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Ajax 18/19 - A THREAD.
Ajax lined up in a 4231 formation for the majority of the 18/19 season. They played a free flowing, attacking style. The personnel rarely changed (from the image below), although Joel Veltman and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar also played credible roles at RB and CF respectively.
In build up play, Ajax built with 3atb on many occasions. One player from the double pivot, Schöne or De Jong, would drop alongside CB pairing De Ligt + Blind to make up a back three. Schöne would drop in between the two CB’s, whereas FDJ would act as the LCB. ( @TotalAnalysis).
This pattern created diagonal passing lanes to the FB’s, Mazraoui and Tagliafico, who could advance high and wide due to the defensive security behind them. This phase can be seen in this example below. As FDJ drops, Blind recognises the passing lane opens and finds Tagliafico.
This helped Ajax progress further up the pitch from deep in wide areas, as the high FB was usually joined by an attacking player in the half-space who they could combine with in order to progress again to the final third.
Building with 3atb also provides numerical superiority against the opposition’s first line of press. There is usually a maximum of two players in the opposition’s first line of press, therefore this creates a numerical advantage and makes it easier to progress the ball.
Another feature of Ajax’ build up play under Ten Hag last season was a CB stepping out of the defensive line into midfield, in order to continue to move the ball forward when being pressed. This usually creates a horizontal ‘lay off’ pass from the player under pressure to the CB
stepping out, followed by a vertical pass from the CB, breaking the line of the opposition. In this example, Blind used his intelligence to recognise De Jong was under pressure. As a result, Ajax progressed the ball to VDB in between the lines, instead of going backwards.
Overall, Ajax’ attacking shape was very narrow due to the central focus implemented by Ten Hag. This meant WF’s, Ziyech and Neres drifted from the flanks into the half-spaces to combine with central attackers Tadic + Van De Beek. The width in attack was provided by the two FB’s.
One key feature of Ajax system was the role of Dusan Tadic, who was deployed as a False 9 by Ten Hag. Despite starting in a high position in order to pin back oppo CB’s, Tadic would drop deep into midfield to receive the ball btwn the lines. He would also move towards the wide
areas to create overloads (3v2s), (4v3s).
Tadic added 38 goals in all competitions and finished the season as Ajax’ top scorer.
His performance at the Bernabéu was up there with the greatest individual CL performances of recent times.
Tadic added 38 goals in all competitions and finished the season as Ajax’ top scorer.
His performance at the Bernabéu was up there with the greatest individual CL performances of recent times.
The role of Tadic allowed for fluent rotations between Ajax’ attacking quartet, especially with Van De Beek. The AM occupied the #9 role when Tadic dropped deep. Constant interchanging often created space as defenders were dragged out of position. ( @TotalAnalysis).
Van De Beek was the perfect player for this role. He is a fantastic space navigator, can create space for team mates, continuously operating between opposition lines and understands the trigger to advance beyond Tadic.
The narrow shape meant there were many opportunities to play through the lines of the opposition midfield, as all attacking players were in narrow positions. Ten Hag had an obsession with finding attacking players between the lines, as his attacking system was centrally focused.
Another aspect of Ajax’ attacking play that stood out during the 18/19 season was the number of men in the opposition’s box. This was clearly something Ten Hag worked on, as Ajax tried to create overloads in the box, so their chances of scoring increased.
In this clip, these two common themes are evident. De Jong fires pass to Mazaroui between the lines. He plays wide to Tagliafico and Ajax have a 3v2 in the opposition box. This resulted in a well worked goal.
In transition from attack to defence, Ajax counter-pressed in numbers. Due to their narrow attacking shape, this meant when the ball was lost centrally, Ajax had numbers around the ball to press aggressively to win it back. ( @TotalAnalysis).
They counter-pressed for around five seconds. If successful, they would try to find gaps in the opposition defence as they were usually vulnerable immediately after losing possession. If unsuccessful, they would settle into a 4231 mid/high block.
In transition from defence to attack, Ten Hag instructed his players to pour forward on the counter in attempt to create overloads when the opposition were light at the back. There was real determination and drive from the players to join counter attacks and create a numerical
advantage in the final third, something that usually only occurs during counters. The efforts made by Tadic and De Jong to sprint forward and join the counter attack are noticeable in this clip.
Overall, the Ajax team of 18/19 were a joy to watch under coach Erik ten Hag. They played attacking, expansive football. The reward for their attractive style of play was a League and Cup double, as well as a Champions League SF. They were a joy to watch and analyse.
End of thread.
All support very much appreciated.
All support very much appreciated.
