The Full-Back Who Forgot His Post

Inter against Atalanta last season. Look at the second half, when Atalanta pushed their full-backs high and Inter found the space behind them every time.

Dimarho on the left, Dumfries on the right. Both caught ahead of the ball when Inter turned possession. The passing lane to the winger disappeared because the full-back was too high. The space between the centre-back and the touchline opened up. Inter played three or four simple balls into that channel. No pressure needed.

A full-back who doesn't track the runner leaves the goalkeeper exposed to the cutback. It is not about winning the tackle. It is about being in the right position to stop the pass being played.

Give the match ten minutes to see how high the full-backs push on the turnover.

Question: Which full-back are you watching for defensive discipline this weekend?