Arne Slot’s industrious AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar Technical Director, Max Huiberts made the astute decision to hire a young manager from Cambuur as an assistant to John Van den Brom. Arne Slot had the opportunity to take training sessions and give presentations to AZ Alkmaar’s playing staff so that when he eventually got the opportunity to take over, the players were familiar with him and his methods. Slot is a breath of fresh air to an insular Dutch soccer culture admitting to seeking statistical and tactical information on Twitter as well as being inspired by the likes of Marcelo Bielsa while not being married to a certain formation. His first season at the helm has gone swimmingly with wins against Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven as AZ are joint first in the Eredivisie table.

Build-up

AZ Alkmaar normally build-up in a 2+1/2+2/2+3 formation as the centre-backs seek to work passing angles to Teun Koopmeiners in the six space. The AZ build-up shape is very fluid as the fullbacks will remain deeper, especially against sides with deep blocks as AZ push up to the halfway-line. Owen Wijndal who has a background as a midfielder will sometimes remain deeper to form a three-chain or a 3+2 formation as he will dribble into the centre to attract markers and create space. Jonas Svensson, the right-back will also do the same as he will drive the ball into the centre to work passing combinations with a deeper midfielder or centre-backs to progress play. Ron Vlaar will also drive forward leaving his defensive partner as the deepest-lying player to work passing angles into players in the pockets.

 Koopmeiners will normally be the deepest-lying midfielder with Fredrik Midstjo ahead of him as when Koopmeiners drops next to the centre-backs to form a three-chain so the fullbacks can push higher, Midstjo will drop into the six space. Sometimes the duo will evade the six space, both moving into the fullback positions, either side of the centre-backs, allowing Calvin Stengs to drop deep and receive possession, triggering one of the duo to move back inside to work combinations with Stengs to progress play.

AZ are encouraged to attract pressure in the build-up phase to create space in the opposition defensive block, they can circulate possession before working a long ball to Myron Boadu or they can work more elaborate triangles. They sometimes work situations where both centre-backs are either side of the keeper with the fullbacks as a passing option beside them while Koopmeiners will be in the six space with a supporting player which is either Midstjo, Stengs or Boadu ahead of him. Koopmeiners will create a triangle with a centre-back and fullback as the fullback will play a pass to the centre-back who will move into the deeper zone behind him, attracting pressure before the centre-back works a pass to Koopmeiners in space to work a combination with his supporting player before they switch the ball to the weak side or play a long ball.

AZ also utilise Boadu very heavily in build-up as he will move out wide as a passing option in build-up while he frequently vacates the nine space to move closer to Stengs and Dani De Wit to receive possession and create overloads for quick passing sequences before AZ spread the ball into the wide areas giving him time to make a run into the box. Sometimes, De Wit will move into the nine space allowing Boadu to receive the ball in the deeper areas.

AZ switch to a back three when the opposition presses in a 2v2 situation as one of Midstjo, Koopmeiners and Clasie will drop next to the centre-backs to establish numerical superiority and create space for passing lanes to the six space for other midfielders. In the situation above, AZ have switched to a three chain to work a pass to the six space which has opened passing lanes across the pitch as the midfielder can move the ball to the flank for the fullback or in between the lines for the attacking midfielder or inverted winger to receive the ball. AZ can work a situation where one player drops deep to receive possession and the other makes a run in behind for a through ball.

It should also be noted that left back, Wijndal has tucked in as an extra midfielder as Idrissi stretches play. He will act as a direct passing option for the three-chain as well as an option for a switch ball from the opposite flank before playing a pass to Idrissi on the flank and driving into the half-space. Slot allows Svensson and Wijndal to move into the half-spaces and centre to act as auxiliary midfielders situationally to receive passes, participate in triangular passing interchanges and dribble into the centre to instigate attacking moves and break the first line of pressure.

AZ normally have a midfielder dropping next to the centre-backs but Wijndal will also remain deep to create a three-chain giving AZ the advantage of having their two midfielders remain in the midfield line. AZ use of fullbacks as build-up conduits is made possible by having wingers like Stengs and Idrissi who drop deep in rotations to receive the ball in deep wide zones, to work triangles and switch the ball or work the ball back into the centre while Idrissi, who is a talented dribbler, can instigate breaks by beating his marker and driving forward. In the situation above Wijndal has created a three-chain as AZ are working the ball into the six space. Boadu has dropped deep as a passing option while the nine space is held by Dani De Wit. AZ have established wide rhombus shapes with the left sided centre-back, fullback, midfielder and attacker while Boadu dropping deep has created a rhombus with the midfielder, Wijndal and Idrissi. AZ can lay a pass to one of the wide centre-backs to create passing patterns to progress play in the wide areas before moving the ball back into the centre or switching play.

Wide combinations

AZ also use wide three-man triangular rotations to create space for third man runs into the half-space and lateral zones for low crossing opportunities. With Stengs as a progressive passer in the deeper wide zones, Svensson and other AZ players can make runs into the half-spaces as the young Dutchman will find them with through balls. Boadu is also willing to move into the wider zones to work little combinations as AZ midfielders will also make late runs in the box to latch onto the deliveries. AZ use a varied way of generating low crosses by utilising triangular combinations to switch the ball, direct switches and wide combinations from deep.

Slot uses third man concepts in most facets of AZ’ style of play in possession but predominantly in the wide areas as rotations will be triggered by wingers passing the ball and then following the direction of the pass while the fullback will move out wide to receive the ball and lay off the ball to the wing or central areas. AZ also create space by having the winger receive a switch ball in the half-space in a narrow position drawing the opposition fullback into the half-space as once the winger receives the ball, it will trigger a timed overlapping run from the fullback into the lateral zone where the winger will lay a lightly weighted pass for the fullback to square a low cross.

 The winger and fullback relationship and automatisms allow AZ to move the ball quicker and create space in the wide areas as at times, AZ will use a sequence where a midfielder or striker will drift into the wide areas to drag a marker out of position. The winger will play the ball to him and follow the ball into the centre as central player lays the ball off to the fullback who will then cross for the winger who is positioned centrally in space vacated by the midfielder or striker. When the winger receives possession of the ball in the wide areas, the fullback in the half-space will make a driving dummy run into the box drawing his marker and opening a passing lane into the centre or an opportunity for the winger to cut in and work a switch ball or shot.

Positional Play and Triangular Passing

Slot’s AZ Alkmaar are one of the best sides in Europe at establishing triangular passing interchanges in all areas of the pitch as well as being one of the better sides in Europe at working triangular passing sequences to move the ball out of tight areas. In the situation above, they have established triangles all over the pitch in order to create switching opportunities. AZ can work direct switches but prefer to shift the ball from one flank to the other using triangular connections in order to draw markers out of position to create space on the flank and in the half-space for low crossing opportunities. Idrissi is establishing width on one flank with Svensson on the other as elaborate fullback to winger movement and interchanges are essential to AZ’s attacking play.

Wijndal can work a back pass to Koopmeiners to draw opposition pressure higher before driving into the half-space. Koopmeiners could then work a pass to Midstjo whose marker will have pushed higher before working a one-touch flick to Idrissi who will work a through ball for Wijndal in the half-space. If AZ decide to switch to the weak side, then Wijndal can play a pass for Midstjo to lay off for Koopmeiners to play a pass to Stengs in between the lines who will spread the ball for Svensson or will try and work a direct pass for De Wit or Boadu who will make runs in behind triggered by Stengs receiving the ball in the ten space. Boadu has space to drop into in the nine space to interact with De Wit and Stengs as they can work a triangle for one of them to run in behind or Boadu can drop deep and spread play for Svensson before making a carefully timed run into the box.

De Wit is also prepared to push up if Boadu drops deep as AZ play with a ten to create connections in the final third as well as hold the nine space when Boadu drops deep. In the opposition half, one of AZ main goals is to generate low crossing opportunities for high quality opportunities inside the box as they look to work passing patterns to move Idrissi and Svensson into space with options in the box. They can also work situations where they move Idrissi into the wide areas with Wijndal pushing into the half space, allowing Idrissi to cut inside and drive into the centre to have a shot on goal from the top of the box.

AZ try to stretch the pitch and create numerical superiorities for connections in tight spaces to work the ball into shooting situations and low crossing situations. In the situation above, AZ are in a 2-2-5-1 as Idrissi and Svensson playing on the flanks have allowed Wijndal, De Wit and Stengs to create numerical superiorities in between the lines. Boadu has his feet set for a run in behind but has space to drop into to receive passes from deep and work combinations to spread the ball into the wide areas for the wide players to play low crosses into him. De Wit in the ten space is used as a passing option in between the lines and to hold the nine space when Boadu drops deep but can also be used to move markers away from the ten space to open passing lanes into Stengs and Boadu in the final third.

AZ utilise blind-sided movements as well as triangular rotations to create space with dummy runs, players dropping into space and playing delicate layoffs to work the ball into the box for high quality opportunities. In the situation above Stengs can continue his run to the right flank clearing the passing lane for Boadu while Midstjo continues his run into the pockets as Vlaar plays a pass into Boadu who will lay off to Midstjo who will then work a chip for a runner in behind. With positional play facilitated by innate movements in the final third AZ create little pockets of space by drawing players out of position in the opposition defensive block which can be attacked by runners through clever movements and passing rotations. AZ have numerical superiorities in the central areas to work quick one-touch combinations to move the ball into space.

De Wit has occupied a marker and created a yard of space on Boadu’s marker’s blind-side while Wijndal pushing up has drawn a marker into the half-space, creating space in the lateral zone for Idrissi while Stengs’ positioning has drawn a marker as if Vlaar plays a direct ball to Midstjo in midfield, the midfielder in that zone will push up to mark the Norwegian, leaving Stengs in more space in between the lines. AZ’ positioning of men in between the lines have forced the opposition into defending in a narrow shape allowing the wingers to be in space in the wide areas. If the ball is worked to them, the opposition defensive block will shift to close them down, but AZ’ wide players will have access to teammates in the half-spaces.

As with most teams that utilise positional play, switching is very integral to AZ creating space as they utilise their winger to fullback connections to create spaces. These connections and the creation of low crosses were a facet of AZ’s play under John Van den Brom as his former assistant has continued this. Wijndal driving into the half-space creates space as he will draw a midfield marker into a deeper zone allowing Idrissi to cut back and drive into the to switch to Stengs who will wait for Svensson to overlap him and play the ball into the lateral zone for the Norwegian to cross. To generate low crossing opportunities, AZ position Stengs in the centre to drop deep to receive passes, turn and progress play as timed overlaps from both fullbacks are integral to the winger working a timed pass to the fullback to work a low cross into the six-yard area.

Counter-pressing 

With players in front of the ball and the use of attacking players like Stengs and Idrissi in the deeper areas, AZ utilise a ferocious counter-press which is important in preventing breaks and regaining possession. If Stengs loses the ball in the deeper areas with a loose pass, the players in front of the situation will rush back to regain possession by directly challenging the man in possession. The nearest player will always engage the player in possession as AZ shift into defensive situations as a unit in order force loose passes and regain possession as quickly as possible. AZ will also counter-press if the ball is lost in the opposition box in order to force a long clearance, so their centre-backs can push up and regain possession as player’s closest to the situation will simultaneously push forward.

In situations where they lose the ball in approach play and there is a direct counter on the centre-backs, if there are no threats of a player running behind and the ball is lost in the opposition half, the centre-backs will push up to regain possession. If there is a direct threat of a player running in behind, AZ’ centre-backs will drop back to make sure the player is marked while the attackers chase back to regain the space and ball to prevent the counter from being serious. Counter-pressing is an issue Slot takes seriously as he even positioned left back, Thomas Ouwejan as an attacking midfielder to facilitate more effective switches between the attacking phase and defensive phase.

AZ are not careless about the way the counter-press as the three nearest players to the ball will press the man in possession, the deepest-lying midfielder will hold his position with a horizontal body shape as press security, only engaging if the opposition manage to beat the first line of pressure. AZ lose a lot of possession in their wide triangular combinations so if the opposition move the ball back into the centre, the central midfielder will push up to press the ball while the midfielder caught in the wide areas will slide across to cover the space. In certain situations if the AZ lose possession in the wide areas, AZ will man mark the players in the area and allow the player in possession to pass the ball back into the centre which will trigger a higher press to regain possession in a key zone.

Pressing

AZ press in a 4-2-3-1 as Boadu will press the space in between the centre-backs with a horizontal body shape to press the centre-back in possession as Idrissi and Stengs will shift across to press the space in between the centre-back and fullback. De Wit will push up to mark the defensive midfielder as AZ look to deny the opposition access into the centre. Stengs and Idrissi are closer to Stengs for coverage purposes as if Boadu moves to press the wide areas, De Wit will push up to press the centre-backs with Stengs tucking in or Stengs will push up to press in the nine space. Stengs and the player will move up to press with De Wit or Stengs if the opposition move the ball back into the centre, they will press the ball in the centre together and press the keeper. If the ball moves to the opposition fullback and they evade the first wave of pressure, the ball-near central midfielder, Koopmeiners or Midstjo will shift across to press the man in possession, allowing the fullback to continue marking the opposition winger.

If the opposition have an extra midfielder near the six space or are utilising a double-pivot, Koopmeiners or Midstjo will push up to press the ball and support De Wit. An extra midfielder will also push up to press the ball if the opposition have the ball in the deep wide areas and are looking to move the ball back into the centre as well as in counter-pressing situations. AZ seek to force long balls or win balls in the opposition half in order to establish quick breaks to create goalscoring opportunities.

AZ have recently switched to pressing in a high 4-4-2 block with two attackers shielding the same zones as the centre-backs and preventing access into midfielders. AZ look to keep the spaces small in these situations as a winger can move into the centre to cover for a midfielder if he pushes up. De Wit will push up next to Boadu as he will also sometimes drop deeper than the striker as an extra midfielder, covering for the midfielder’s that push up and adding to the numerical superiority in the press. In their base shape, the wingers will be tasked with marking the fullbacks, but player’s will shift to cover each other when they move out of position. AZ use this shape against bigger teams as their 4-4-2 press will be triggered after the move out of their 4-4-2 low block due to back passes and sideways passes. AZ seek to move forward and press the opposition in a compact unit, denying the opposition access in the centre and keeping the spaces in between each player as small as possible.

Defensive Shape

AZ defend in a 4-4-2 zonal low block as they drop into a compact shape to force the opposition into the wide areas. De Wit will push up next to the striker, Boadu while the wingers will drop next to the double pivot as back pass or sideways pass will trigger AZ into pushing up to press the ball. In the situation above, AZ have forced the opposition into the wide areas as their deep-lying midfielder is denied passing access into his teammates in between the lines while being marked by the two strikers who will push up to press the ball if he plays the ball back to his centre-backs. AZ have kept the spaces in between the line small as if the opposition manage to work a pass in between the lines, the front two will drop to win back possession and the centre-backs will push up to make challenges.

In the defensive phase, the midfielders are involved in shifting into the wide areas to prevent the opposition from having numerical superiority by supporting the winger and fullbacks. In the ball-far flank, AZ have worked a 3v2 situation with the midfielder, winger and fullback marking the opposition winger and fullback as they are shifting to the opposite flank to work the same situation. The ball-far midfielder will remain central to win possession from balls back into the centre and the opposition winger will tuck inside with his fullback outside of him to intercept switch balls. If the opposition switch the ball and the AZ winger is caught out of position, then the fullback will push up to put pressure on the ball with the winger drops behind him into the fullback role.

AZ have also switched to a 4-4-1-1 defensive shape with the attacking midfielder dropping to mark the six space with the striker pushing up to mark the centre-backs. It is easy to transition into their pressing shape from this medium defensive block as the wingers will push up alongside the attacking midfielder while the striker moves to press the centre-backs. AZ look to deny direct passing access from the centre-backs to the six space in this shape while the wingers are tucked inside tightly to deny the opposition access to the centre. A pass to the centre-back that the striker is unable to mark will trigger the attacking midfielder into pushing up to mark the other centre-back as the midfielder will close the passing lane in the six space and force the ball into the wide areas.

In the medium block, the AZ defence have pushed higher to deny the opposition access to the spaces in between the lines and work an offside trap. A ball into the wide areas will force AZ to shift to mark the fullback as in the situation above, AZ are focused on closing down zones rather men. If the ball progresses into the wide areas, the left-back will shift to close down the wide areas while the centre-back will shift into the wide areas to mark the attacker. AZ keep the spaces small, so they can attack passes in between the lines to regain possession so they can construct quick counter attacks.

Conclusion

Slot is 41 and has turned AZ into a more entertaining attacking outfit with a defence that has managed to collate the highest number of clean sheets in the Eredivisie. For the first time since Louis Van Gaal’s side won the Eredivisie, AZ are candidates for the title as they are currently level on points with Ajax as their first team consists mostly of players promoted from the academy. If the KNVB resume the season, then AZ will resume their title challenge and have the opportunity to finish a season in which their campaign has been highlighted with key wins against the other giants of the Eredivisie, including two wins over Ajax. Slot rarely uses his Twitter account but one can still find videos of his training sessions with the Cambuur youth team on Twitter as well as YouTube as his curiosity has paid off in making AZ a title contender.