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Monaco 16/17 - A THREAD.
Monaco lined up in an aggressive 442 shape. Jemerson+Glik made up the back two, with flying FB’s Sidibe+Mendy ahead of them. Fabinho+Bakayoko created a well balanced midfield, as the two WM’s Bernardo+Lemar joined Falcao+Mbappe to complete what was a frightening front four.
Firstly, in attack, Monaco’s 442 system transformed into a 244. Attacking FB’s Sidibe+Mendy would advance high and wide, and Bernardo+Lemar would either advance higher up the line, or slot into the half-spaces to create overloads between the lines.
Monaco looked to build centrally, but attack wide. Central players (2 CBs + 2 CM’s) were used to recycle possession and build centrally until angled, line breaking passes became available to find the overlapping FB’s or an inverted WM in between the lines.
This build up play allowed Monaco to score the ‘perfect Jardim goal’ on many occasions.
Find WM btwn lines -> find overlapping FB -> low cross/cutback -> tap in.
This was a recurring attacking pattern in 16/17, and was the source of numerous goals of Monaco’s 107 in Ligue 1.
Find WM btwn lines -> find overlapping FB -> low cross/cutback -> tap in.
This was a recurring attacking pattern in 16/17, and was the source of numerous goals of Monaco’s 107 in Ligue 1.
FB’s Sidibe and Mendy were integral to Monaco’s successful season, especially their attacking play. In all competitions, they registered 23 goal contributions between them. Monaco also averaged 25 crosses p/g in Ligue 1, which shows how important crosses from the FB’s were.
As the ball often went wide for the FB’s to cross, getting numbers into the box was a fundamental part of Monaco’s attacking play. WM’s Bernardo and Lemar were often unmarked as the FB’s drew defenders, which encouraged late runs into the box in order to create overloads.
As Bernardo and Lemar joined the front two inside the box, Monaco would have at least four players inside the box to meet the cross.
Simply, this increased their chances of scoring goals and was the main reason why they created a high volume of goalscoring opportunities...
Simply, this increased their chances of scoring goals and was the main reason why they created a high volume of goalscoring opportunities...
from crosses.
Just 24% of Monaco attacks in Ligue 1 came from the middle of the pitch (76% from wide areas).
Yet again, this shows that Jardim places emphasis on utilising his quick, athletic FB’s who could cross to a high standard to the maximum.
Just 24% of Monaco attacks in Ligue 1 came from the middle of the pitch (76% from wide areas).
Yet again, this shows that Jardim places emphasis on utilising his quick, athletic FB’s who could cross to a high standard to the maximum.
Surely the opposition would block the wide areas? Yep. That didn’t stop Monaco. If they found the wide spaces on one side were blocked, they would rapidly switch the play to the opposite flank, using Fabinho + Bakayoko to accelerate and find the switch using their great passing.
These rapid switches allowed Monaco to overload the wide spaces when the opposition were unsettled and outnumbered on that side of the pitch because they had many defenders on the opposite side, originally attempting to prevent Monaco breaking through. This was made possible as..
the FB’s remained exceedingly wide on each flank, so oppo was stretched.
The front two of Falcao and Mbappe was well balanced. Falcao was a predator, a fox in the box and could link play, whilst Mbappe was immensely quick and looked to peel wide to initiate runs in behind.
The front two of Falcao and Mbappe was well balanced. Falcao was a predator, a fox in the box and could link play, whilst Mbappe was immensely quick and looked to peel wide to initiate runs in behind.
Falcao was the clubs top scorer, scoring 30 goals in all comps, whilst Mbappe closely followed with 26 goals at the age of just 17, a remarkable achievement.
The two CF’s linked up incredibly well all season and spearhead an unstoppable, which this goal showcased well.
The two CF’s linked up incredibly well all season and spearhead an unstoppable, which this goal showcased well.
As Monaco poured numbers forward in attack to maximise their attacking potential, the role of Fabinho was vital in order to prevent the success of the opposition overloads on counter attacks. These actions helped prevent Monaco being exposed on the counter.
Fabinho would often perform a defensive action during offensive play, by dropping deeper into the RB area usually vacated by Sidibe who was given the license to push forward. This positioning was natural for the Brazilian as he already had experience in the RB role.
Out of possession, Monaco counter pressed aggressively, using the numerous players who were already in advanced positions from their attack. Monaco pressed high throughout the side in attempt to win the ball back immediately to utilise their overload in attack due to the...
amount of players they already had forward.
If the opposition sustained possession, Monaco dropped back into a 442 high/deep block, where the emphasis was on pressing traps and remaining narrow, restricting the space for the opposition inside.
If the opposition sustained possession, Monaco dropped back into a 442 high/deep block, where the emphasis was on pressing traps and remaining narrow, restricting the space for the opposition inside.
Monaco’s ability to attack set pieces was also significant to their title challenge. Monaco scored 23 goals from set pieces, 8 more than any other Ligue 1 side. This was a real asset, and provided them with yet another threatening dynamic.
The dangerous delivery from Thomas Lemar + Joao Moutinho provided chaos in the opposition area.
Kamil Glik, who was often the main target from set pieces, added 8 goals from CB.
Kamil Glik, who was often the main target from set pieces, added 8 goals from CB.
There is a real emphasis on developing young talent and giving first team football to academy players at the club, which was on display in 16/17.
However, the experience of Subasic, Glik an Falcao offered the correct balance for the young players to flourish under the...
However, the experience of Subasic, Glik an Falcao offered the correct balance for the young players to flourish under the...
guidance of the more experienced core.
Overall, Monaco were one of, if not the most exciting attacking side in Europe in 16/17.
They averaged:
- 14.6 shots per game.
- 6.4 shots on target per game. (most in Ligue 1).
- 2.81 goals per game. (most in Ligue 1).
They averaged:
- 14.6 shots per game.
- 6.4 shots on target per game. (most in Ligue 1).
- 2.81 goals per game. (most in Ligue 1).
Jardim’s side played attacking, aggressive football throughout the season. His Monaco side were balanced, extremely quick and well drilled.
They lit up Ligue 1 by beating PSG to the title as well as reaching the Champions League Semi Finals for the first since 2004.
They lit up Ligue 1 by beating PSG to the title as well as reaching the Champions League Semi Finals for the first since 2004.
Monaco were unique because they had different dimensions to their play. They could break down deep blocks and play counter attacking football, both to a world class level.
This led to a majorly successful season in 16/17. Jardim’s young, attacking side were a joy to watch.
This led to a majorly successful season in 16/17. Jardim’s young, attacking side were a joy to watch.
End of thread.
Any support appreciated.
Any support appreciated.
