The full-back tucks in: what changes in the half-space

Take last week's Milan-Torino. First half, 3-5-2, and the distance between the units was too large. Torino found space between defence and midfield because the full-backs were pinned wide. The passing lane through the centre was closed, but the gap in the half-space was open.

Second half, Milan switch to a back four. Tomori off, Athekame on. The right-back now tucks inside, the shape becomes more compact. Pulisic moves to the left half-space, and suddenly the passing lane to Modric opens. Two goals in fifteen minutes. The same players, different distances. -3

A full-back who inverts changes the entire midfield structure. Watch where he stands, not where the ball is.

Question: Does your team use the full-back to control the half-space or to provide width?