Olise-Kane-Musiala is the deadliest attacking triangle in Europe currently.
Here is how Kompany has transformed them and Bayern Munich back into the lethal attacking unit they once were, and why they can become one of the best trios we have ever seen.
THREAD
When I spoke about Vincent Kompany when he was first appointed, and about the tactical ideas he could bring - I put a big emphasis on his desire for fluidity.
He is someone who likes versatile personnel to execute his game plans, in all phases of the game - it gives him the freedom to tweak his tactical ideas.
The big emphasis from fluidity stems primarily from the fullbacks, who Kompany likes to be able to play in different areas of the pitch - whether it be as a traditional, overlapping fullback, one that likes to come inside, or more rarely one that forms a Back 3.
But how does this relate to the attack? What do fullbacks have to do with Olise-Kane-Musiala?
The primary reason why Olise-Kane-Musiala is as potent as it is is because of the fullbacks.
Kompany often uses his fullbacks to create space for other attackers, and thus open up areas on the pitch. This is why it is absolutely key that the fullbacks are versatile, and are able to perform well.
Let me further explain.
The first league game of Kompany's managerial career - vs. Wolfsburg.
This is the game that saw Jamal Musiala play arguably one of his deepest roles in his career, he was so deep that he was at times even dropping in between the centre backs to receive the ball.
This is a trend you will see throughout a lot of Bayern games - an attacker who plays deep to be able to receive and progress the ball, thus transition phases.
Primarily, we've saw it with Musiala and Coman.
But why? There are 2 main reasons.
The first is understanding the deficiencies of the midfield, and further aiding the efficiency of it. All 3 of Pavlovic, Kimmich, Pavlovic are not necessarily players that excel at carrying the ball, manouvering tight spaces, or what we call "space eaters".
They are players that can either sit deep, ping diagonals and spread the pitch, dictate play - or players that can advance a bit and try open up defenses. But not players that are dynamic enough to directly progress the ball.
For most midfields to function, you do need a player of such, because it enables you to bait high press a lot better, thus create spaces in midfields, defeat midblocks, and also increase efficiency in transition.
So that is why the attackers capable of this often drop deep to assist Pavlovic-Kimmich, to allow them to do what they do best.
But the main reason, it is a tactic instilled by Kompany to maximise pitch efficiency and zonal domination, whilst also opening up space.
Usually, when Musiala drops deep, of course it will leave a big hole in that area of the pitch he was mean to assume. And that is why I will put the emphasis on versatile attackers again, because it enables Musiala to drop deep and not mess up pitch dynamics.
Musiala will drop deep, too deep to the point it is not worth an attacker following him
And then Harry Kane will drop deep to compensate and take up the area of the pitch left by Musiala. Now what this does, is it creates zonal pressure that prevents the pivot player from dropping deep to aid the defense, and instead causes him to man mark Harry Kane.
From here, at least one of the wingers will then drift inside to the space opens.
But what about the fullbacks? As I mentioned, the fullbacks are the key for this. And they would do exactly what you would expect - hold the width.
So now what you have is a Front 5, with Kane slightly deeper, fullbacks wide, and half space/even central space attacking wingers. You can see this shape against Wolfsburg.
Boey and Davies both high and wide (former out of frame), Musiala the 2nd deepest player (Upamecano not in frame), Olise occupying the forward central space, and Gnabry left half space.
This situation leads to a very, very good chance for Harry Kane, as the Olise runs completely disrupts Wolfsburg's shape, and Kane eventually gets left alone, thus is able to penetrate the box.
This is quite reminiscent of the way prime Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool used to play, and how he used to achieve the Front 5. It is no wonder why Firmino-Salah-Mane also happened to be one of the most potent attackers of the century.
What this essentially does is creates a sense of immense zonal pressure for the opposition. They cannot stretch the pitch too wide knowing that the likes of Olise and Gnabry can attack the half spaces as they please.
Nor can they stay too compact, because then the fullbacks have the time and space needed.
And Kane dropping deep prevents the pivot from dropping back.
This is a very, very effective shape against Back 4s.
So what Kompany accomplishes is:
1) Minimises the deficiencies of a Kimmich/Palhinha/Pavlovic pivot.
2) Still retains the Front 5, to create attacking pressure.
He understands that when you are in control of the ball, it makes no sense to keep bodies back. And he utilises the pitch very well to create zonal pressure.
And another thing this accomplishes is that Musiala plays so deep, that he is not being tracked as much as he would as if he was playing around the Final 3rd.
This allows him to often get unmarked runs into dangerous areas, or when he does advance from deep, drag a player with him and disrupt shape (for slower build up scenarios).
It is a tactical nightmare to deal with. Both Kane and Musiala get these unmarked runs into the box, whilst Olise and Gnabry have the luxury of attacking the central areas.
The other main source of build-up Kompany utilises is the simple, reliable, modern central congestion.
Both fullbacks invert and join the double pivot/central player, to create 5 players.
But that is not all, they have the luxury of Harry Kane who can make that 6 players.
And do you know who THRIVES in centrally congested areas? Jamal Musiala.
By creating these central overloads, you automatically force the opposition to try match you in numbers in those areas. With the addition of a False 9, it makes it even harder.
Naturally, this gives A LOT of space to the wider players, because it makes more sense to contain the most densely packed area of the pitch.
And this is why Olise got so much time and so much space against the likes of Dinamo Zagreb and Werder Bremen. Same with Gnabry, but he is slightly less effective at utilising it.
Furthermore, in these central areas with lots and lots of bodies, you have Jamal Musiala who is better than anyone in such situations.
You want to maximise situations where such a player thrives, to get the best out of him. And Kompany understands that. When he is not playing so deep, he is playing in the most packed area of the pitch.
This baits a lot of press, think of Musiala like a magnet. Consequently, this opens up space for a lot of the other players in those central areas
A good example of this shape:
- Davies tucked inside
- Kimmich central but deep to be able to drop in (if need be
- Kane dropping deep to further aid the congestion,
- Musiala slightly advanced (given a lot of freedom to float)
- Guerreiro not as central as Davies, but not the widest players. That is Olise.
- Pavlovic in the central zone.
6 bodies in these congested areas.
And Harry Kane also thrives in this setup not just from an individual perspective, but from a team perspective (aiding central congestion, further creating space for Olise, and enabling Musiala's potential).
His physicality and strength also allows him to hold up the ball in these areas.
And finally, whenever Olise is in possession of the ball, the pitch will naturally stretch slightly, giving Kane more areas to operate in. Similarly, when Musiala has the ball, he will attract a lot of bodies, allowing Kane to find space.
Back to the emphasis on fluidity, Kompany still looks to have at least 6 bodies centrally when looking to overload these channels.
But it is not a case of both fullbacks invert, he also gives a lot of freedom for Gnabry or Olise to drift inside, whilst allowing the fullbacks to provide the width.
Very, very shortly after in the same game, the shape changes. This creates a tactical nightmare for Dinamo Zagreb, with these constantly changing combinations.
Kompany has a system that caters to all his attackers. He plays to the strengths of each individual, and has a brilliant visualisation of how to dominate zones, use the pitch efficiently, and maximise space.
Large part of this is thanks to his brilliant use of fluid fullbacks, and also rotations amongst the players.
Olise-Kane-Musiala is the deadliest attacking triangle in Europe currently.
Here is how Kompany has transformed them and Bayern Munich back into the lethal attacking unit they once were, and why they can become one of the best trios we have ever seen.
THREADWhen I spoke about Vincent Kompany when he was first appointed, and about the tactical ideas he could bring - I put a big emphasis on his desire for fluidity.
He is someone who likes versatile personnel to execute his game plans, in all phases of the game - it gives him the freedom to tweak his tactical ideas.The big emphasis from fluidity stems primarily from the fullbacks, who Kompany likes to be able to play in different areas of the pitch - whether it be as a traditional, overlapping fullback, one that likes to come inside, or more rarely one that forms a Back 3.
But how does this relate to the attack? What do fullbacks have to do with Olise-Kane-Musiala?The primary reason why Olise-Kane-Musiala is as potent as it is is because of the fullbacks.
Kompany often uses his fullbacks to create space for other attackers, and thus open up areas on the pitch. This is why it is absolutely key that the fullbacks are versatile, and are able to perform well.
Let me further explain.The first league game of Kompany's managerial career - vs. Wolfsburg.
This is the game that saw Jamal Musiala play arguably one of his deepest roles in his career, he was so deep that he was at times even dropping in between the centre backs to receive the ball.
This is a trend you will see throughout a lot of Bayern games - an attacker who plays deep to be able to receive and progress the ball, thus transition phases.
Primarily, we've saw it with Musiala and Coman.But why? There are 2 main reasons.
The first is understanding the deficiencies of the midfield, and further aiding the efficiency of it. All 3 of Pavlovic, Kimmich, Pavlovic are not necessarily players that excel at carrying the ball, manouvering tight spaces, or what we call "space eaters".
They are players that can either sit deep, ping diagonals and spread the pitch, dictate play - or players that can advance a bit and try open up defenses. But not players that are dynamic enough to directly progress the ball.
For most midfields to function, you do need a player of such, because it enables you to bait high press a lot better, thus create spaces in midfields, defeat midblocks, and also increase efficiency in transition.
So that is why the attackers capable of this often drop deep to assist Pavlovic-Kimmich, to allow them to do what they do best.But the main reason, it is a tactic instilled by Kompany to maximise pitch efficiency and zonal domination, whilst also opening up space.
Usually, when Musiala drops deep, of course it will leave a big hole in that area of the pitch he was mean to assume. And that is why I will put the emphasis on versatile attackers again, because it enables Musiala to drop deep and not mess up pitch dynamics.Musiala will drop deep, too deep to the point it is not worth an attacker following him
And then Harry Kane will drop deep to compensate and take up the area of the pitch left by Musiala. Now what this does, is it creates zonal pressure that prevents the pivot player from dropping deep to aid the defense, and instead causes him to man mark Harry Kane.
From here, at least one of the wingers will then drift inside to the space opens.But what about the fullbacks? As I mentioned, the fullbacks are the key for this. And they would do exactly what you would expect - hold the width.
So now what you have is a Front 5, with Kane slightly deeper, fullbacks wide, and half space/even central space attacking wingers. You can see this shape against Wolfsburg.
Boey and Davies both high and wide (former out of frame), Musiala the 2nd deepest player (Upamecano not in frame), Olise occupying the forward central space, and Gnabry left half space.
This situation leads to a very, very good chance for Harry Kane, as the Olise runs completely disrupts Wolfsburg's shape, and Kane eventually gets left alone, thus is able to penetrate the box.This is quite reminiscent of the way prime Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool used to play, and how he used to achieve the Front 5. It is no wonder why Firmino-Salah-Mane also happened to be one of the most potent attackers of the century.
What this essentially does is creates a sense of immense zonal pressure for the opposition. They cannot stretch the pitch too wide knowing that the likes of Olise and Gnabry can attack the half spaces as they please.
Nor can they stay too compact, because then the fullbacks have the time and space needed.
And Kane dropping deep prevents the pivot from dropping back.
This is a very, very effective shape against Back 4s.So what Kompany accomplishes is:
1) Minimises the deficiencies of a Kimmich/Palhinha/Pavlovic pivot.
2) Still retains the Front 5, to create attacking pressure.
He understands that when you are in control of the ball, it makes no sense to keep bodies back. And he utilises the pitch very well to create zonal pressure.And another thing this accomplishes is that Musiala plays so deep, that he is not being tracked as much as he would as if he was playing around the Final 3rd.
This allows him to often get unmarked runs into dangerous areas, or when he does advance from deep, drag a player with him and disrupt shape (for slower build up scenarios).
It is a tactical nightmare to deal with. Both Kane and Musiala get these unmarked runs into the box, whilst Olise and Gnabry have the luxury of attacking the central areas.The other main source of build-up Kompany utilises is the simple, reliable, modern central congestion.
Both fullbacks invert and join the double pivot/central player, to create 5 players.
But that is not all, they have the luxury of Harry Kane who can make that 6 players.
And do you know who THRIVES in centrally congested areas? Jamal Musiala.By creating these central overloads, you automatically force the opposition to try match you in numbers in those areas. With the addition of a False 9, it makes it even harder.
Naturally, this gives A LOT of space to the wider players, because it makes more sense to contain the most densely packed area of the pitch.
And this is why Olise got so much time and so much space against the likes of Dinamo Zagreb and Werder Bremen. Same with Gnabry, but he is slightly less effective at utilising it.Furthermore, in these central areas with lots and lots of bodies, you have Jamal Musiala who is better than anyone in such situations.
You want to maximise situations where such a player thrives, to get the best out of him. And Kompany understands that. When he is not playing so deep, he is playing in the most packed area of the pitch.
This baits a lot of press, think of Musiala like a magnet. Consequently, this opens up space for a lot of the other players in those central areasA good example of this shape:
- Davies tucked inside
- Kimmich central but deep to be able to drop in (if need be
- Kane dropping deep to further aid the congestion,
- Musiala slightly advanced (given a lot of freedom to float)
- Guerreiro not as central as Davies, but not the widest players. That is Olise.
- Pavlovic in the central zone.
6 bodies in these congested areas.And Harry Kane also thrives in this setup not just from an individual perspective, but from a team perspective (aiding central congestion, further creating space for Olise, and enabling Musiala's potential).
His physicality and strength also allows him to hold up the ball in these areas.
And finally, whenever Olise is in possession of the ball, the pitch will naturally stretch slightly, giving Kane more areas to operate in. Similarly, when Musiala has the ball, he will attract a lot of bodies, allowing Kane to find space.Back to the emphasis on fluidity, Kompany still looks to have at least 6 bodies centrally when looking to overload these channels.
But it is not a case of both fullbacks invert, he also gives a lot of freedom for Gnabry or Olise to drift inside, whilst allowing the fullbacks to provide the width.
Very, very shortly after in the same game, the shape changes. This creates a tactical nightmare for Dinamo Zagreb, with these constantly changing combinations.Kompany has a system that caters to all his attackers. He plays to the strengths of each individual, and has a brilliant visualisation of how to dominate zones, use the pitch efficiently, and maximise space.
Large part of this is thanks to his brilliant use of fluid fullbacks, and also rotations amongst the players.
yes
Olise-Kane-Musiala is the deadliest attacking triangle in Europe currently.
Here is how Kompany has transformed them and Bayern Munich back into the lethal attacking unit they once were, and why they can become one of the best trios we have ever seen.
THREAD ... When I spoke about Vincent Kompany when he was first appointed, and about the tactical ideas he could bring - I put a big emphasis on his desire for fluidity.
He is someone who likes versatile personnel to execute his game plans, in all phases of the game - it gives him the freedom to tweak his tactical ideas. ... The big emphasis from fluidity stems primarily from the fullbacks, who Kompany likes to be able to play in different areas of the pitch - whether it be as a traditional, overlapping fullback, one that likes to come inside, or more rarely one that forms a Back 3.
But how does this relate to the attack? What do fullbacks have to do with Olise-Kane-Musiala? ... The primary reason why Olise-Kane-Musiala is as potent as it is is because of the fullbacks.
Kompany often uses his fullbacks to create space for other attackers, and thus open up areas on the pitch. This is why it is absolutely key that the fullbacks are versatile, and are able to perform well.
Let me further explain. ... The first league game of Kompany's managerial career - vs. Wolfsburg.
This is the game that saw Jamal Musiala play arguably one of his deepest roles in his career, he was so deep that he was at times even dropping in between the centre backs to receive the ball.
This is a trend you will see throughout a lot of Bayern games - an attacker who plays deep to be able to receive and progress the ball, thus transition phases.
Primarily, we've saw it with Musiala and Coman. ... But why? There are 2 main reasons.
The first is understanding the deficiencies of the midfield, and further aiding the efficiency of it. All 3 of Pavlovic, Kimmich, Pavlovic are not necessarily players that excel at carrying the ball, manouvering tight spaces, or what we call "space eaters".
They are players that can either sit deep, ping diagonals and spread the pitch, dictate play - or players that can advance a bit and try open up defenses. But not players that are dynamic enough to directly progress the ball.
For most midfields to function, you do need a player of such, because it enables you to bait high press a lot better, thus create spaces in midfields, defeat midblocks, and also increase efficiency in transition.
So that is why the attackers capable of this often drop deep to assist Pavlovic-Kimmich, to allow them to do what they do best. ... But the main reason, it is a tactic instilled by Kompany to maximise pitch efficiency and zonal domination, whilst also opening up space.
Usually, when Musiala drops deep, of course it will leave a big hole in that area of the pitch he was mean to assume. And that is why I will put the emphasis on versatile attackers again, because it enables Musiala to drop deep and not mess up pitch dynamics. ... Musiala will drop deep, too deep to the point it is not worth an attacker following him
And then Harry Kane will drop deep to compensate and take up the area of the pitch left by Musiala. Now what this does, is it creates zonal pressure that prevents the pivot player from dropping deep to aid the defense, and instead causes him to man mark Harry Kane.
From here, at least one of the wingers will then drift inside to the space opens. ... But what about the fullbacks? As I mentioned, the fullbacks are the key for this. And they would do exactly what you would expect - hold the width.
So now what you have is a Front 5, with Kane slightly deeper, fullbacks wide, and half space/even central space attacking wingers. You can see this shape against Wolfsburg.
Boey and Davies both high and wide (former out of frame), Musiala the 2nd deepest player (Upamecano not in frame), Olise occupying the forward central space, and Gnabry left half space.
This situation leads to a very, very good chance for Harry Kane, as the Olise runs completely disrupts Wolfsburg's shape, and Kane eventually gets left alone, thus is able to penetrate the box. ... This is quite reminiscent of the way prime Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool used to play, and how he used to achieve the Front 5. It is no wonder why Firmino-Salah-Mane also happened to be one of the most potent attackers of the century.
What this essentially does is creates a sense of immense zonal pressure for the opposition. They cannot stretch the pitch too wide knowing that the likes of Olise and Gnabry can attack the half spaces as they please.
Nor can they stay too compact, because then the fullbacks have the time and space needed.
And Kane dropping deep prevents the pivot from dropping back.
This is a very, very effective shape against Back 4s. ... So what Kompany accomplishes is:
1) Minimises the deficiencies of a Kimmich/Palhinha/Pavlovic pivot.
2) Still retains the Front 5, to create attacking pressure.
He understands that when you are in control of the ball, it makes no sense to keep bodies back. And he utilises the pitch very well to create zonal pressure. ... And another thing this accomplishes is that Musiala plays so deep, that he is not being tracked as much as he would as if he was playing around the Final 3rd.
This allows him to often get unmarked runs into dangerous areas, or when he does advance from deep, drag a player with him and disrupt shape (for slower build up scenarios).
It is a tactical nightmare to deal with. Both Kane and Musiala get these unmarked runs into the box, whilst Olise and Gnabry have the luxury of attacking the central areas. ... The other main source of build-up Kompany utilises is the simple, reliable, modern central congestion.
Both fullbacks invert and join the double pivot/central player, to create 5 players.
But that is not all, they have the luxury of Harry Kane who can make that 6 players.
And do you know who THRIVES in centrally congested areas? Jamal Musiala. ... By creating these central overloads, you automatically force the opposition to try match you in numbers in those areas. With the addition of a False 9, it makes it even harder.
Naturally, this gives A LOT of space to the wider players, because it makes more sense to contain the most densely packed area of the pitch.
And this is why Olise got so much time and so much space against the likes of Dinamo Zagreb and Werder Bremen. Same with Gnabry, but he is slightly less effective at utilising it. ... Furthermore, in these central areas with lots and lots of bodies, you have Jamal Musiala who is better than anyone in such situations.
You want to maximise situations where such a player thrives, to get the best out of him. And Kompany understands that. When he is not playing so deep, he is playing in the most packed area of the pitch.
This baits a lot of press, think of Musiala like a magnet. Consequently, this opens up space for a lot of the other players in those central areas ... A good example of this shape:
- Davies tucked inside
- Kimmich central but deep to be able to drop in (if need be
- Kane dropping deep to further aid the congestion,
- Musiala slightly advanced (given a lot of freedom to float)
- Guerreiro not as central as Davies, but not the widest players. That is Olise.
- Pavlovic in the central zone.
6 bodies in these congested areas. ... And Harry Kane also thrives in this setup not just from an individual perspective, but from a team perspective (aiding central congestion, further creating space for Olise, and enabling Musiala's potential).
His physicality and strength also allows him to hold up the ball in these areas.
And finally, whenever Olise is in possession of the ball, the pitch will naturally stretch slightly, giving Kane more areas to operate in. Similarly, when Musiala has the ball, he will attract a lot of bodies, allowing Kane to find space. ... Back to the emphasis on fluidity, Kompany still looks to have at least 6 bodies centrally when looking to overload these channels.
But it is not a case of both fullbacks invert, he also gives a lot of freedom for Gnabry or Olise to drift inside, whilst allowing the fullbacks to provide the width.
Very, very shortly after in the same game, the shape changes. This creates a tactical nightmare for Dinamo Zagreb, with these constantly changing combinations. ... Kompany has a system that caters to all his attackers. He plays to the strengths of each individual, and has a brilliant visualisation of how to dominate zones, use the pitch efficiently, and maximise space.
Large part of this is thanks to his brilliant use of fluid fullbacks, and also rotations amongst the players.
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