THREAD: BGPU's high press vs Port FC's goal kick

One key aspect in BGPU's press is the 'midfield box' (Blue) that blocked off the centre of the pitch, forces Port to buildup via the touchline from a goal kick.

Lone striker Surachat curving his runs to cut Adisorn out of play.

Rochela can't make a return pass due to Surachat's cover-shadow and is pressured by the ST & Thitiphan. Tanaboon is surrounded by the 'midfield box' = bad receiver option. The central space is blocked off by Sumanya & Sarach = Thitithorn is the best option for Rochela to pass to.

Rochela's decision was FORCED upon him by BGPU's pressing shape that focuses on blocking the central area. Right as the ball left Rochela's feet, Thitathorn is closed down by Santipharp's outward runs. Port walking straight into a 'pressing-trap'.

Sumanya & Sarach, the 2 CM acting as the base of the 'midfield box' here, shifted sideways to prevent Thitathorn from making a diagonal pass inward. Irfan Fandi, the right-CB in the back-3, pushed up - applying pressure to match Chappuis's forward run.

By this point, BGPU had pinned Port to the touchline and able to win possession back with ease. Tunez and Cardozo's high line gave Irfan the freedom to be more proactive and help BGPU maintain a compact shape = more effective when pressing. Supasak dropping back as extra cover.

Trying to save the situation, Thitathorn rushed into a tackle, missed, and cut himself out of the play. BGPU was allowed to run at the Port defence and scored from this attacking transition.

I wouldn't say this is some tactical masterclass from head coach Dusit Chalermsan but an encouraging sign nonetheless. It makes sense for Dusit to base his tactical setup from the back-3 considering the quality there. Port not having a no.9 also made it easy for Tunez & co.

It'd be interesting how Dusit's 'midfield box' do against an opponent with a more direct style which will force them to really fight for the second ball or the likes BUFC i.e. a possession heavy team that can pass around them.

As for Jadet Meelarp, he needs to sort out the midfield selection ASAP. Go Seul-Ki's passing range was a huge miss at LEO Stadium. Playing 2 box-to-box such as Kannarin and Chappuis in a 4-3-3 only undermine the two and reduced the team's passing volume.

There is still time...