Left Back Football

Paulo Fonseca steadily rebuilt his career after a failed one season stint at FC Porto, returning to Pacos Ferreira climbing up the ladder to Braga SC before moving to Shakhtar Donetsk and steering the club through trying political times. In his first season at Roma, in the post Monchi experiment, he has instilled a playing style which is distinct as his side sit in the Europa League places. Fonesca also became the first African born manager to manage a UEFA Champions League game at FC Porto as Roma have had an inconsistent season as the capital club are facing an acquisition.

Build-up

Roma are a side who prefer to use the width of the pitch in all phases of possession as it is normal for both fullbacks to touch the ball in build-up play sequences. They switch the ball from flank to flank to create wide build-up routines to progress play forward before working crosses to their attackers in the box or they can switch play, in the hope of attracting pressure to one flank, to move the ball back into the centre to play passes into attackers in between the central lines. Roma normally line up in a 2+4/2+3 formation in a 2-3-3-2/2-3-2-3 shape as the fullbacks will drop either side of the pivote with the wingers stretching the pitch. The centre-backs will only work central line-breaking passes if the opportunity presents itself as they will mostly pass to the ball-near fullback as the winger and ball-near wide midfielder will drop as passing options.

In the situation above, Roma are in their 2-3-3-2 build-up shape with the ball-far fullback tucking in, the fullback in possession is working a pass into the six space or a switch ball to the ball-far fullback. If he plays a pass to the six-space, the midfielder would then need to make a one-touch pass to the attacking midfielder in the ten space who will then work a through ball to the ball-far winger before making a run into the box for a cross. If the ball is switch to the ball-far fullback, he will then play a pass to the ball-far winger who will instinctively cut inside to have a shot on goal, work a reverse pass into space or switch ball to the opposite flank while the fullback will veer outside of him with an overlapping run as the winger could lay a pass into the wide channel. The overlapping run is for the purpose of the winger being given an opportunity for a 1v1 situation while the ball near midfielder will move into the half-space as the trio will work rotations to create the highest quality crossing situation possible.

Roma can work a passing sequence where the ball is shifted out to the fullback as the midfielder or winger playing inside him will push forward to attract a marker and clear a passing lane to the six space, the fullback can then work a pass to the six space where the controller can switch the ball to the ball-far fullback or winger or work a pass in between the lines. Inverted wingers and marauding fullbacks are a massive facet of Fonseca’s style as Marlos and Ismaily at Shakhtar can attest to. Roma can switch to a 2+4 shape with a winger moving into the half-space, underlapping the fullback so the centre-back can work a pass to that zone to utilise the winger’s dribbling and press resistance to drive the ball forward before shifting the ball to the overlapping fullback or switching the ball to an onrushing wide player on the far side. Justin Kluivert and Cengiz Under have been crucial to this while before his injury, Nico Zaniolo was clever at connecting play and working wide connections from the half-space. The 2+4 shape could also include the ball-near midfielder dropping next to the six space to work a triangular routine where a pass can be played in between the lines for an inverted winger to lay-off for a midfielder to work a ball in behind for a fullback to have a crossing opportunity.

In certain situations, Fonseca encourages his centre-backs to attract pressure by circulating the ball amongst themselves to create space in the next lines, especially working passes to fullbacks who drop deeper in order to encourage the opposition to push forward. This creates better access to the six space than when facing a medium block while the ball-near winger and midfielder will drop deep to work triangular vertical passing routines to create a counter attacking situation by releasing an inverted winger into space or by switching the ball to the weak side and building an attack from there. Roma can also go direct to the striker Edin Dzeko or Niko Kalinic as once the ball is played to the striker then the inverted wingers will move closer to the nine space to make runs in behind or as an option for layoffs. In these situations, Roma will also play the ball back to the goalkeeper with the centre-backs flanking him to entice the opposition to push up closer to the box to create space in the next line. Roma can also utilise a 2+3 while the opposition is pressing to attract man-orientated markers for the centre-backs to release the ball to an attacker dropping into the central space amongst the midfield three.

One of Roma’s midfielders could drop next to the centre-backs or a fullback could remain deeper to create a 3+1/3+2 shape in order to work vertical moves in the wide areas to attract pressure before working a sequence for the winger or fullback to receive a through ball and drive into the opposition half before cutting back. Roma will normally switch to a three-chain when the opposition is pressing with a front two to create the numerical superiority as well as space for midfielders to drop deep behind the first line of pressure as if the midfielder will drop into the three-chain then the attacking midfielder will drop deep next to the other deeper midfielder to create a double-pivot. The ball-near midfielder will drop closer to the three-chain to create space for the ball-far midfielder to receive possession to work a pass through the lines for the inverted wingers who will be operating in the centre.

In the situation above, Roma have moved the line of pressure to the right flank as the right centre-back in the three-chain can move the ball to the right flank before working a pass to the inverted winger in the half-space for a cut-back opportunity for the attackers making runs into the centre. Roma can also switch the ball to the ball-far wide centre-back who will work a pass to the ball-far wide zone or ball-far half-space for Roma to work another crossing opportunity. Roma will also switch the ball to engineer passing lanes in the centre as once Roma drag the opposition to the right flank, they can work the ball back to the central centre-back or central midfielder to work a pass in between the lines to the higher attacking midfielder to lay-off for a pass to the wide zone or to the inverted winger in the ball-far half-space to attract markers before shifting a pass to the overlapping fullback for a crossing opportunity.

Roma are also utilising movement to create space and open passing lanes for the centre-back in possession as the fullback is maintaining a wide position with his winger pushing into the half-space. The ball-near attacker who is pressuring the centre-back is moving across to engage the player in possession, creating space in the six space for a direct vertical pass as the midfielder can receive the ball and work a pass to the flank to trigger a vertical passing sequence. The ball-near midfielder in the six space can also continue his movement into the lateral zone outside of the wide centre-back in possession to establish a triangle creating space for his midfield partner to drop into the six space and receive the ball to work a pass into the wide areas where Roma will have numerical superiority. This can also work as a ploy to draw the opposition to the ball-near flank before switching the ball to the fullback and winger on the weak side for a higher quality crossing opportunity.

Positional Play

Roma’s inverted winger is system is a major facet of their attacking play as Fonseca prefers to position his wide players closer to Dzeko, to take on knock-downs, make runs in behind and work connections with the attackers. Inverted attackers are not only integral in regard to their relationship with Dzeko but also to their relationship with the fullbacks who overlap when the wingers cut inside or make runs into the half-space if the wingers are positioned in the lateral zone. When Roma’s attacking midfielder, drops deeper to ease transition, the wingers will move into the centre with the fullbacks stretching play as passing options in the half-spaces and to create overloads in the centre.

In the situation above, both wingers have moved into the central positions with the fullbacks overlapping and establishing width as Kluivert and Zaniolo have moved into the centre as they are the closest players to Dzeko. Roma have created a midfield box and established numerical superiority as Fonseca’s side are working a pass to the wide zone, drawing an opposition midfielder out of his position as the player receiving the ball can work a one-touch pass to the half-space for the player in the half-space to shift the ball into the wide areas to make a cross for players running into the box. The player receiving the ball can also receive the ball on his ball-far foot to draw a foul or work a pass into the wide zone or he could simply dummy the ball for the ball to go into the wide zone while the player who made the dummy makes a run into the half-space to receive a pass and make a cut-back.

Roma can also work a switch-ball as they are switch-heavy in approach play with the ball-far fullback moving into space as his marker has tucked inside. If Roma work a switch-ball, Kluivert will move into the half-space to establish connections with his fullback to work crossing or shooting situations. Roma also have the opportunity to work the ball to the right flank to work a pass to Kluivert in the centre to play an arrowed pass for his fullback to have an opportunity to cross the ball. The ball-far winger will always tuck inside as a crossing option, even in counter-attacks as well as a passing option in the centre as once he receives the ball, this will trigger an overlapping run into the wide zone. If the ball is switched to the lateral zone, this will trigger a run into the half-space for the winger or fullback to create space for the fullback to cut inside or give the player in the wide zone a passing option to generate a low crossing opportunity.

Roma will normally utilise a 3-2-4-1 or a 2-3-4-1 as the fullbacks will push into the higher areas as the deepest-lying midfielder will drop into the defensive three-chain with his midfield partner moving into the six space. The attacking midfielder could be in the same vertical zone as the deepest-lying midfielder while he will move into the wider positions to work connections with the fullback and winger. Roma can move the ball into the wide area to work a pass into Dzeko to lay-off or flick a pass in behind for one of the inverted wingers to have a shooting opportunity. Fonseca prefers to utilise vertical passing connections to progress play as if Roma work the ball to the flank, they will look to shift the ball to the left flank to play the ball to Kluivert who will move into the half-space to work 3v3 connections to create a crossing opportunity for his fullback or in the half-space.

Roma could also move the ball to the left to create space to switch the ball to the opposite flank to create a crossing opportunity for the ball-far fullback. Roma could also work a switching situation through vertical combinations by playing the ball through the lines to the inverted wingers who will work connections before shifting the ball to the ball-far fullback. If a deeper-lying midfielder has space, he will drive into the space to attract markers to work passes in between the lines before releasing the ball to the inverted winger who will release his fullback for a crossing opportunity. The inverted wingers moving closer to Dzeko allows the striker to drop deep to demand possession while the wingers will push forward and make runs into space in anticipation of a flick-on.

An integral facet of Roma’s attacking play are early passes into the pockets with the distributor continuing his run into the pockets for flick-ons. With Dzeko up front, Roma utilise players running past him from deep as the Bosnian will flick on to runners in the channels to have shooting opportunities as third-man routines are integral to the capital side creating shooting opportunities. In the sequence above, Roma are spaced out with the fullback establishing width on the far side while the ball-near fullback has moved inside, allowing his winger to overlap him. There has been a direct pass out of pressure to the inverted fullback while the passer has continued his run into space, dragging a marker with him. The fullback has the option to turn and play the ball to his winger who will be in a 1v1 situation with his fullback, to create a crossing opportunity for Dzeko, the central attacking midfielder and the deeper-player making a disguised run into the box at the far post.

The fullback can also drive into the centre to attract markers before working a pass into Dzeko who will utilize a one-touch lay-off to the ten space for the attacking midfielder to work a one-touch pass for the deeper player making a run into the left half-space to have a shooting opportunity. In the above situation, since the original distributor’s marker has been turned then the inverted fullback could work a pass into the open space that he is running into as he will work a one-touch pass into the ten space for the attacking midfielder to play a pass into Dzeko who will flick on the runner or the attacking midfielder will work a direct one-touch pass for the runner in behind. The runner in the half-space will also drag markers and open a passing lane for the player in the wide zone to have a crossing opportunity. In their attacking play, Fonseca encourages runners from deep in wide combinations to disorient the opposition defence and create space in the wide zone or half-spaces for higher quality crosses.

Roma normally circulate the ball in the opposition half with triangular vertical interchanges to move the ball from flank to flank while creating space for passes in the centre. In their automatisms, when the attacking midfielder drops deeper, the two wingers will move inside with the fullbacks stretching play to create the opportunities for triangular interchanges in between the lines. Situationally, Dzeko will also drop deep to receive possession before flicking the ball through to a runner in the box or Fonseca’s side will work triangular interchanges with back-passes into the deeper areas to entice the opposition to move their defensive block higher to work lobbed balls in behind for their Bosnian striker. Roma players will work the ball from side to side looking to create spaces in the centre while players are encouraged to interchange positions and drive the ball into open spaces as if a fullback receives the ball, he will drive into the centre with the ball near midfielder or winger overlapping him. If the attacking midfielder drops deeper to ease transition, the fullback or winger will move into the centre as Roma will work these rotations and move the ball in triangles to create an open passing lane in the pockets, a high-quality crossing opportunity in the wide areas or an opportunity to lob the ball in behind the opposition defence.

Counter-pressing

Fonseca puts a heavy focus on counter-pressing to regain possession as Roma will work risky loose passes and connections in the final third as the attackers are tasked with looking to regain possession in the final third. For instance, if Roma look to work a pass in behind for Dzeko which is intercepted, the striker will respond with pressuring the defender in possession while the ball-near winger and attacking midfielder will push up to close the space to regain possession. Players who are in front of the ball in the attacking phase are tasked with dropping back to regain possession from the opposition’s blind-side while the midfielders behind the ball will push up to engage the man in possession to win the ball. If Roma lose possession while the wide attackers are positioned centrally, the wide attackers will normally maintain their central positions, especially if they are pressuring a three-chain but are also tasked with covering the space between themselves and the fullbacks.

The deeper-midfielders or the lone deeper midfielder will normally provide press security in the counter-press, pushing up to regain possession in case of a dribble or loose ball while also allowing the centre-backs to track runners in behind if need be. The strikers dropping back to counter-press is beneficial for the team’s counter-press as a whole as it allows, fullbacks to maintain a higher position in case of a turnover while Roma can force a ball long or into the wider areas. If Roma manage to force the ball into the wide areas, then the ball near midfielder, winger and fullback will all push up to press the ball as the ball-near centre-back will also move higher into the opposition half as press security to regain possession.

In order for Roma’s centre-backs to maintain a higher position, the centre-backs and deepest-lying midfielder will maintain their three-chain to prevent the opposition from sustaining a break with the ball near defender pushing up to win an interception or close down an opposition attacker. Roma’s three-chain can also spread across the pitch to close down zones and have the coverage for a more active participation in the counter-press while they will usually be protected by a midfielder in the six space. A three-chain also allows the fullbacks to maintain high positions for as long as possible as if the opposition manage to beat the first line, the ball-near midfielder, winger or fullback will drop into the fullback role to provide defensive cover while allowing a centre-back to push up to regain possession if the situation arises. Roma will also work longer balls from deep in order to work counter-pressing situations on the opposition defenders to regain possession and create high quality goalscoring opportunities.

Pressing

Fonseca’s side can press in a 4-4-2/4-2-3-1 medium block as they will push higher for goal-kicks to force the opposition into long-balls or regain possession to create quick goalscoring opportunities. If they are pressing a three-chain then the two strikers will mark the space in between the wide centre-backs and the central centre-back while the ball-near winger will maintain a closer position to the wide centre-back as if the ball is played to the wide centre-back, this will trigger a higher man-orientated press from Roma with the winger closing down the wide centre-back, the strikers closing down the other two centre-backs and the fullbacks closing down the other wide player.

If Roma are pressing a normal two-chain team then the two strikers will directly mark the two centre-backs with the wingers marking the fullbacks while Roma will normally tease passes into the six space with their central midfielders remaining deeper. If the opposition move the ball into the wide areas and shift a deeper-lying midfielder in between the fullback and centre-back then the ball-near midfielder will push up to mark the opposition midfielder while the other midfielder will remain deep to shield the defence, even if the opposition are utilising a double-pivot. The caveat of this pressing system is there is a heavy focus on attackers getting to their markers as quickly as possible due to the space that Roma allow the opposition in the centre as if Fonseca’s side are below their usual tempo, the opposition will have access to the six space while higher opposition midfielders will be able to drop into the spaces in between the midfielders and wingers for wall-passes or to turn and transition into attacks.

In the picture above, are transitioning into a more ferocious press with the attackers marking and tracking the movements of the centre-backs, the wingers marking the fullbacks. There is little focus on the midfielder in between the winger and midfielder or the midfielder moving into the six space while Roma are geared at regaining possession through the centre-back playing a pass to the fullback with the winger moving up to press the ball by forcing a wayward central pass into one of the attackers or winning the turnover in the wide area. If the opposition manage to work the ball out of that situation, the opposition midfielder moving into the six space will be covered by Roma’s midfielder in that zone as if the opposition move the ball back to the keeper, Roma will shift into a higher press with the attackers tracking their markers into the deeper areas.

A centre-back has already pushed up to keep the spaces small as Roma transition into a higher and more active pressing phase as the fullback will push up with him to mark the midfielder as the balls in between the lines to the players in between the winger and midfielder will be the responsibility of the centre-back to push up and regain possession. Roma can look like a 4-2-3-1 in certain situations when one of the centre-backs is wider so his marker will have to track him into the wide areas with the other striker maintaining a central position in case of a back-pass as the wingers will push up to mark their fullbacks as one of the strikers can seem like they are in a deeper role with the wingers pushed up next to him.

Defensive Shape

Roma will normally use a 4-4-2, 5-4-1 or 4-4-1-1 defensive shape negating spaces in between the lines, forcing the opposition into the wide areas or into back-passes which will trigger pressure phases from the capital side. There is great amount of focus as players have to remain cognizant of their markers and players in their zones to properly make use of pressing triggers from balls into the wide areas or back-passes. The spaces are not only small for defensive purposes but for attacking purposes as well as if Roma regain possession in the wide area within their own half, they can work triangular connections with the fullback, ball-near centre-back, midfielder and winger to attract pressure before shifting the ball to the ball-far centre-back or midfielder to switch the play and work a counter-attacking situation. These turnovers are also integral to Roma moving the ball back to their goalkeeper to attract the opposition into continuing their counter-press while leaving space in between the lines to create breaking situations.

In the situation above, Roma are in their 4-4-2 defensive shape as they have continued to shift their defensive block with their markers as the ball-near attacker has moved wider with his centre-back responsibility while the ball-far winger and attacker have remained in the same zone as their fullback and centre-back responsibilities. Roma have also shifted into a lateral press as the winger is teasing a pass to the fullback as if the opposition shift the ball to their fullback, Roma’s fullback will move across to regain possession while their midfielder is tightly marking the opposition deep-lying midfielder. Roma are looking to create 2v1 or 3v1 situations to regain possession when the ball is moved to the flank as the winger and midfielder are closing down the midfielder and denying the opposition direct access to him in a 2v1. If the ball is progressed to the opposition fullback then Roma could have a 2v1 or 3v1 with the winger, fullback and ball-near midfielder closing down that area as Fonseca’s side will man-mark immediate passing options.

Conclusion

Jim Palotta is in the midst of trying to sell the club as Fonseca’s side could have an impetus of experience next season with Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan remaining permanently while Pedro is on his way to the side in a free transfer. They will maintain the youthful zeal of Cengiz Under, Gonzalo Villar, Nicolo Zaniolo, Carlos Perez, Roger Ibanez and maybe Justin Kluivert to create a balanced side who will provide sterner challenges in Serie A and Europe. They are sitting in the Europa League places, six points behind Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League places and six points ahead of Napoli as they will look to find more consistency towards the end of this season and next season to put a sterner challenge for the UEFA Champions League as well as for silverware.