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
· Oct 25
Risk And Reward In Hansi Flick's Universe
A tactical look at how opponents find solutions to Barcelona and Hansi Flick high press and high defensive line. How there is a fine thread between collapse and perfection in such system.
open.substack.com
Risk And Reward In Hansi Flick's Universe
A tactical look at how opponents find solutions to Barcelona and Hansi Flick high press and high defensive line. How there is a fine thread between collapse and perfection in such a system.
Likes & shares are appreciated.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
A tactical look at how opponents find solutions to Barcelona and Hansi Flick high press and high defensive line. How there is a fine thread between collapse and perfection in such a system.
Likes & shares are appreciated.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
Just finished rewatching the first half of Manchester City - Bournemouth, and it's fair to say that:
—Andoni Iraola had no answers/solutions to City's central overload and rotations;
—Bournemouth's rest defense was subpar: backline was distant from Adams and Scott to back up the counterpress...
—Andoni Iraola had no answers/solutions to City's central overload and rotations;
—Bournemouth's rest defense was subpar: backline was distant from Adams and Scott to back up the counterpress...
November 3, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Just finished rewatching the first half of Manchester City - Bournemouth, and it's fair to say that:
—Andoni Iraola had no answers/solutions to City's central overload and rotations;
—Bournemouth's rest defense was subpar: backline was distant from Adams and Scott to back up the counterpress...
—Andoni Iraola had no answers/solutions to City's central overload and rotations;
—Bournemouth's rest defense was subpar: backline was distant from Adams and Scott to back up the counterpress...
Xabi Alonso, post-Barcelona game, mentioned that Camavinga supported Real Madrid in the progression phase.
Not only that, but Camavinga, Arda Guler & Bellingham offer versatility & dynamism, so they were outlets in bypassing Barcelona's high press.
🚨 Thread ⚪️🔴
Not only that, but Camavinga, Arda Guler & Bellingham offer versatility & dynamism, so they were outlets in bypassing Barcelona's high press.
🚨 Thread ⚪️🔴
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Xabi Alonso, post-Barcelona game, mentioned that Camavinga supported Real Madrid in the progression phase.
Not only that, but Camavinga, Arda Guler & Bellingham offer versatility & dynamism, so they were outlets in bypassing Barcelona's high press.
🚨 Thread ⚪️🔴
Not only that, but Camavinga, Arda Guler & Bellingham offer versatility & dynamism, so they were outlets in bypassing Barcelona's high press.
🚨 Thread ⚪️🔴
Reposted by ACHRAF
In today's episode of The Week in Football, we're giving you the skinny ahead of this weekend's Clasico fixture and asking the broader question: have Barca and Real Madrid swapped places over the last few seasons?
youtu.be/4Zhsy3cwEEw?...
youtu.be/4Zhsy3cwEEw?...
Have Real Madrid and Barcelona swapped identities?
YouTube video by The Athletic FC
youtu.be
October 25, 2025 at 11:12 AM
In today's episode of The Week in Football, we're giving you the skinny ahead of this weekend's Clasico fixture and asking the broader question: have Barca and Real Madrid swapped places over the last few seasons?
youtu.be/4Zhsy3cwEEw?...
youtu.be/4Zhsy3cwEEw?...
Risk And Reward In Hansi Flick's Universe
A tactical look at how opponents find solutions to Barcelona and Hansi Flick high press and high defensive line. How there is a fine thread between collapse and perfection in such a system.
Likes & shares are appreciated.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
A tactical look at how opponents find solutions to Barcelona and Hansi Flick high press and high defensive line. How there is a fine thread between collapse and perfection in such a system.
Likes & shares are appreciated.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
Risk And Reward In Hansi Flick's Universe
A tactical look at how opponents find solutions to Barcelona and Hansi Flick high press and high defensive line. How there is a fine thread between collapse and perfection in such system.
open.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Risk And Reward In Hansi Flick's Universe
A tactical look at how opponents find solutions to Barcelona and Hansi Flick high press and high defensive line. How there is a fine thread between collapse and perfection in such a system.
Likes & shares are appreciated.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
A tactical look at how opponents find solutions to Barcelona and Hansi Flick high press and high defensive line. How there is a fine thread between collapse and perfection in such a system.
Likes & shares are appreciated.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
Alexander-Arnold will be so beneficial and so important against your Getafes that rely on highlines and offside traps.
Valverde is also good in this regard BTW.
Why?
Valverde is also good in this regard BTW.
Why?
October 19, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Alexander-Arnold will be so beneficial and so important against your Getafes that rely on highlines and offside traps.
Valverde is also good in this regard BTW.
Why?
Valverde is also good in this regard BTW.
Why?
Both Tottenham and Aston Villa find difficulties in progressing the ball down the center.
Spurs industrial midfield with Romero sidelined due to injury hamper Thomas Frank team in this phase.
Also, Aston Villa mid-block does a good work with Onana & Kamara step-outs.
Spurs industrial midfield with Romero sidelined due to injury hamper Thomas Frank team in this phase.
Also, Aston Villa mid-block does a good work with Onana & Kamara step-outs.
October 19, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Both Tottenham and Aston Villa find difficulties in progressing the ball down the center.
Spurs industrial midfield with Romero sidelined due to injury hamper Thomas Frank team in this phase.
Also, Aston Villa mid-block does a good work with Onana & Kamara step-outs.
Spurs industrial midfield with Romero sidelined due to injury hamper Thomas Frank team in this phase.
Also, Aston Villa mid-block does a good work with Onana & Kamara step-outs.
Seeing Harry Kane dropping in and operating where usually DMs/CMs function, retaining the ball under pressure then taking more than two players out of the equation is mesmerising.
October 18, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Seeing Harry Kane dropping in and operating where usually DMs/CMs function, retaining the ball under pressure then taking more than two players out of the equation is mesmerising.
Defensively, Barcelona conceded 7 shots/game (the lowest in La Liga).
However, the conversion rate (16.07%) and xG/Shot (0.17) are the highest in La Liga.
Also, Barcelona conceded the 4th highest fast breaks against & the highest goals/game from such situations.
Data: Opta.
However, the conversion rate (16.07%) and xG/Shot (0.17) are the highest in La Liga.
Also, Barcelona conceded the 4th highest fast breaks against & the highest goals/game from such situations.
Data: Opta.
October 17, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Defensively, Barcelona conceded 7 shots/game (the lowest in La Liga).
However, the conversion rate (16.07%) and xG/Shot (0.17) are the highest in La Liga.
Also, Barcelona conceded the 4th highest fast breaks against & the highest goals/game from such situations.
Data: Opta.
However, the conversion rate (16.07%) and xG/Shot (0.17) are the highest in La Liga.
Also, Barcelona conceded the 4th highest fast breaks against & the highest goals/game from such situations.
Data: Opta.
This is something I noticed while watching Barcelona.
They started the game really well in terms of pressing high, either from static positions (Goalkicks) or Open play situations.
And there is a really fine thread between Barcelona regaining possession & allowing the opponents to exploit...
They started the game really well in terms of pressing high, either from static positions (Goalkicks) or Open play situations.
And there is a really fine thread between Barcelona regaining possession & allowing the opponents to exploit...
October 17, 2025 at 4:06 PM
This is something I noticed while watching Barcelona.
They started the game really well in terms of pressing high, either from static positions (Goalkicks) or Open play situations.
And there is a really fine thread between Barcelona regaining possession & allowing the opponents to exploit...
They started the game really well in terms of pressing high, either from static positions (Goalkicks) or Open play situations.
And there is a really fine thread between Barcelona regaining possession & allowing the opponents to exploit...
Rewatching the Barcelona - Real Sociedad game, and I noticed that De Jong attacks the space between the FBs & CBs at a high frequency.
And, it's detrimental. De Jong scanning does 50% of the work to find the free areas to attack.
And, it's detrimental. De Jong scanning does 50% of the work to find the free areas to attack.
October 16, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Rewatching the Barcelona - Real Sociedad game, and I noticed that De Jong attacks the space between the FBs & CBs at a high frequency.
And, it's detrimental. De Jong scanning does 50% of the work to find the free areas to attack.
And, it's detrimental. De Jong scanning does 50% of the work to find the free areas to attack.
No Sunrise Without Shadows For Xabi Alonso.
An 8000+ word piece on Real Madrid games vs Marseille, Levante & Atlético Madrid. How Xabi Alonso is changing RMA playing style. How the players are coping with the new regime. Defensive lapses, Areas of improvement.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
An 8000+ word piece on Real Madrid games vs Marseille, Levante & Atlético Madrid. How Xabi Alonso is changing RMA playing style. How the players are coping with the new regime. Defensive lapses, Areas of improvement.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
No Sunrise Without Shadows For Xabi Alonso
A look at Real Madrid games against Marseille, Levante, and Atlético Madrid. How Xabi Alonso is changing Real Madrid's playing style. How the players are coping with the new regime.
open.substack.com
October 12, 2025 at 2:58 PM
No Sunrise Without Shadows For Xabi Alonso.
An 8000+ word piece on Real Madrid games vs Marseille, Levante & Atlético Madrid. How Xabi Alonso is changing RMA playing style. How the players are coping with the new regime. Defensive lapses, Areas of improvement.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
An 8000+ word piece on Real Madrid games vs Marseille, Levante & Atlético Madrid. How Xabi Alonso is changing RMA playing style. How the players are coping with the new regime. Defensive lapses, Areas of improvement.
open.substack.com/pub/lamdarhr...
I was playing around to see how many passes per defensive action La Liga teams have allowed since 2015/16.
Real Madrid PPDA in their winning seasons is higher than in the previous one.
In other words, RMA allows more passes per defensive action in the season they win La Liga.
Real Madrid PPDA in their winning seasons is higher than in the previous one.
In other words, RMA allows more passes per defensive action in the season they win La Liga.
October 8, 2025 at 6:54 PM
I was playing around to see how many passes per defensive action La Liga teams have allowed since 2015/16.
Real Madrid PPDA in their winning seasons is higher than in the previous one.
In other words, RMA allows more passes per defensive action in the season they win La Liga.
Real Madrid PPDA in their winning seasons is higher than in the previous one.
In other words, RMA allows more passes per defensive action in the season they win La Liga.
Barcelona's diagonal play is simple but very effective.
A 4-2-3-1 buildup shape in which Pedri & De Jong drop deeper to bait their markers forward, & the ball-side winger (Rashford) drops & offers width.
So, the ST (Ferran Torres) can move into the stretched space BTLs to lay the ball off.
A 4-2-3-1 buildup shape in which Pedri & De Jong drop deeper to bait their markers forward, & the ball-side winger (Rashford) drops & offers width.
So, the ST (Ferran Torres) can move into the stretched space BTLs to lay the ball off.
October 3, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Barcelona's diagonal play is simple but very effective.
A 4-2-3-1 buildup shape in which Pedri & De Jong drop deeper to bait their markers forward, & the ball-side winger (Rashford) drops & offers width.
So, the ST (Ferran Torres) can move into the stretched space BTLs to lay the ball off.
A 4-2-3-1 buildup shape in which Pedri & De Jong drop deeper to bait their markers forward, & the ball-side winger (Rashford) drops & offers width.
So, the ST (Ferran Torres) can move into the stretched space BTLs to lay the ball off.
Normally I don't post things like that, but I feel I have to this time.
Marcus LIorente has 7 goals in the UCL.
4 of them against Liverpool and at Anfield.
Even the best scriptwriters can't come up with a story like that.
Marcus LIorente has 7 goals in the UCL.
4 of them against Liverpool and at Anfield.
Even the best scriptwriters can't come up with a story like that.
September 17, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Normally I don't post things like that, but I feel I have to this time.
Marcus LIorente has 7 goals in the UCL.
4 of them against Liverpool and at Anfield.
Even the best scriptwriters can't come up with a story like that.
Marcus LIorente has 7 goals in the UCL.
4 of them against Liverpool and at Anfield.
Even the best scriptwriters can't come up with a story like that.
Use Gravenberch feints, half turn receiving to break down Burnley lines.
I love how Gravenberch faints his marker, adopts a side-on stance, let the ball run across his body, then boom he leaves his marker in his wake.
I love how Gravenberch faints his marker, adopts a side-on stance, let the ball run across his body, then boom he leaves his marker in his wake.
September 14, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Use Gravenberch feints, half turn receiving to break down Burnley lines.
I love how Gravenberch faints his marker, adopts a side-on stance, let the ball run across his body, then boom he leaves his marker in his wake.
I love how Gravenberch faints his marker, adopts a side-on stance, let the ball run across his body, then boom he leaves his marker in his wake.
MyGamePlan launched the MGContribution metric, a version of the Possession Value Model, similar to On-Ball Value (OBV).
It measures the value that each on-ball action added to the team.
Here is La Liga CBs' MGContribution from passes in the 2025/26 season.
It measures the value that each on-ball action added to the team.
Here is La Liga CBs' MGContribution from passes in the 2025/26 season.
September 8, 2025 at 4:31 PM
MyGamePlan launched the MGContribution metric, a version of the Possession Value Model, similar to On-Ball Value (OBV).
It measures the value that each on-ball action added to the team.
Here is La Liga CBs' MGContribution from passes in the 2025/26 season.
It measures the value that each on-ball action added to the team.
Here is La Liga CBs' MGContribution from passes in the 2025/26 season.
The game against Mallorca was totally different from Osasuna and Real Oviedo. Jagoba Arrasate plateformed Mallorca in a way to exploit Real Madrid's high press.
No preseason and not enough time to train the team for Xabi Alonso, and yet he has to deliver results.
Thread ⚪
No preseason and not enough time to train the team for Xabi Alonso, and yet he has to deliver results.
Thread ⚪
September 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
The game against Mallorca was totally different from Osasuna and Real Oviedo. Jagoba Arrasate plateformed Mallorca in a way to exploit Real Madrid's high press.
No preseason and not enough time to train the team for Xabi Alonso, and yet he has to deliver results.
Thread ⚪
No preseason and not enough time to train the team for Xabi Alonso, and yet he has to deliver results.
Thread ⚪
I set a tracker to count La Liga's teams' pressure actions following a possession loss in their opponent's final third.
Real Madrid led the table with 1.82 pressure actions per 90 minutes after three games.
Now, it's a question of consistency for Xabi Alonso's men.
Real Madrid led the table with 1.82 pressure actions per 90 minutes after three games.
Now, it's a question of consistency for Xabi Alonso's men.
September 3, 2025 at 8:30 PM
I set a tracker to count La Liga's teams' pressure actions following a possession loss in their opponent's final third.
Real Madrid led the table with 1.82 pressure actions per 90 minutes after three games.
Now, it's a question of consistency for Xabi Alonso's men.
Real Madrid led the table with 1.82 pressure actions per 90 minutes after three games.
Now, it's a question of consistency for Xabi Alonso's men.
Some of Arsenal's shapes when they press Liverpool high up the pitch.
I think they went m2m only when Gravenberch didn't step back between Konaté & Van Dijk.
Mainly, Liverpool found wide avenues to work the ball out.
I think they went m2m only when Gravenberch didn't step back between Konaté & Van Dijk.
Mainly, Liverpool found wide avenues to work the ball out.
August 31, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Some of Arsenal's shapes when they press Liverpool high up the pitch.
I think they went m2m only when Gravenberch didn't step back between Konaté & Van Dijk.
Mainly, Liverpool found wide avenues to work the ball out.
I think they went m2m only when Gravenberch didn't step back between Konaté & Van Dijk.
Mainly, Liverpool found wide avenues to work the ball out.
I think the challenge for Xabi Alonso is to keep the team press with intensity when Real Madrid decide to press high up the pitch.
The challenge is to instill INTENSITY as a part of the culture, something natural.
The Real Challenge will be vs the mammoths in La Liga & UCL.
The challenge is to instill INTENSITY as a part of the culture, something natural.
The Real Challenge will be vs the mammoths in La Liga & UCL.
August 29, 2025 at 1:41 PM
I think the challenge for Xabi Alonso is to keep the team press with intensity when Real Madrid decide to press high up the pitch.
The challenge is to instill INTENSITY as a part of the culture, something natural.
The Real Challenge will be vs the mammoths in La Liga & UCL.
The challenge is to instill INTENSITY as a part of the culture, something natural.
The Real Challenge will be vs the mammoths in La Liga & UCL.
I think if we only took a deep look into each *head coach*, *manager* upbringing, cultural context of the country they born in, and their personal experiences as players and pre-first managerial role, we'll be able to decipher to some extent how that manager sees football.
August 28, 2025 at 2:31 PM
I think if we only took a deep look into each *head coach*, *manager* upbringing, cultural context of the country they born in, and their personal experiences as players and pre-first managerial role, we'll be able to decipher to some extent how that manager sees football.
I think Real Oviedo's kick-off routine vs Real Madrid has gone under the radar because it didn't result in a goal.
Real Madrid didn't drop back, nor did they instantly jump on to apply pressure.
Real Madrid didn't drop back, nor did they instantly jump on to apply pressure.
August 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
I think Real Oviedo's kick-off routine vs Real Madrid has gone under the radar because it didn't result in a goal.
Real Madrid didn't drop back, nor did they instantly jump on to apply pressure.
Real Madrid didn't drop back, nor did they instantly jump on to apply pressure.
Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are a lightweight to Guimarăes and Joelinton.
How on earth Joelinton could square that pass to the free Livramento while Gravenberch got tight against Gravenberch.
Then, Newcastle are 2v1 on the left again Szoboszlai (Liverpool RB).
How on earth Joelinton could square that pass to the free Livramento while Gravenberch got tight against Gravenberch.
Then, Newcastle are 2v1 on the left again Szoboszlai (Liverpool RB).
August 25, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are a lightweight to Guimarăes and Joelinton.
How on earth Joelinton could square that pass to the free Livramento while Gravenberch got tight against Gravenberch.
Then, Newcastle are 2v1 on the left again Szoboszlai (Liverpool RB).
How on earth Joelinton could square that pass to the free Livramento while Gravenberch got tight against Gravenberch.
Then, Newcastle are 2v1 on the left again Szoboszlai (Liverpool RB).
This is how Man Utd's high press looked at the start. Amad and Diallo push on to engage with Fulham FBs. Casemiro advances next to Cunha to mark the DPs.
Bruno against the King (#10), whereas the rest occupy Fulham’s front three.
Bruno against the King (#10), whereas the rest occupy Fulham’s front three.
August 25, 2025 at 4:04 PM
This is how Man Utd's high press looked at the start. Amad and Diallo push on to engage with Fulham FBs. Casemiro advances next to Cunha to mark the DPs.
Bruno against the King (#10), whereas the rest occupy Fulham’s front three.
Bruno against the King (#10), whereas the rest occupy Fulham’s front three.
Manchester United's OOP approach holds too many question marks.
If Sander Berge sneaks behind Matheus Cunha immediately, Fulham have a +1 in the middle of the park.
The solution is simple IMO. A compact 4-4-2 with aggressive "step-outs".
If Sander Berge sneaks behind Matheus Cunha immediately, Fulham have a +1 in the middle of the park.
The solution is simple IMO. A compact 4-4-2 with aggressive "step-outs".
August 24, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Manchester United's OOP approach holds too many question marks.
If Sander Berge sneaks behind Matheus Cunha immediately, Fulham have a +1 in the middle of the park.
The solution is simple IMO. A compact 4-4-2 with aggressive "step-outs".
If Sander Berge sneaks behind Matheus Cunha immediately, Fulham have a +1 in the middle of the park.
The solution is simple IMO. A compact 4-4-2 with aggressive "step-outs".