Why Counter Attacks Are Overpowered

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While we all love a well organised, structured build-up, there’s few things more satisfying in football than a counterattack. Watching a team quickly transition from defence to attack, using pace, skill, and precision has always been one of the most entertaining aspects of the game, and some teams are able to consistently create dangerous opportunities when you least expect it. In the modern game a lot of emphasis is placed on transitional play, and counter attacks come in many different shapes and sizes, and In today’s video, we’re going to be taking a look at potential reasons why counter attacks are steadily increasing in popularity
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:40 Why are Counters So Dangerous?
02:31 The Rise in Counter Attacking Football
04:20 Why are AC Milan So Dangerous from Counters?
06:58 The Requirements for Counter Attacking Football
08:39 How to Stop Counters
10:21 Closing remarks

[@FootballMeta]

What's up tactics gang! I had to remove a small section of the video for a copyright claim as I used Leao's goal against Napoli as an example for something I was explaining, so apologies for the rough cut around 05:40 / 06:10. Hope you enjoy the rest of the video!

[@georgefalconer9470]

This is one of the reasons Pep is playing unambitious full backs that are solid defensively and using the wingers to hold the width

[@daviddjon1844]

_"Unambitious"_ MIGHT not be the most ACCURATE word, but i get you 👌

[@georgefalconer9470]

@@daviddjon1844 Thanks. Basically don't feel they have to get forward

[@neel8407]

Pep giving more priority in defence has changed their whole team As their attacking department is heavily stacked he made the defence stronger than ever. That's why they are the big favourites for treble

[@agostonpad4183]

He really uses defensive fullbacks, but also uses only 3 defenders, so it is still balanced

[@N0Xa880iUL]

​@@neel8407 Aged well. They won the treble.

[@vincesalamander5980]

The counter-attack is both the charm and the nightmare of football. Because it's very satisfying for the scoring team, exciting for the neutral fan, but a terrible frustration for the team that suffers it. I think Barca fans still see their team laying a siege to the Chelsea goal, when suddenly the ball flies to Torres, all alone, on the other side ^^'

[@daviddjon1844]

Malevolence..

[@kambalechristian8856]

Bro too soon

[@stormmeansnowork]

I tend to see it more as a nightmare for fans who hope to see creativity football. Top quality counter attacks are almost always dependent on fast, physical players (with a bit more skills than the other average professional players) who can execute well drilled and easily repeatable tactics. The attacking players don't really need much creativity and surprises when they are 3 vs 3 or more vs less on the offensive half. That's why I personally didn't really enjoy a World Cup since 2006. France and Germany in particular, are quite anti-football with all those fast pace physical plays. Football in recent years are no doubt exciting, but not quite surprising nor entertaining

[@vincesalamander5980]

@@stormmeansnowork I do not really approve of this. Football is a special sport, where very few goals are scored, where you can dominate possession and occupation of the pitch and still lose. And there's no point in being frustrated or crying foul, this sport is like that, it's its nature, and if you don't accept it, you have to prefer another sport. And strangely, I see rather the opposite: I feel more creativity and thrill in a fast counter than a long phase of possession. When I see a team well disposed in 3-2-5 in attack for example, I am often frustrated by players who act automatically, like robots.

[@stormmeansnowork]

@@vincesalamander5980 that really depends on what do you expect from creativity. Present day football no doubt sees more frequently higher scoring games, but even if the goals were evening scored by both teams (thus making the game thrilling to watch), it doesn't mean they are more creative with surprises. Present day football as I mentioned, focuses on efficiently and easily and consistently repeatable tactics, which is similar to following a cook book and repeat the recipe for many plates of spaghetti with a very consistent favour, or to replaying the same song on KZbin instead of through human hands. This kind of game play was made popular by Mourinho and Guardiola since about 15 years ago. The only difference between them is just the approach to reach this same goal - one is more physical and pace centric (and thus thrilling, physical and more easily repeatable and predictable - though not necessarily defendable), the other plays the possession game (which may not be as thrilling for some and is highly player-dependent). Counterattacks are based mostly on the Mourinho style as it has lesser demand on player vision and game reading - in most cases, once the ball is won from the back, the counter team would just make a few straightforward passes of the ball up front and exploit the opposite defence with speed and space, or starting the counter with some forward players pressing. Creativity play on the other hand is a lot more unpredictable (or with more surprises), just watch some Ronaldinho videos and it is self-explanatory. It's not only about his dribbles and skills, but more so about his unpredictable passing and vision which creates plays that are mostly just one-offs. Also, just because a game is low / non-scoring doesn't mean the game is not entertaining. The game between Germany and Italy in 2006 is a fine example of this, even in defence, individual quality can still be entertaining. The unfortunate thing is that playing professional football requires a team to win titles, and to do that, it is certainly easier to assemble physically gifted players to run after the ball and with everyone repeating the same thing consistently like a robot following commands, than to wait for another Ronaldinho or Pirlo to rise up at the same time...

[@nananou1687]

This is why Mourinho is the master of transition. Probably the best ever in terms of deep transitions

[@ebubechukwudi8044]

I know that making videos isn't that easy but I want more videos from you You make one of the best tactics video on KZbin

[@FootballMeta]

thank you bro, it takes time but I want each video to be as good as possible, so always takes me some time to get it done 🙌

[@gabrielalohan728]

No jokes your videos are super great. But I'd say you should maintain this pace since it has guaranteed quality. Perhaps you should be thinking of making your content a reference-niche.

[@micha4014]

I watched Blanc's Lyon beat Monaco yesterday and was incredibly impressed by the fluid movement of the midfield/ attack. The attackers frequently drop deep after one of the midfielder (there were beautiful examples of Caqueret doing this, but Tolisso as well) created space. The winger/ striker then would lay it off to a third man, while the midfielder who created the space would use the space the striker created to make a move. It would be interesting to hear what you have to say about the way they play. Thanks a lot for this (and the other) video(s). You definetly sharpened my tactical understanding of the game.

[@FootballMeta]

I can't say I've watched Lyon this season, but by the way you describe it sounds similar to what dezerbi is doing at Brighton? With the striker and cam laying the ball off to the 3rd man

[@micha4014]

Yes kind of, at least offensively. But what I think is interesting is how they also try to make the most of the space created behind the striker/ Cam. But i got to watch them again to see how/ what exactly they are doing.

[@hungotuan4431]

This is why the shapes like 2-3, 2-4, 3-2,... are born. They serve to create passing triangles and help counter counterattacks

[@umarmars47]

Shapes of which part of the team, front or back?

[@hungotuan4431]

@@umarmars47 The buildup shape at the back. Should have include it at the start, sorry :((

[@Jazzmany11]

Everyone a few years back: Mourinho playing style sucks and it’s boring 2023: parking the bus works agains 😂

[@Timbone07]

Hahaha

[@Iron-Bridge]

Remember that legendary World Cup 2006 semifinal between hosts Germany and Italy? After Italy scored, Germany were desperate and throwing everything forward in the closing moments. Before an Italy counterattack led to Gilardino holding up the ball superbly for Del Piero to finish. 👏

[@Snickersowaty]

Giroud is definitely one of the best target men in the world. Amazing in terms of building slow attack step by step, and for counterattacks. One of best headers in world and really good to play with single short passes.

[@ARandomPerson18]

I love the bit where you explain how they are countered. I feel like tactic videos are always missing that bit.

[@turbaw]

I started loving football when I watch some teams play with less possession but they can create more chances, score, and win the game.

[@federicocatalano3258]

Could you please analyse the Zeman’s 4-3-3? i know it’s a bit outdated but it was kind of a revolution in Italy and I think one of the best attacking style I’ve ever seen

[@rabbarabbi4575]

I appreciate this work..great job..spot on..❤keep the spiri high .we need more .

[@danielsonnn6461]

My man deserves sooooo many more subscribers

[@kakuite]

I am biased here as Madridista myself, but Mourinho's Madrid was the best Counter Attacking side I've ever seen 🤍

[@maqpoonraja9083]

Only this channal teachs how to watch football. Love you & thank you for great Videos.

[@fishinbroth7852]

Grande FM ! 👏 Excellent content as usual. Milan truely figured out the META against Napoli. Since those series of games you can see similar approaches by other teams with Napoli really struggling for goals and suffering many dangerous transitions. Yes, the late season fatigue and loss of mental sharpness since locking down the scudetto is there, but I think Napoli are going to need to address this issue significantly for next season. How do you beat the counterattack? A return of the number 10 who is dangerous from outside the box?

[@Dragon1873]

You videos never dissapoint me. Thank you brother ❤❤❤

[@balazsnemeth5956]

As I heard, Fluminense are playing so weird football, maybe you could make a video about it. ;) Your videos help a lot for understanding!

[@footy743]

Can you make analysis videos about specifically players if it's possible I love your channel btw

[@magellanedgar4133]

Very much insightful

[@adwaith2109]

Can you do video on when to drop as a centreback?Can you do more videos for centreback

[@upper9052]

Amazing video and easy to understand. Believe Chelsea have fixed this problem with Jackson as our new striker.

[@kimberleynorthwood7637]

Love this content. With the graphics and explanations, even a football neophyte like me can understand. With the knowledge you have, you must be coaching at some level, right?

[@FootballMeta]

Thank you! This video explains my coaching journey 😄kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6CvfGptjt6IgaM

[@hosamalsamet5915]

Can you make a video about pre-match status amd metric like how wining probability calculated and stuff like that

[@takezoman]

The thing with being a top team that live by counter attacks is that you are at the top and most adversaries are way below you and will give you the ball and most team don't know how to reply to that because they didn't have the time or wtv to specialise their game in playing with no space. Point in case is Real or Atlético that look deadly in counter attack but fail almost miserably when given the ball and the only thing saving them is the far superior individual quality.

[@winstong7438]

Very cool easy to understand

[@wkandle]

Leao is such a joy to watch on the counter

[@marco_1909]

2017-18, livepool with mane,salah,firmino,coutinho was some of the best counter attacking football i have seen. Reason why if given a choice between watching possesion teams of pep and the heavy metal of klopp, id pick the latter's 9 out of 10 times.

[@ezramwiti9847]

Please do a Chelsea video for next season

[@angHoangSonCHESS]

Hi, could you suggest the counter formation to the 343? This formation has a lot of cover all over the pitch and the team using it can quickly overload the wide area. Besides that, the space between the lines can be closed down quickly as the wingers can move narrow or the extra defender can move up to join the press.

[@joachimschmidt7662]

433 with false nine. Basically imagine prime Liverpool with Firmino, or current Real Madrid. You need to stretch the opponents CBs (Like Vini/Rodrygo do) and take the opponents players out of the game, by ballwinning traps, recycle into the midfield with +1 advantage, and then have 8s run at the space between the RCB/LCB and CB, make the CB make the hard choice between covering the Vini player, or the Firmino player (who as F9, needs to keep the cover players interested, take them out of the game)

[@johnlau6749]

Remember how Klopp outplay Mourinho's Man United in 18/19 season? That time Mourinho use back 3 formation

[@angHoangSonCHESS]

@@joachimschmidt7662 The hardest part is when they play defense with back 5, there's an extra man ready to pick up any player attacking between the lines. Besides that, they also use Box to Box CM to drop and cover any dangerous spaces.

[@superslayerguy]

Giroud so underrated

[@eddystevens2660]

Great video, this channel does some great work. What happens at 5:46 - 5:48?

[@FootballMeta]

Had to remove a section cause of a copyright claim 😪

[@eddystevens2660]

@@FootballMeta Oh 🙁 fair enough. Keep up the good work

[@ArunKumar-ji8zk]

From now onwards i will try to understand football more More and more and i will be an expert in that

[@kiddurodney3290]

I enjoy the work en it's useful but please if u can disect 4 us borussia Dortmund this season they played really well

[@FootballMeta]

Yeah I definitely will, let's see how they get on on the final day 🤣

[@sanzyboy3952]

This is why Ole stayed at united for so long

[@edvardhagerupgrieg724]

Suggestion: A topic on Parking the bus. Like what it is or how you do it.

[@cellyszn20]

Saying Aubameyang lacks the pace is so wild to me lol

[@darkdante212]

Favourite type of football

[@musix3197]

My team's bread and butter other teams just build up against us then bang got the ball now we're threatening a goal.

[@jose72705]

A video on counter attack and you dont speak about the masterful counter attacking real madrid from 2014-2017

[@alexandrodisla6285]

De zerbi attacks looked like counterattack

[@Gaaei]

#CounterAttack! #Leao! #ACMilan!

[@koichitoyama6859]

*Jose Mourinho liked the video*

[@Cris-eo9hv]

Counter attacks are dangerous but man city are learning new ways to counter also counters really a lot on pace that’s, in my honest opinion teams that play counter are non reliable

[@jaden_shah]

Please please please make a video on game models!

[@FootballMeta]

What do you mean by game models?

[@jaden_shah]

@@FootballMeta Tifo made a video on it, called how football actually works but I’d love to see you give your analysis on it. My understanding of game models is that they are breaking the game down into phases of play and having principles for how a team decides to play in each phase

[@kjelvin4593]

SAF is the master in this

[@sanjayachamling2236]

Video on 4132 plzz

[@olamilekanpraise5077]

Does Barcelona counter attacks

[@santanu12344]

Thanks buddy

[@TIMxisxHERE]

I am not sure about the point you are trying to make between Brighton and Everton. If the xG per shot is 0.27 with 10 shots, you'd still only expect to score '2.7 goals' as the xG suggests. Yet they scored five. Whereas Brighton only scoring one with an xG of 3.46 is more telling than the Everton statistic. Brighton just didn't finish the game and Everton was more clinical. When you exceed your xG like that, it's more a case of luck or 'a good day' than actual tactics. They wouldn't have won so easily if Brighton had converted their xG to goals like they did in almost every other game of the season.

[@goldenone4235]

I miss the old chelsea fc

[@jvkanufan8115]

Australia's Matildas womens team. Sam Kerr loves the counter attack situation.

[@eXistenZ15]

Weird that there is no mention at all of Nacer Chadli goal against Japan. it was the perfect counter attack

[@victormwesigakatakweba2904]

I think the perfect counterattack is Del Piero goal against Germany in wc2006. Even though Chadli goal was beautiful.

[@philb9521]

Welcome to my nightmare 😅

[@partyentertains4092]

Would a 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 formation (depending on individual player roles) stop counter attacks? 🤔

[@eirndlxoejdnslaj1519]

Why scoring is overpowered

[@internetgodlilbihh]

Odd Mann Rush

[@josebatxu32]

Nerf counterattacks

[@JianShan-hk8jt]

counter attack establish on poor attack

[@luutzennijdam7213]

The Milan Leão goal does NOT fit your SYSTEM counter attack model at all. As mentined, it was a solo evading 3 defenders.

[@axelaxel9040]

I just dont trust counter attack playing style

[@FootballMeta]

Why is that?

[@Coach-eb6il]

@@FootballMeta Even though I love watching it, I don't trust the counter-attacking tactics to save my life either, for the reason you stated yourself: it relies on individual talent. It's suicidal for a manager if his players are having an off-game, it happens. Also, if you've conceded already, it's much harder to just sit back and wait. Real Madrid vs Man City last night broke my heart, I'll be in a sad mood for the foreseeable future.

[@neel8407]

​@@Coach-eb6il it's kind a true because Benzema has been the creator of almost 60% RM counters for years and he was squeezed by the city defence It costed them too badly in attack. I think RM should go for Harry Kane as he is a better finisher and has similar ball holding capabilities.

[@agostinovivani4252]

Then there is Messi

[@Matt-it4uo]

Ihatethem

[@jajajaaajaaa]

💎🔥