The Full-Back and the Space He Leaves

Look at the first ten minutes of any match. Find the full-backs. Their starting position tells you the manager's risk level before a ball is even played.

If the full-back is high and wide, the winger on that side must track the opposition full-back on the counter. If he doesn't, a simple switch of play leaves a 2v1 against the centre-back. I saw this in a recent Serie A match where the home side's right-back was caught upfield three times in the first half. Each time, the space behind him was the only dangerous pass the opposition needed.

The team shape is a chain. One player too far forward, and the link breaks.

Watch the first five minutes with the ball out of play. See where the full-back stands when his goalkeeper has the ball. That is the manager's real tactic.

Question: Which full-back are you watching for a positional error in the next match?