Ahhh, the left footed RWB.

How many times will we see this move tried today?

The spaces which the pivot players have to cover depend a lot on whether the CBs go man to man on the #10/CF of the opponent.

From what I’ve seen, this is situation-dependent. Here, both Ignacio and Diomande follow the #10 and CF to regain possession.

Press - Example 2

However, the press isn’t always cohesive.

There’s occasions when Sporting have gone to press high, with the defensive line dropping off and the opp. #10/CF with space between the lines.

They do however get back very quickly.

Chance Creation - Method 4

Gyökeres’ runs in the left channel.

This is a common way Sporting create chances, using Gyökeres’ power to separate from defenders, even when isolated in transition -> possibly replicated using Højlund’s strong channel play.

Chance Creation - Method 3

I’ve noticed Amorim’s team use up-back-through patterns to find the wing-back in space.

#10 -> CF -> RCM -> RWB - CF back to goal, used as the axis.

WBs in 1 vs 1 situations -> hence use of wingers there.

Chance Creation - Method 1

Sporting like to overload the last line, not just numerically but also w/intense runs.

A common move:
-> find WB in space and play inside foot pass in behind opp backline.

Let’s break this goal down in the next tweet.

Build-Up -> Variation 2

Another variation is the 2-4 shape, with a #10 dropping deep, with the #9 preferring the run down the left channel.

Sporting will often build up short initially, but like to get the ball forward soon after.