I like how Zubimendi often wins his aerial duels by quickly reading the situation and anticipating a win on the first contact with the ball.
When he needs to jump, he has the power that gives him that height and momentum on the leap.
No wonder Arteta (Jover) put in the box.
When he needs to jump, he has the power that gives him that height and momentum on the leap.
No wonder Arteta (Jover) put in the box.
If Real Madrid wants to continue with the same strategy of "we aren't willing to do the dirty work out of possession", then keeping the ball for long stretches in the game seems to be the solution, according to how Florentino Perez and his assistants think.
January 30, 2026 at 4:31 PM
If Real Madrid wants to continue with the same strategy of "we aren't willing to do the dirty work out of possession", then keeping the ball for long stretches in the game seems to be the solution, according to how Florentino Perez and his assistants think.
Benfica's first goal against Real Madrid was a result of a combination of a lackadaisical attitude, subpar positioning from some players, and poor decision-making.
Here is a short breakdown of Real Madrid's rest defense.
Here is a short breakdown of Real Madrid's rest defense.
January 29, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Benfica's first goal against Real Madrid was a result of a combination of a lackadaisical attitude, subpar positioning from some players, and poor decision-making.
Here is a short breakdown of Real Madrid's rest defense.
Here is a short breakdown of Real Madrid's rest defense.
The eye test suggests that Manchester United, especially under Michael Carrick, overload the left side, combine in close proximity and then switch to the far side, where usually Dalot & Diallo outnumber the opposite FB or one of them in 1v1 situations.
January 27, 2026 at 4:28 PM
The eye test suggests that Manchester United, especially under Michael Carrick, overload the left side, combine in close proximity and then switch to the far side, where usually Dalot & Diallo outnumber the opposite FB or one of them in 1v1 situations.
Manchester United & Michael Carrick: Pace, Power, Penetration, Unpredictability.
That's How Sir Alex Ferguson and Rene Meulensteen set the team up back then.
That's How Sir Alex Ferguson and Rene Meulensteen set the team up back then.
January 25, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Manchester United & Michael Carrick: Pace, Power, Penetration, Unpredictability.
That's How Sir Alex Ferguson and Rene Meulensteen set the team up back then.
That's How Sir Alex Ferguson and Rene Meulensteen set the team up back then.
IMO, in the first half, Manchester United have some problems:
—Standing on the ball, string correct passes which had gotten better after that long off-ball period.
—Attacking with numbers to secure better ball circulation, chance creation, more threat, more corners.
—Standing on the ball, string correct passes which had gotten better after that long off-ball period.
—Attacking with numbers to secure better ball circulation, chance creation, more threat, more corners.
January 25, 2026 at 5:55 PM
IMO, in the first half, Manchester United have some problems:
—Standing on the ball, string correct passes which had gotten better after that long off-ball period.
—Attacking with numbers to secure better ball circulation, chance creation, more threat, more corners.
—Standing on the ball, string correct passes which had gotten better after that long off-ball period.
—Attacking with numbers to secure better ball circulation, chance creation, more threat, more corners.
𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠:
Football is constructed around 11 Players Kicking The Ball. Striking it to score is the ultimate Goal. But, Few players have the willingness to develop the Mechanics to better Strike it.
A Thread 🚨
Football is constructed around 11 Players Kicking The Ball. Striking it to score is the ultimate Goal. But, Few players have the willingness to develop the Mechanics to better Strike it.
A Thread 🚨
January 25, 2026 at 12:34 PM
𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠:
Football is constructed around 11 Players Kicking The Ball. Striking it to score is the ultimate Goal. But, Few players have the willingness to develop the Mechanics to better Strike it.
A Thread 🚨
Football is constructed around 11 Players Kicking The Ball. Striking it to score is the ultimate Goal. But, Few players have the willingness to develop the Mechanics to better Strike it.
A Thread 🚨
Marcos Senesi is one of the fewest CBs whose long passes are different, based on the context.
If it's switch then it's a pass that drives through the receiver, hit with precision, enough height & power to exploit the far side space.
If it's a pass in behind it's delivered with a significant...
If it's switch then it's a pass that drives through the receiver, hit with precision, enough height & power to exploit the far side space.
If it's a pass in behind it's delivered with a significant...
January 24, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Marcos Senesi is one of the fewest CBs whose long passes are different, based on the context.
If it's switch then it's a pass that drives through the receiver, hit with precision, enough height & power to exploit the far side space.
If it's a pass in behind it's delivered with a significant...
If it's switch then it's a pass that drives through the receiver, hit with precision, enough height & power to exploit the far side space.
If it's a pass in behind it's delivered with a significant...
Liverpool Formula to bypass Bournemouth high press:
CBs split wide to allow Mac Allister or Gravenberch to drop back.
Szoboszlai, Wirtz drop from high to low alongside Mac Allister & Gravenberch to overload Bournemouth midfield.
Salah & Gakpo run around Senesi & Hill.
CBs split wide to allow Mac Allister or Gravenberch to drop back.
Szoboszlai, Wirtz drop from high to low alongside Mac Allister & Gravenberch to overload Bournemouth midfield.
Salah & Gakpo run around Senesi & Hill.
January 24, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Liverpool Formula to bypass Bournemouth high press:
CBs split wide to allow Mac Allister or Gravenberch to drop back.
Szoboszlai, Wirtz drop from high to low alongside Mac Allister & Gravenberch to overload Bournemouth midfield.
Salah & Gakpo run around Senesi & Hill.
CBs split wide to allow Mac Allister or Gravenberch to drop back.
Szoboszlai, Wirtz drop from high to low alongside Mac Allister & Gravenberch to overload Bournemouth midfield.
Salah & Gakpo run around Senesi & Hill.
I would like to highlight that in the era of Modric, Kroos, and Casemiro, Real Madrid had a high level of athleticism that's lacking right now in the same area of the pitch.
Back then, Real Madrid had midfielders who:
—Had a high spatial awareness and cognitively superior;
Back then, Real Madrid had midfielders who:
—Had a high spatial awareness and cognitively superior;
January 22, 2026 at 2:01 PM
I would like to highlight that in the era of Modric, Kroos, and Casemiro, Real Madrid had a high level of athleticism that's lacking right now in the same area of the pitch.
Back then, Real Madrid had midfielders who:
—Had a high spatial awareness and cognitively superior;
Back then, Real Madrid had midfielders who:
—Had a high spatial awareness and cognitively superior;
Areas that Michael Carrick has to improve are decreasing the quality of shots Manchester United conceded under Ruben Amorim and Darren Fletcher by defending and attacking well.
He hinted at that after the Man City game as he wanted close distances between positions & units while operating off-ball.
He hinted at that after the Man City game as he wanted close distances between positions & units while operating off-ball.
January 19, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Areas that Michael Carrick has to improve are decreasing the quality of shots Manchester United conceded under Ruben Amorim and Darren Fletcher by defending and attacking well.
He hinted at that after the Man City game as he wanted close distances between positions & units while operating off-ball.
He hinted at that after the Man City game as he wanted close distances between positions & units while operating off-ball.
When discussing players' performances, it has to be put in context.
Arda Guler performs well when he operates behind Kylian Mbappé or when Real Madrid faces an opponent that puts little to no pressure on the ball.
Short Thread 🚨
Arda Guler performs well when he operates behind Kylian Mbappé or when Real Madrid faces an opponent that puts little to no pressure on the ball.
Short Thread 🚨
January 18, 2026 at 3:38 PM
When discussing players' performances, it has to be put in context.
Arda Guler performs well when he operates behind Kylian Mbappé or when Real Madrid faces an opponent that puts little to no pressure on the ball.
Short Thread 🚨
Arda Guler performs well when he operates behind Kylian Mbappé or when Real Madrid faces an opponent that puts little to no pressure on the ball.
Short Thread 🚨
Looking at how opponents perform in terms of shots & chances against. Barcelona opponents shot better than what the chance suggests.
Barcelona GKs are among La Liga GKs who face well-placed & difficult shots due to how they defend (highline+offside+trap->big+spaces to attack)
Barcelona GKs are among La Liga GKs who face well-placed & difficult shots due to how they defend (highline+offside+trap->big+spaces to attack)
January 16, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Looking at how opponents perform in terms of shots & chances against. Barcelona opponents shot better than what the chance suggests.
Barcelona GKs are among La Liga GKs who face well-placed & difficult shots due to how they defend (highline+offside+trap->big+spaces to attack)
Barcelona GKs are among La Liga GKs who face well-placed & difficult shots due to how they defend (highline+offside+trap->big+spaces to attack)
Inigo Perez, as an Oliver Glasner replacement at Crystal Palace, may be a good fit.
I think Crystal Palace will be quite similar to Bournemouth with Andoni Iraola: Hybrid Pressing Ideas and Direct Football attacks.
Good coach to come up with ideas to put problems for big teams.
I think Crystal Palace will be quite similar to Bournemouth with Andoni Iraola: Hybrid Pressing Ideas and Direct Football attacks.
Good coach to come up with ideas to put problems for big teams.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will leave the club this summer at the end of his contract.
“I told Steve (Parish) I’m looking for a new challenge,” Glasner said.
More from @mattwoosie.bsky.social ⬇️
“I told Steve (Parish) I’m looking for a new challenge,” Glasner said.
More from @mattwoosie.bsky.social ⬇️
Oliver Glasner says he will leave Crystal Palace this summer for ‘new challenge’
Glasner guided Palace to their first major trophy as his side lifted the FA Cup last season but will leave the club at the end of the season
www.nytimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Inigo Perez, as an Oliver Glasner replacement at Crystal Palace, may be a good fit.
I think Crystal Palace will be quite similar to Bournemouth with Andoni Iraola: Hybrid Pressing Ideas and Direct Football attacks.
Good coach to come up with ideas to put problems for big teams.
I think Crystal Palace will be quite similar to Bournemouth with Andoni Iraola: Hybrid Pressing Ideas and Direct Football attacks.
Good coach to come up with ideas to put problems for big teams.