Miguel Angel Ramirez’ boundless Independiente Del Valle
Miguel Angel Ramirez is a well-travelled young Spanish coach who never believed that he would gain an opportunity to lead a side as a first-team coach. However, after being a youth coach at Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar where he struck up a friendship with Real Sociedad’s Technical Director, Roberto Olabe, he joined Ecuadorian side, Independiente Del Valle. After the departure of his predecessor, Ramirez would be promoted to Head Coach of the first-team, leading to a Copa Sudamericana triumph while the youth side would win the U20 Copa Libertadores. Ramirez is an intelligent manager who has added his own wrinkles to the modern-day ideals of positional play.
Build-up
Few teams across the globe use their goalkeeper as aggressively as Independiente Del Valle as they alternate between 30-year-old goalkeeper, Jorge Pinos and 20-year-old, Wellington Ramirez. Both keepers are encouraged to push out of their box, as far as the halfway line when Independiente are facing deep blocks, to receive possession and work short passes to centre-backs, switch balls to wingers and drive the ball to play passes through the lines. Pushing the goalkeeper into the higher areas allows the deepest-lying midfielder to remain positioned in the six-space while the free-8s can also maintain higher positioned for movement in the final third as the keeper will push up to work rotations with the centre-backs. Their Spanish Head Coach, Ramirez loves to use the goalkeeper in build-up as it allows his side to create and attack space as if the ball is worked the goalkeeper in the box from a centre-back, he will play the ball to the ball-far centre-back or switch the ball to the ball far fullback to evade the opposition press and allow his side to progress into the opposition half in space.
In the situation above, the goalkeeper has pushed outside of his box to receive the ball from his left sided centre-back who is under pressure to then distribute possession to his right-sided centre-back who has more space and options for progressions. This is one of the most frequent goalkeeper involvement moves they have for progressing the ball while the goalkeeper has pushed higher out of his box which is very frequent. The defensive midfielder is dropping in between the centre-backs to create a three-chain as one of the free-8s will drop behind the line of pressure as an outball to receive possession. The fullbacks have pushed up but not to create width as in Ramirez’ system, width is created by the wingers but instead they will move inside as midfielders as options to receive the ball behind the opposition lines of pressure or as options for a switch ball. The goalkeeper can also receive possession, hold the ball or push forward to attract pressure to work a long switch to the flanks or a ball in between the central lines to one of the free 8s or inverted fullbacks.
Independiente Del Valle will usually use a back four switching to a back three in certain games as they used a peculiar build-up shape when they switched to a back three in their match against Aucas in late August. The left sided centre-back moved to the left to be positioned as the left-back while the goalkeeper pushed into the defensive line to act as the left sided centre-back. The right sided centre-back maintained his wide position on the right flank and became the right-back as the central centre-back became the right sided centre-back to create a back-four, with the keeper receiving possession to push up and work deep vertical passes in between the lines as well as rotations with the other defenders.
The Ecuadorian side are not averse to losing possession in build-up with the opposition launching counter-attacks at their goal as both their goalkeepers have to be well-versed in making saves in 1v1 situations as well as being quick off their line to stifle attackers racing at their goal. The goalkeeper will normally form a rhombus with the centre-backs and deepest-lying central midfielder remaining in the six space to create quick connections to attract pressure before switching the ball to the weak side or moving the ball into the next line. Independiente Del Valle’s deepest-lying midfielder will also drop in between the centre-backs as the Ecuadorian use a variety of movements and automatisms to disrupt the opposition press and move the ball into the next line as their goalkeeper is their first outfield player.
The 35-year-old Spanish Head-Coach employs a build-up shape with deeper-lying fullbacks as they are integral conduits to how he likes to move the ball while providing direct passing options for the centre-backs and goalkeeper. Independiente Del Valle’s main shape has the deepest-lying midfielder, normally Cristian Pellerano and Moises Caicedo, positioned in between the two centre-backs with deeper-lying fullbacks as the centre-backs can work routines where they move the ball into the six-space for the midfielder to work a pass to the fullback who will work a pass to the ball-far centre-back who can drive the ball into space and thread passes in between the lines. Ramirez uses an asymmetrical build-up shape with vertical compactness in the player spacing to move the ball vertically in between the lines before switching the ball.
In the situation above, the right sided centre-back, Richard Schunke has worked a pass to the right sided centre-back as the midfielder in the six-space is shifting to the ball-near side in order to drag his marker to the ball-near side while Schunke will retreat to a deeper position in order to open a passing lane to the ball-far centre-back. A pass to the ball-far centre-back will then engage the opposition midfielder to push up and allow the left sided centre-back to push up and attract pressure before releasing possession to the eight space or the fullback. On the ball-near side, Independiente Del Valle can also create another avenue out of pressure as the ball-near 8 will make a dummy run to receive possession and drag his marker to the deeper zone while the ball-far eight will move towards the ball-near side. The ball-near 8 will then push forward to open a passing lane to the ball-far 8 where the right-back can release the ball to evade pressure. The Ecuadorian side can also work a similar routine where the ball-near 8 drops to receive the ball and then pushes up to open a passing lane to the central striker who will be dropping to receive possession with the ball-far 8 moving closer to the 9 space as an option for a lay-off while the ball-near 8 is making a third man run behind the defence.
The left-sided centre-back, normally Luis Segovia or William Pacha is tasked with driving the ball into the midfield line as the Ecuadorian side will use their 8s as outballs in the build-up phase. In their asymmetrical build-up shape, Independiente Del Valle’s centre-backs will normally look to attract opposition pressure before working passes into the six-space for the deepest-lying midfielder to turn and drive forward to switch the ball to the weak side or progress play to the eight space. Ramirez’ side are not opposed to working long and direct switch balls as the wingers will always maintain a higher and wider position to establish width as they can switch the ball to the ball-far flank. The fullback who will be positioned in the half-space will normally make a dummy run to drag the ball far opposition fullback into a narrow position to create space for the winger to control the switch ball and have a narrow 1v1. Supporting the winger will normally be the fullback and the midfielder in the 8 space as the midfielder will normally make overlapping runs outside the winger with the fullback moving into the 8 space to work triangular 3v3 rotations where the winger is able to drive into the half-space.
A highly successful routine that Independiente Del Valle will normally work is dropping Pellerano in between the centre-backs against a 4-4-2 high press which will create an overload against the first line of opposition pressure while the 8s will remain in the 8 space and the centre-back who is the free man will receive possession and drive into the six-space to attract pressure before switching the ball to the weak side or working a vertical pass into the 8 space. The Ecuadorian side will work this move very frequently and efficiently as Segovia will normally be the centre-back who will push into the midfield line, but they are not averse to using Schunke to push up.
In the situation above, Pellerano has dropped in between the centre-backs while the fullbacks have not pushed up and maintained their deep positions as the two opposition attackers push up to press the ball. Independiente Del Valle have circulated possession so that the left-sided centre-back, Segovia has received the ball whole the right-sided centre-back Schunke is pushing up into the six-space to receive possession from Segovia to beat the first wave of opposition pressure. When Ramirez’ side move the ball into the next line with Schunke, the centre-back can carry the ball into the opposition half or the Ecuadorian side will make dummy movements with the 8s as the deeper box-to-box midfielder will drop into space to drag a marker and open a passing lane to the other 8 who will be in a higher position and drop into space to receive possession from the centre-back.
In the picture above, the deeper-lying fullbacks is also integral to assess, especially on the ball far flank as the right-back can move inside to receive possession to lay-off to the right-sided centre-back who can work a direct pass to the winger with the space created by the fullback tucking inside. The winger can then cut inside with the ball-near 8 moving outside him while the fullback pushes into the 8 space to work a 3v3 combination.
The use of the 8s as outball while the two midfielders will make dummy movements for other players to receive possession. For instance, if Pellerano drops in between the centre-backs to receive possession and both 8s drop deep to receive possession and attract markers in the second wave of pressure while enticing the opposition to push higher up, the fullbacks will push up and veer into the central lines to receive early balls in between the lines to lay-off to the midfielders pushing up to lob passes for runners in behind. If the centre-backs shift possession to the fullbacks who will dribble into the central areas, one eight will drop deeper to attract markers and open passing lanes to the ball-far 8 who will drop into space to receive the ball.
Independiente Del Valle seek to have movement to create space in the build-up phase as they will stagger their midfield line with the deepest-lying midfielder moving in between the centre-backs, a deeper 8 dropping deeper as a passing option while the other midfielder will be positioned closer to the nine-space to work combinations with the central striker, Gaby Torres while both of them will be able to drop deep while occupying the nine space as well as the opposition centre-backs. With the wingers stretching play and maintaining their width during all phases of the game, the fullbacks will move inside to receive possession in the central areas and work combinations with their ball-near 8 and the winger while also filling central spaces which are opened by the movement of the 8s. When Pellerano drops in between the centre-backs and the ball is shifted the centre-backs, the midfielder can then push into the six-space to receive possession and switch the ball to the opposite flanks or play a pass in between the central lines. He can also play a flat pass to the ball-far centre-back to allow him to push into the midfield line and drive the ball forward and beat the first wave of pressure.
Independiente Del Valle use a variety of rehearsed sequences to manipulate opposition pressure as there is a fluidity to their moves while they frequently adjust certain sequences to opposition pressure. For instance, in the situation above, they have moved their fullbacks into a higher area as Pellerano is dropping in between the centre-backs from the six-space as the two strikers apply pressure. As Pellerano drops to attract pressure, the deeper 8 can receive the ball in the six-space to lay-off to one of the centre-backs who will lay-off to the left-sided centre-back to then play a line breaking pass for the fullback who has moved into the eight space to spread the ball for the winger or switch the ball to the far side. The player spacing in the left zone is impeccable for ball progression as Pellerano can drop deep, the ball can be played to the eight who will flick for the fullback to drive inside into space in between the lines to switch the ball to the weak side or spread for the winger.
Ramirez has also used a variety of tactical ploys when switching to a back three as he once deployed wingers, Jacob Murillo and Jhon Sanchez, at fullback in a back-four for the explicit purpose of having Pellerano drop in between the centre-backs and Murillo and Sanchez pushing up to stretch play while the 8s underlapped them and acted as passing options for the back three. It is very rare that Independiente Del Valle use their fullbacks to establish width as this was an intriguing ploy for the 35-year-old Spaniard. The Ecuadorian can move the ball through rotations and asymmetrical passing sequences in between the lines while they will also use direct switches to create 1v1s for the wingers to create crossing and shooting opportunities.
Positional Play
Independiente Del Valle prefer to stretch the pitch with their wingers or their fullbacks if they are utilizing a back three. There are certain tactical details that will evolve with formation changes within Ramirez’ framework as the Spaniard likes to employ movement and fluidity in the final third. The Ecuadorian side will operate with a 2-3-5 formation as the fullbacks will tuck inside when the 8s push up next to the strikers while if Ramirez is employing a back three with the fullbacks pushing up to establish width then Edson Montano will normally be positioned next to Gaby Torres as the two will interchange in dropping deep, moving into the wide areas and creating space for the player in the nine space with dummy runs.
Independiente Del Valle will normally work the ball in the centre with triangular combinations as if they are deploying a back four, one 8 will remain deeper and closer to the six-space while the other will push next to the nine space. The deeper 8 could receive possession and lay-off to a six or work the ball to an inverted fullback with the higher 8 in the nine space or central striker, normally Gaby Torres dropping deep to receive possession. A favoured routine of Ramirez’ side is when they positioned the high 8 closer to the nine space for either him or the striker to drop deep for a midfielder to lob a pass to either the striker or the 8 as a third man runner. Ramirez is steadfast in his belief of triangular passing combination and third man runner routines.
In the situation above, Independiente Del Valle are looking to attack the opposition defence as the player who receives possession in the half-space can pass to the left-back stretching the pitch and make an overlapping run to allow him to cut inside or make an underlapping run inside to create space for a pass into the centre as once he pushes into the front line to create a front five, either the left-back, Segovia or the central-centre-back, Pellerano will push into the midfield line to create a midfield three in a 2-3-5. Then the ball-near striker, in Gaby Torres will move closer to the fullback as a passing option while simultaneously drawing the opposition to one flank and creating space for a pass or cross to Montano. Ramirez’ side could use the wide overload for the fullback to work a one-two with Gaby Torres or cut inside to switch to the ball-far fullback on the weak-side for a crossing opportunity.
Independiente Del Valle can also work one-touch passing moves in the opposition half as in the picture above, there is space in between the midfield three and the front four the Ecuadorian side while fill those pockets with movement and one-touch passing. In the final third, Ramirez encourages his players to dribble and drive with the ball to create space and draw markers so teammates can move into the space vacated by the defenders. In the situation above, one can see that the passing lane to Gaby Torres is impeded by two defenders as if the midfielder in the half-space makes the pass to the fullback and continues his run, Torres may drop into the ten space vacated to receive possession with his strike partner Montano moving into the central striking spot while the ball-far 8 will push up to create a front five while Pellerano or Segovia will push into the midfield line.
These fluid movements allow the Ecuadorian side to disorient the opposition defence as once Torres receives the ball in the ten space, he can distribute the ball into players making movements off of him as he can work a one-touch flick to the midfielder making a run into the half-space to cut-back for Torres when he makes a late run into the box. He could also play a pass for Montano to have shot on goal or Montano could lay the ball off to a midfielder for Torres to make a third man run in behind. Having the 8s move into the front line mean they can drop deep or play with their back to goal to work one-touch link-up combinations in between the lines to tee up shots or facilitate quick and fluid interchanges in between the lines.
In the final third, Ramirez’ side could have the propensity to be more direct with speculative long-range shots and crosses from the wide areas. One of their favourite sequences to the second wave of opposition midfield pressure and transition into the final third is with one wide midfielder receiving the ball and switching the ball to the other wide midfielder in the midfield three to stretch the opposition midfield line and create space in the final third. In certain situations during switches, the wide 8 will make a decoy run into the centre to create space for a direct switch for the winger or the fullback establish width. If Independiente Del Valle are using a back four, once they evade the first wave of pressure and Gaby Torres is dropping deep to receive possession, the ball-far 8 will make a long vertical run into the nine space with the ball-far fullback moving into the 8 space as midfielder allowing Independiente to switch the ball and effectively work connections on the weak side.
When Independiente Del Valle are utilising a back-three, they will attack the opposition half in a 3-3-4 shape with the fullbacks pushing high next to the front two to establish width while the wide midfielders will be tasked with connecting play in transition. In this shape, Ramirez’ side can go more direct with switch balls the fullbacks on the flank or the centre-back driving the ball into the opposition half with the strikers looking to make runs in behind the defenders for a through ball. Both strikers will normally look to make a run in behind their markers or one striker will drop deep with a dummy run to receive the ball before his striker partner will make a run in behind.
Independiente Del Valle will look to move the ball forward through triangular combinations as the deepest-lying midfielder will drop into the six-space where he will create a triangle with the central centre-back and wide centre-back, allowing the ball-far centre-back to push up into space to receive the ball and drive past the first line of pressure. In this shape, Ramirez’ side will continue to use the goalkeeper as once the ball is worked back to the keeper, the central centre-back will move into the six-space or one of the wide midfielders will drop into the fullback position. There are other situations where they will maintain the three-chain with the keeper playing the ball to the ball-far centre-back who will move the ball to the six-space or ball-near wide midfielder to work a pass into fullback or switch the ball to the ball-far midfielder on the weak side.
In the situation above, Independiente Del Valle are progressing play in a 3-3-4 as the opposition have dropped into a 5-3-2 as they have the numerical superiority in the first-line to either stretch the opposition front-two to open a passing lane to the six-space or beat the first line of pressure by pushing the ball far centre-back into the midfield line. Once they move the ball into the next-line, they can switch the ball to the ball-far midfielder or the ball-far midfielder can make a run into the centre for a switch to the ball-far fullback. However, if the centre-back has pushed up with possession, his ball-near midfielder will either push into the attacking line to create a front five or move into the wide areas as a direct passing option while also allowing the fullback to make a vertical run into the half-space. The two central strikers will be preparing for a pass in behind.
Switching is a crucial facet of Independiente Del Valle’s attacking play as they will work direct switches from the defensive phase to the ball-far side to evade pressure and create opportunities. The goalkeeper is also crucial in this phase of play as the Ecuadorian side could move the ball back to the keeper with the centre-backs positioned on the half-way line for the keeper to play a pass to the open defender who will then switch the ball for a striker making a run in behind in the central zone or to the weak side. The goalkeeper could also work a direct switch to the weak side as Ramirez’ aggressive use of the goalkeeper allows the Ecuadorian side to have an extra man in the possession phase.
In certain passing sequences, Independiente Del Valle will have possession in the wide areas to move the ball into the centre but instead of switching the ball to the far side, they will lob a pass back to a runner on the near side to create a high-quality crossing opportunities. This allows them to shift the opposition defensive focus to the far side where they will focus on getting adequate spacial and man coverage on the weak side thus creating space on Independiente Del Valle’s near side allowing the Ecuadorian side to work a simple and higher percentage pass to the near side to create opportunities.
With Independiente Del Valle’s multi-faceted set of fullbacks, wide combinations are also much easier as Beder Caicedo and Angel Preciado are accomplished at overlapping, receiving possession and working connections in the half-space and midfield area while also switching the ball to the far side. There are moves where Preciado can receive the ball in the wide area to dribble into the half-space to allow his teammates to make runs in behind before threading a through ball to a teammate. Caicedo tends to spend more time in the half-space and as a central midifielder, receiving the ball, working connections and constantly remaining available for a pass. Preciado is also good at making runs to the back-post as an extra man to get on the end of crosses to score goals.
If Independiente Del Valle decide to move the ball into the wide areas, the ball-near midfielder will make a run into the half-space to receive the ball or attract a marker while the ball-near striker will move closer to the flank to receive a pass from the flank or dummy a pass for his strike-partner to have a shooting opportunity. He can also drop into the ten space to receive possession, lay-off to another midfielder and make a run in behind while his strike partner will drop into space to receive possession and lay-off for a lobbed pass in behind. Ramirez’ side will also switch the ball to the far side for the ball-far fullback to have a high-quality crossing opportunity as in the final third, they could switch from a 3-3-4 to a 2-3-5 with a centre-back pushing into the midfield line and his ball-near 8 pushing into the half-space. The Ecuadorian side look to use their numerical superiority to beat the first wave of pressure before stretching the opposition midfield line through switching the ball or playing asymmetrical triangular passing sequences to move the ball into the final third. Once they are in the final third, they will be no shortage of movement to create space and for players moving into the open spaces to create opportunities.
Counter-pressing
Independiente Del Valle employ a fierce and organised counter-press to prevent the opposition from constructing counter-attacks, allow their centre-backs to maintain high positions as well as create opportunities. They tend to lose possession in the final third with their elaborate positional play routines or in build-up with their clever sequences and wide array of shapes. Not only the nearest player will be tasked with pressing the ball but also the player with the best angle to the opposition player’s blind-side. Once possession is lost, the players closest to the man in possession will squeeze and apply pressure on the ball as if he works a sideways pass or back-pass, Ramirez side will continue to press the ball until they regain possession or force a long ball. The Ecuadorian side are well-drilled in pressing the ball in hives with persistence as if the opposition player who wins possession manages to switch the ball, then Independiente Del Valle will shift their defensive shape to the opposition flank with direct pressure on the ball while if the player tries to play through pressure, the centre-backs will push forward to make the important tackle or interception.
If the Ecuadorian outfit lose the ball in the opposition box with the opposition working a pass back to the goalkeeper then sometimes, the two closest strikers will push up to press the keeper and force a clearance, so they can regain possession in the opposition half. In certain situations, if Independiente Del Valle lose possession and the opposition player’s back is turned to play then this could act as a trigger for the ball-far midfielder to charge across the pitch to force the turnover. If a player further away from the turnover is positioned in the opposition player’s blind-side after a turnover and within a recoverable distance, then he will engage the player in possession to force a turnover. Independiente Del Valle will counter-press with the intent of forcing the turnover as they prefer to be in their defensive shape for as little time as possible.
Counter-pressing and recovering is also an integral facet of Independiente Del Valle’s style of play as if the player closest to the ball fails to regain possession then the next closest man will push up to engage the man in possession. In the counter-pressing phase, Independiente Del Valle’s main initiative is to win the ball at the point of the turnover. In possession, they normally utilize deeper-lying fullbacks with highly placed centre-backs which allow them to create an organized high line as if the opposition look to play a long ball or switch the ball on the break, the fullbacks will move from their inverted midfield roles to their fullback roles to recover possession and create a more organized back-line to stifle the opposition break. If the fullbacks have pushed high to establish width, then the 8s will drop into the fullback role after an opposition break to regain possession. Their keepers are also quick off their lines and trained in 1v1 situation to smother shots from opposition breaks.
Pressing
Independiente Del Valle are a side that employs a high and aggressive man-orientated press as their pressing is so aggressively man-orientated that their shape adapts to gain adequate coverage on the opposition. They will look to deny the opposition access to the central areas and force them wide where they will hunt for the ball at the touchline to regain possession and look to build quick attacks. They have pressed in a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3/4-3-1-2/3-4-1-2 shapes as they will look to force the opposition long while they also aggressively focus on ferociously pressing the opposition goalkeeper.
In the picture above, the front two are focused on closing the passing lane from the goalkeeper to the centre-backs as the Independiente Del Valle attackers are positioned in a vertical body shape to keep their centre-backs in their cover shadow while the ball-near striker will move closer to the keeper for force a clearance or errant pass, so his side can regain possession. Independiente Del Valle attacking midfielder has pushed forward to mark the opposition’s deepest-lying midfielder while the ball-near fullback will always push into the midfield line to regain possession in the opposition half from a clearance and provide the coverage in the midfield line with one of the midfielders pushing higher to press the ball.
If the Ecuadorian side are in a 4-1-4-1, 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 deep block then their pressing triggers will be exclusively man-orientated as if the keeper plays the pass to one centre-back then the central attacker in his zone will push up to press, if the opposition centre-back then shifts the ball to his centre-back partner then the striker in that zone will push up to press the ball while if the ball is played to the fullback then a winger will push up to put pressure on the man in possession. In certain situations, a striker will push up to engage their centre-back if he drives the ball forward as Ramirez seeks to prevent the opposition from having direct access into the next line through aggressive pressure on simple triggers.
In the situation above, if the opposition’s deepest-lying midfielder drops in between the two centre-backs then his marker will follow him as the midfield block pushing higher to close down the space while the fullback will mark the opposition winger or fullback. In essence, they will switch from pressing the opposition in a diamond to a flat 4-3-3 with one movement as the ball-far fullback will remain deeper with the centre-backs shifting to cover for the fullback who has pushed up. If the opposition attempt to work the ball into those alleys, then the centre-back will regain possession by covering for the fullback. If Independiente Del Valle are using a formation with a back three then they could also press the opposition as a back three in a 3-4-1-2 as if they regain possession, then the wing-backs can move into the front line to stretch play as Ramirez’ side can more readily switch to their attacking shape and create goalscoring opportunities in the opposition half.
Defensive Shape
Independiente Del Valle are similar to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds and other clubs in their defensive shape as they look to put pressure on the ball, players will constantly risk moving out of their positions and zones to engage the man in possession with numerical superiorities in order to regain possession and break at pace. This style of defending can look haphazard and could lead to well-structured opposition side finding gaps in the Ecuadorian side’s defensive shape to create goal-scoring opportunities. The Ecuadorian side defend in a 4-4-2, 4-1-4-1 and 5-3-2 shape if they are playing with three centre-backs. They look to force the opposition into playing back-passes, so they can push up and press the opposition or regain possession as soon as possible so they can break into space.
In the picture above, the Ecuadorian side are defending in a 5-3-2 shape as the defensive line has pushed higher as Independiente Del Valle seek to keep the spaces small, so they can regain possession, work triangular passing connections to beat the first wave of pressure and break on the opposition. The opposition player in the midfield line has received possession as another player has made a run in between the lines, instead of holding his position, Independiente Del Valle’s marker has chosen to follow while the two centre-backs in the area have adjusted their body shape to be able to push forward and regain possession in 3v1 situation. The opposition can open a passing lane to the other midfielder who can receive possession as Independiente Del Valle will look to regain possession with the striker dropping and the ball-far midfielder tucking in to regain possession.
If the opposition player in possession works a pass to the wide-play then the fullback will be on hand to regain possession with the wide centre-back, wide-midfielder and ball-near striker will move to the flank to win the turnover and look to break on the opposition. If the opposition work a back-pass then the two attackers will lead the press as if the opposition switch to a back three, the wide midfielder will push up to press when the defender in his zone receives the ball as the wing-back will push up to press in the midfield line with the defence shifting to his flank. If the opposition utilize a shape with two centre-backs and a midfielder in the six-space, then the central midfielder will push up to mark the centre-back in the six-space. The wing-backs will then push into the midfield line to press the opposition as a 3-4-1-2 while being able to mark the centre-backs and goalkeeper, the deepest-lying fullback while getting 1v1 coverage across the whole pitch.
Conclusion
Miguel Angel Ramirez will be one of the most sought-after managers in South America with his playing style and exploits as he seeks to qualify to the next round of the Copa Libertadores while looking to lead Independiente Del Valle to the first Ecuadorian Liga Pro in their history. There were rumours of interest from Brazil as his side managed a 5-0 thrashing of Flamengo before losing their next two Copa Libertadores games which will make it more difficult to qualify for the next phase. The 35-year-old has been a youth coach in his native Las Palmas, Greece as well as in Dubai and Ecuador as he has shown his ability and immense potential as a proactive attacking coach. He could be an option for a La Liga or Segunda Liga side as he has looked to innovate with his style while developing youngsters as he will certainly be a managerial prospect to keep an eye on going forward.
