RNG

US-Based football coach and analyst. @ChelseaFC fan. Focused on holistic analysis of the beautiful game.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Everyone sees the build-up patterns.
Few notice what comes next.

This breakdown explains why Francesco Farioli isn’t “De Zerbi 2.0”… he might be the defensive upgrade.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Norway are simply well drilled.

Understand where their strengths lie and don’t stray on a path they shouldn’t be on. Good balance within the side.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Everything is played in front of the Australian midblock.

Argentina lack that runner in behind to stretch Austria. It’s all a bit static. Need someone to force Austria defenders backwards to create spaces in front of them.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Took a lot of stick in MD1 and rightly so, but at the end of the day Oyarzabal will play a crucial role in their World Cup hopes.

An unsung hero.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Oyarzabal is going to play a critical role for Spain in this WC.

As will Borja given he’s the only true 9.

All eyes will be on the midfield and Yamal, Mikel and Broja will need to keep things ticking for them.

Do the work that no one will pay attention to.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Saudi’s back 5 is incredibly disorganized in the mid-block.

The CBs don’t know when/who to press leaving the wingbacks deepest at times.

More vertical runs from Spain, especially from deep will break Saudi Arabia.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Netherlands midfield far too easy to exploit out of possession.

So much space.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

@EBL2017 Thoughts on the game?

Think the rest defense+ mentality in transition has killed Turkey.

Need a 9 to pin the Paraguay CBs back as well.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Turkey are so vulnerable in their rest defense.

3-1 rest defense s fine but dependent of the makeup.

If it’s one of the pivots in the 3, and both fullbacks high, it’s far too much ground for them to cover.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Australia looking to go m2m in the press high but it’s a constant 2v1 vs Bos because McKennie is drifting over with Dest.

Burgess needs to step out to help and trust that the CCB shifts over.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Often wonder what would’ve happened if Wan Bissaka had started at CB early in his career.

Would’ve loved to see him at RCB, his 1v1 defending is top, especially in the wide channels.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

No matter the result, Congo can keep their heads held up high.

The bravery to keep attacking, discipline in defending, mentality to stay in it whilst conceding early.

There’s no fear in this Congo side, the understanding of having nothing to lose.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

@umirf1 Loved this format; was a breathe of fresh air. Always taking things to a new level. Brilliant Umir!

How far do you think they can go?
Personally feel Deschamps always had a knack of finding balance and this crop of talent mixed with experience has everything to win it.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Having Alaba in the 3-1-6 takes Austria up a level.

His bravery with and without the ball is quality. Just understands the game on another level in relation to the rest of the team.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Rangnick’s blueprint is clear.

4-2-3-1
‘Wingers’ tucked into the half spaces, fullbacks holding width.

Central domination for the gegenpress, whilst being direct on the ball with players always looking to penetrate the last line.

Tempo from slow motion to 2x in a flash.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

No amount of words to describe the man.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Never would’ve thought I’d say this, but I really am looking forward to watch Austria.

Have the players to facilitate Rangnick’s style and a sense of balance.

Carney and Wanner alongside an abundance of experience with Alaba, Laimer, Marko, etc.

Dark horses.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Algeria midblock has been superb.

Forcing the ball wide and understanding when to jump, the intent has been good. Simply undone by a moment of brilliance.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

De Paul, that’s brilliant. Incredible line breaking pass.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

The dynamics of this Argentina side is one of the most interesting to watch time and time again.

They’re simply dictated by Messi, if he’s wide, De Paul stays central for the overload.

If he’s central, one of De Paul or Montiel hold width.

Primary target, central overloads.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

The bravery from New Zealand is a breathe of fresh air.

The movement, mix of short and long passes, quick 1 2s, so lovely.

[RNG @RNG_Breakdown]

Chris Wood, touch of class.