How Xabi Alonso Created A NEW STYLE Of Football | Tactics Explained

Under the management of Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen have gone from a club threatened with relegation to arguably THE BEST team in the Bundesliga - thanks to Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard has taken elements from the two best coaches in modern football: Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola - as well as relational concepts and tactics used by both Unai Emery AND Roberto De Zerbi. But what exactly is his style of play? Find out in this video.
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[@StatmanDave]

WILL XABI ALONSO'S BAYER LEVERKUSEN WIN THE BUNDESLIGA THIS SEASON? 🤔

[@Bravehearts_Colston]

He will be at Liverpool next year and take them to the next level he will be the icing on the cake to what klopps done

[@user-hk6sh6nz7w]

pls do girona tactic ❤❤❤❤❤

[@thetruth4654]

Yes, and i really hope that they do. anything is better then Bayern winning it(i like Bayern they are a great and historic team, but it is boring how consistently they win the bundesliga)

[@tonydize3944]

I hope so

[@lokinsimone]

yes, but no leverkusen resident would put the champagne in the fridge right now

[@miguelporras8366]

Could you do an analysis on Inzaghi's Inter? They played a magnificient UCL final. Inzaghi's defence setup is brilliant, with a great mix of man marking and positioning, Bastoni's support of the build up through crosses and progressive carries, Di Marco's top left foot, Dumfries physicality to reach the final line, Calhanoglu's mobile playmaking and Barella/ Mkitarhyan/Fratessi interchanging functions as 8s and playmakers... the forward line was upgraded by Thuram, way more technical, mobile and involved in the build up than Lukaku ever was, and exchanging freely with Lautaeo

[@commentarytalk1446]

You really did your homework and handed it in early, for this video! Quality. I think there's a lot of manager history with Alonso and he seems to have been ready to be a manager even when he was playing? Guess the biggest test is: If he achieves success this season, then either continues and builds on that or takes a new role and again adapts and produces success with a new team/club under different conditions and using different players available. If he can first sustain current performance, then achieve tangible success then demonstrate ability to take a new project and adapt it successfully, then we can say he's going to be up there. One thing you also see from the great managers is enormous presence and leadership with Ferguson, Mourinho and you see it already in Arteta, so I guess he'll need that too. Might have to dip into that "Jogo Relativism" football video - JHC, I'll need a degree in stats and physics at this rate!

[@oasisinthesun08]

Ha, or just copied the other video with the same title, lol

[@HitchSenan]

Do you mean Relationism?

[@Ben-gt1vf]

Their football doesn't lie. Absolutely beautiful to watch (better than Pep's City even at times), so strong defensively. Great vibe in the team. One of the best in Europe on set pieces Xabi Alonso is destined for greatness!

[@bobofett3966]

Also in an inferior league with really only on other good team Bayern so to compare them to a team that won 5 trophies in a year is getting a bit carried away.

[@dandean8481]

@@bobofett3966pep and klopps last jobs were in Germany Haaland and Bellingham were young stars who’ve moved. so the two best managers in the world and the best number 9 and 10 in the world are shit arnt they 😂 shut up lad bundesliga is the closest you’re gonna get to English football

[@philippzorn539]

@@bobofett3966 You don't know anything about the Bundesliga and your post aged like milk. There are Leverkusen, Dortmund, Bayern and Leipzig. Leipzig was better than Madrid in the Round of 16. The referee also helped Madrid out yet again. Also, Stuttgart had a tremendous season with yet another German coaching prospect. When you include Frankfurt you have at least six decent teams at the moment. Five teams will play the CL next year. It can be six teams in CL if Dortmund becomes CL champion. Also, Dortmund is in CL Final. Leverkusen will be in the EL final and Bayern possibly also makes it to the CL final. Not bad for a "farmer's league".

[@stofflwoffl3370]

Thx for Your Video... As a German, i can say, that Leverkusen is an absolut joy to watch. When they get Possession, they often hit an unprepared defense and have the right players for short passing through the Center or use their fantastic wings. I also Hope he will stay at the Bundesliga... I think Leverkusen could be One of the big Suprises in the CL next Year... or maybe Munich?😜

[@okonkwokosisotheophilus4892]

Xabi creating an identity within months ..while here my Ten hag still gives us excuses 💔💔

[@StatmanDave]

Lots of injuries at Man Utd but need to start seeing something from Ten Hag in the second half of the season

[@okonkwokosisotheophilus4892]

Yh Definitely Coupled with 1 game per week..no reason now not implement his Playstyle with almost every player available now

[@nont18411]

The others are cooking. Meanwhile, Erik just forgot to turn on a stove.

[@lexxihd5843]

Leverkusens transfer window was exelent tho. United haven't had that since Fergie. Leverkusen are just much better lead as a club. (I know transfers also have to do with the manager, but i think its Uniteds fault for giving Ten Hag so much power and not even having a sporting director)

[@okonkwokosisotheophilus4892]

@@lexxihd5843 exactly..that's why more blame shud be given to eth..cause he specifically requested for those players..we shud have definitely seen a playing pattern asap I don't knw if he has abandoned his total possession based football that he played at Ajax ..that was the main fucking reason all the fans backed him over pochetino.. Now his Playstyle ain't that different from Oles

[@austinedeclan10]

Let's not forget, he won the World Cup under Del Bosque. That must have been an early education in management.

[@user-wl3mj2ds5m]

That side benefited more from pep guardiolas barcelona imo

[@austinedeclan10]

@@user-wl3mj2ds5m Del Bosque is still a legend. Pep or not, he still had to win the damn thing and it wasn't that obvious before the tournament that they would.

[@user-wl3mj2ds5m]

@@austinedeclan10 honestly I think a nobody could've managed that side and they still would've won it but maybe I'm wrong

[@rahulroy2198]

He was in Real madrid at the Height of Spanish Talent in La Liga and he was under Jose Mourinho too, one of the best manager going against Pep then Joining Pep and going against Klopp. He has seen a lot of elite football and been the forefront in a lot of situations too

[@FactFrenzyJoey]

Xabi is going to be a Top Manager 🔥🔥

[@jessewrites17792]

He already is.

[@danwatson611]

@@jessewrites17792no he isn’t. He’s won nothing

[@user-kj6be8sf3v]

​@@danwatson611 he is undefeated!

[@killemshaun]

@@danwatson611 His lerverkusan are the only team to remain Unbeaten and top of the Bundesliga and are among the Europa favourites

[@pstvalpha9311]

@@danwatson611 0 ball knowledge

[@GabrielJuca]

Great video. Thank you for posting.

[@DiogoGaming2]

For me Leverkusen and Tottenham have been the most fun to watch teams this season, Ange´s Spurs video next?? And video on Girona and Las Palmas is needed too Also, Im still waiting for the Sarri´s Napoli video 😮‍💨

[@andikasinarintipanel4182]

Nice, don't forget about Inzaghi in inter. Fun too. Look at Inter vs Juve match, they controling team like Juventus

[@okonkwokosisotheophilus4892]

Been waiting so long to see the breakdown from you dave❤

[@StatmanDave]

❤

[@darthplagueis8886]

Gonçalo Inacio and Frimpong would be his only Liverpool signings, build a stronger defense and push Arnold to the midfield more times.

[@StatmanDave]

They would be excellent additions but I'm torn on seeing Trent in the Grimaldo role or in central midfield

[@kierancassidy5153]

@@StatmanDavemaybe flip it so how Leverkusen play down their left Liverpool can do that down the right side. N this the right switched to the left only problem with that is Robo isn’t great in the final third bar crosses. If we can somehow get a Davies, Mendes a frimpong type down the left would be great but can’t see the back 5 working with this Liverpool squad we’ve got to many wingers n attacking 8’s. Xabi cleary plays with 10’s dunno how it can work. Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Endo, Elliot, 1/2 wingers future at the club could be at risk.

[@john-adriancoker2789]

​@@StatmanDaveThe emergence of finding equilibrium between positional & relational play seems to be a recurring theme amongst the next gen of elite managers. Hyperfluid interchanges between structural & unpredictable numerical overloads. Juego Bonita? Perhaps, it's the next evolution in the football meta? I'm eagerly anticipating your breakdown of Girona's tactics under Miguel Ángel Sánchez Muñoz A.K.A. Michel!

[@jw7356]

Liverpool's attacking 8's are pretty much all converted 10s. The only issue would be where to move Trent, but that's largely negated anyway because Xabi is the right person to convert him to a similar type of player that he himself was. Bradley has potential to become a similar type of attacking fullback that Leverkusen have as well. But this is purely speculative with regards to Xabi. If he comes to Liverpool to replace Klopp, he won't copy and paste his system across. Football doesn't work like that, it's about translating your ideology and then adapting it to the players at your disposal. And that's all Liverpool need is a tweak, it doesn't need a great reset or anything.

[@Wilcoranking]

How exactly will he sign them, are they free agents? ​@jw7356. At least one person has sense. If only most of these managers could realize that instead of trying to force players to fit into a system they don't belong. I think Alonso's best achievement going forward is his ability to identify talent that others have overlooked and find unique ways to use them

[@WGK90]

Be interested on your thoughts on DM's system at West Ham and what's happened this season, with the team reaching 6th recently in the premier league, and still being 8th, but with some heavy losses, and the media all supporting Moyse, Id be interested to know why you think the 2 are happening and whether what DM's doing from a tactical perspective is actually good, or whether he relies on individual performances.

[@hitsurei]

I'm just so happy this season of bundesliga is so refreshing and intriguing, mostly because of leverkusen. It's been a while since I'm really excited watching the league. Awesome stuff, btw

[@pedrocosta3311]

Great video! Congratulations!

[@official_dee17]

please can you do a vid of miguel muñoz. the heights he’s already reached this season won’t go unnoticed🔥

[@sean-e-boy]

whos here after bayerleverkusen won the league. what scenes. Wirtz is a wizard and Xakha is that old man in ur sunday league team who just stands there but makes the best plays and goals with ease and not even breaking a sweat

[@dna1238]

Nice visual to help explain your thorough assessment 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤🏆🥇💪

[@thebizness5596]

Xabi Alonso is becoming a class coach/manager. He seems to have been a sponge under all the managers he’s played for and formed an impeccable play style and man management. 1. Jose Mourinhos defensive organisation and efficient counter attacking 2. Guardiolas possession based style 3. Carlo Ancelottis man management and tactical IQ An honourable mention to Vincente Del Bosque. Even though he had a joke of squad to win the World Cup and euros I hear he was very much liked by the players so I’m sure he learned one or two things.

[@dubemojih1990]

@statmandave I think a video on Ruben Amorim is needed

[@danielf81]

Agreed! We're playing some great football.

[@official_dee17]

or miguel munoz

[@manasphanse6809]

Intriguing! Next Liverpool Manager!

[@azdrenbytiqi2310]

i hope so!! YNWA

[@WillMellor3]

Great video Dave

[@DangerousLiving1914]

I used these very same tactics in Fifa 20. Even the structure Pep used in last seasons UCL final, I did it too.

[@miguelporras8366]

I also see some influence of Gasperini's Atalanta in Alonso's defensive setup, based on marking more than positional pressing. And also Dyche (yes, Dyche), who at Burnley used to force the attacking opponent by overloading one side and then the other as they change side, leaving little to no passing lines. What I find more impressive is that Alonso is capable of combining relational and control schemes. By the way, many people forget that Ten Hag also used relational approach with his legendary Ajax. He overcame Juventus by playing relational, with 5 players ahead of De Jong playing feeely

[@thebizness5596]

Ten Hag is a shite coach. He relied on the Ajax system.

[@miguelporras8366]

@@thebizness5596 "Ajax system" is not exactly thriving these days

[@thebizness5596]

That's because Overmars and Van Der Sar left and they brought in crap players but guess what? They haven't lost their identity in how they play. @@miguelporras8366

[@ghost_kinggamer9561]

​@@thebizness5596Bruh he isn't using it with United. In fact he said he could never play the way he did with Ajax in United. Which is clearly bullshit

[@ryancottle1563]

With all these compact formations it is a matter of time before teams that play long balls from deep to strikers that loiter high up return.

[@domainmojo2162]

Yes. But that's the beauty of the game. The game is constatly changing and old and new tactics come and go. Having said that- you'd have to be a very special long-ball team to destroy the modern systems, because while the tactics were made to contend with other possession-based teams, the individuals have the ability to dominate any team and to deal with balls over the top. For instance, the CBs, keepers and number 6 are assembled to handle balls over the top.

[@tonydize3944]

I will say it again I don't like youtubers but all of your videos are great 👍🏼 you're smart and know what you're talking about

[@avihanuka5127]

5221 its tuchel tactis in chelsea what gave him champions league. Reece james wb and alonso was amazing, mount also. One of the underated teams isee. Beat real madrid twice in ayear, man city also. Tuchel at chelsea was amazing

[@michaelchesney8680]

best chelsea team i ever seen

[@askaakra99]

Liverpool literally have the perfect players for this. Imagin the pressing of szoboslai, jota and macallister in this

[@demonking5436]

I would be intrigued to see xabi at lfc... especially the formation...bcuz at bundesliga he uses a 3 at the back where as in europa he's at times he's using classic 4 at the back double pivot formation 👀👀

[@imp4ktth]

i think he always loved the 3 backs foemation

[@demonking5436]

@@imp4ktth you never know...klopp at dortmund was way different than klopp at lfc

[@antoniocorral1163]

Great analysis.

[@calmvibesnamaste9946]

Finally an english youtuber,who speaks clearly.

[@romanhorschig]

Great Analysis!

[@philomenaimafidon2016]

How does anyone beat this type of setup?? It sounds too good honestly

[@a_bar8579]

Xabi Alonso is a legend in playing and coaching football!

[@Winblad98]

Fantastic video Dave, really hope Alonso ends up at LFC. He would be a great fit.

[@StatmanDave]

cheers lad. Thank you.

[@winstong7438]

❤Amazing video

[@emmanuelonyono4517]

For sure I like the way they play Fantastic football

[@washingtonochieng5106]

6:21 is what is saw Arteta did with Liverpool in the last minutes of the game

[@lespaulandtheboys]

Isn’t “rest defence” what the rest of your non-attackers are doing to prevent counters while you’re attacking? Not while you’re in a defensive block

[@BossL2460]

Xabi this season vs Ten hag last season 🔥🤭❤️

[@stephencollins5706]

In order to maintain this style of quick play, you must have younger players with energy, speed and stamina, to keep this going season after season will require a club with outstanding planning of replacement of players as they slow down. For example Liverpool FC last season had a midfield of relatively slow players who did not have the stamina or pace to play Klopps style and thier league finish was proof ( Europa league & not CL ). Now a massive risk of literally wiping out the midfield and bringing in a complete new set of players who are younger have the stamina and energy to play Klopps way. This goes one of 2 ways badly or in this case currently very well. Luck or judgment - You decide ? I can see Alonso style is a minor adjustment to the current way Liverpool plays even with the current players. If he goes to Madrid it would be a big change of style and how patient would RM be to allow time to replace those players who either cannot or will not adapt ? Would be very nice to see him replace Klopp but let's see how this works.

[@emmanuelafeisume4422]

Brilliant

[@gm2407]

Football Manager gonna need to update tactics.

[@theHamster624]

First Brendan Rodgers, then Andre Villas-Boas, then Zinedine Zidane, and now Xabi Alonso. YET ANOTHER manager that Jose has helped succeed. How many for Pep? THIS is the difference between manager and coach.

[@ibby__]

Pep helped arteta

[@mintesnotnegash6671]

What ? Pep helped Xavi Alonso 😂😂😂

[@fkaye1001]

Xavi, Arteta, Alonso, Kompany, Enzo Maresca?

[@user-bz6nu9sw1s]

king xabi

[@teleport_football]

The Professor His nickname

[@StatmanDave]

Nice to see such an intelligent player translate that to management

[@teleport_football]

Please analyze a player for us .please l want to know how good is Boubacar Kamala of Aston villa in that 6 role We would really appreciate it​@@StatmanDave

[@Stephenphillips29UK]

He is going to win some Champions league medals as a manager where ever he manages!!

[@user-g5o]

This man is the next man to take over Liverpool when Jürgen retires 💯 he will do amazing things at Liverpool.. this is coming from a born United fan

[@StatmanDave]

Xabi Alonso HAS to be the guy to replace Klopp

[@Nite-owl]

@@StatmanDave In an ideal World, I agree, but FSG deal in statistics and he's not really been in management long enough to build a statistical long term picture. My heart says Alonso, but my head says someone like De Zerbi, Emery or Amorim.

[@BhavneshPhekoo]

Wont work out@@StatmanDave

[@StatmanDave]

Following Klopp is almost an impossible job but at least a club icon like Alonso will buy time with his reputation whilst he gets his managerial ideas across. Personally think he'd be respected a lot more by the players too than a De Zerbi/Amorim/Emery (just look at how Emery was mocked at Arsenal). That being said I think he really NEEDS to win the Bundesliga this season to establish himself as a coach ready for the top@@Nite-owl

[@Nite-owl]

@@StatmanDave Couldn't agree more. The fans would definitely give him more time the others. I feel that IF he wins the Bundesliga, he should be a serious consideration. Hell, even coming in behind Bayern would still be a monolithic achievement from where they were.

[@gravejello2331]

As a Madrid fan, his progression as a manager is so impressive. Even though Madrid hasn’t really used super “tactical” managers, I believe he can be the perfect option to carry us forward. I think we already have a great roster for him to build a relationship with and develop a pressing team. I hope he can stay at Leverkusen for at least one more season to continue to work towards his potential

[@jimmywalker8354]

As a Madrid fan, I think he's doing well at Leverkusen because there's no expectation. It's too early to judge whether he can handle the hot seat and at times, toxic Madrid environment.

[@user-qi8cf7ff7t]

But people think that Alonso don't know the dianamic passes when he was the good player for Liverpool he knows that but that depends on how and who makes those passes but if you don't have one you can play short passes

[@7eventyn]

You should replicate his tactics in Football Manager 24 Kinda excited to use it though 😊

[@miguelrosado6348]

"Let's talk about how Xabi Alonso created a new tactic influenced exclusively by managers that I know from the Premier League..." 🤣

[@johnpatterson6448]

Endo would thrive in this system

[@duran9664]

❌ Xabi would be a sentimental pick😮‍💨 ⭕️ Hense Fleck would be more logical & smart pick 🤏

[@Philbythelake]

Grimaldo is so good

[@shaun7711]

Yes he wil be the next best coach

[@mrajaram7676]

Bundesliga liga is different other leagues or different

[@shihabrahman6502]

This is very similar to how Garry O'Neil sets up Wolves don't you think?

[@pankajmajithia4429]

Where is Xabi Alonso going after end of this season?

[@johnlau6749]

bro, Xabi is going nowhere

[@NobodyThough]

De Zerbi was the flavour of last season now it is turn of Xabi Alanso ........ Second season either at Bayer or somewhere else would actually define the calibre...... De Zerbi has lost some of last season's Halo.... Wait and Watch🤔

[@DigitalJuggernaut]

If Liverpool signs Xabi Alonso, it is over for the rest of Europe.

[@Andre-hm5vo]

Rambo - "Nothing is over"

[@nonnayoubuzinnes1669]

He can do one. Lijnders in

[@bobofett3966]

He hasn’t created a new style of football, it’s the same style Pep has played many times down the years, people do get carried away.

[@chengochuma3840]

Bring Xabi home at Anfield

[@patrik9606]

Timo Werner?

[@omereonyemoses2085]

This man is heading to the top as a manager ❤

[@commentarytalk1446]

Remember his name: Statman Dave.

[@StatmanDave]

😂@@commentarytalk1446

[@user-qi8cf7ff7t]

Managing will not be a problem with Alonso

[@benjaminmediale]

Eddie Howe should be LFC next coach He's really really good

[@bazza2454]

I miss when Dave used to upload all the time. Now we get barely 2 vids a month

[@StatmanDave]

Bazza, my good friend. We are working in the background on a new set, new tech, new style. All will be revealed next week.

[@bazza2454]

@@StatmanDave that’s sounds insane

[@StatmanDave]

@@bazza2454 WE ARE TAKING IT UP A LEVEL

[@danwaters4139]

As a Chelsea fan this is depressing to watch. Lol We have to watch Pochs chaotic Basketball like transitional rubbish.

[@arsenalogist4285]

No this isn't a new style of football, we've seen this before

[@34KellyRED]

If Alonso were to return to the club to replace Klopp in the summer then l can see this being Trent's final season as a full back. If true that Frimpong has a £34m release clause then that would allow Trent to come into midfield to be Alonso's Alonso midfielder 😂

[@dman9152]

Liverpool have Conor Bradley tho

[@joethecrow6451]

The trouble with the high press is that a long ball over the back line will undo it if you have opposition players with pace as Arsenal demonstrated against Liverpool recently.

[@fazleesulaiman520]

welcome home Xabi Alonso. 👏🏼

[@santandersepulveda]

420 likes, nice

[@calumjunior7748]

Did he really create a new style? I’m pretty sure he didn’t reinvent football and is just doing well so is the flavour of the month..

[@Team1Kareem]

Hala Madrid! Can’t wait

[@rodrigovillate6463]

Rafa Benítez mentioned alongside good and legendary coaches 😂

[@kierancassidy5153]

I mean pretty sure he won 2 league titles n a europa league with Valencia. Won a champions league at Liverpool against a god squad milan team, a fa cup, supercup n community shield. Also won 2 trophies at Napoli n Inter n 1 at chelsea. Seems pretty good to me worth a mention n was a pretty good manager pre 2014

[@rickys7435]

Rafa is exceptional tactically. He has had hard lines in basically every job he has had. He is more talented than Jose. He is however worse at picking clubs and that has been massively to his detriment.

[@rodrigovillate6463]

@@rickys7435 He took Inter after a Treble, same squad and got sacked in months. He is way better than Jose, is very clear

[@rodrigovillate6463]

@@kierancassidy5153 Now mention something in the last 8 years. or better, something he has done with a squad that hadn't won the UCL the season before his arrival. Only the napoli thing is worth mentioning and not that much, Serie Was juventus and nobody else at the time, Lazio also won the Cup, no Milan or inter in 10 years. But even so, he's never been regarded at any big clubs and has been sacked in months, you take away that UCL by a miracle and he's just another coach

[@rickys7435]

It’s ok if you disagree. I’m not going to bother trying to convince you. You said it yourself he performed a miracle. Obviously that isn’t good enough for you. You must want Jesus Christ himself as a manager.

[@shermanpaul4654]

Seeing Bayer right now, I'd like to call Xabi Alonso: "Small-pocketed Pep Guardiola."

[@shakirghazali2890]

What happen if man utd hired him first not liverpool 😢

[@1fpsshady75]

Stop copying