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Explained: Why left-footed centre-backs are so in demand

https://theathletic.com/2049395/2020/09/08/explained-left-foot-centre-back-ake-laporte/

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After narrowly beating Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane in January, Pep Guardiola was asked his thoughts on the importance of Aymeric Laporte to his team. The Frenchman had returned to the starting XI that day after a near five-month layoff through injury.

“He has something that we don’t otherwise have in the squad — his left foot in a central defender,” said the Manchester City manager.

“There are many actions to build up — to make our play quicker, better — but we can’t do them. Not because the other players are not good but because Laporte is the only left-footed central defender.”

He gave a reason for why Laporte was so vital to City from the back but not an explanation of how being a natural left-footer actually helps.

The reasons are two-fold: passing angles and trajectories.


Here’s an example of what happens when a right-footed defender plays at left centre-back, from Arsenal’s 3-1 win away to West Ham United last December under caretaker manager Freddie Ljungberg.

Calum Chambers lines up on the right of defence with Sokratis — who used his left foot the joint-least among Premier League centre-backs last season in terms of the percentage of passes he made with it — on the left side.

Here’s a good example of a situation in which a left-footed centre-back can make a pass more often and comfortably than a right-footed one can. Sokratis has the ball and is under relatively weak pressure from the home team’s Felipe Anderson.

To his left is Kieran Tierney, hugging the touchline. If Sokratis attempts to pass with the instep of his right foot, the ball will curve in a convex manner, the path of which is naturally closer to the three highlighted West Ham players. Alternatively, a pass with the left instep leads to a trajectory that is further away from all of the highlighted trio.

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A left-footed pass is less likely to be intercepted, so is the safest means of progressing the ball out to Tierney. However, West Ham’s shape is good here, which leads to Sokratis going back to goalkeeper Bernd Leno instead.

A passage later in the first half of the same match offers another useful example.

Sokratis (No 5) receives the ball from Chambers but his body shape is square-on. A natural left-footer here would open up their body more, let the ball run across them, and hit the large space to their left (as circled below). Lucas Torreira (No 11) isn’t watching, and Sead Kolasinac is out of the picture, meaning Sokratis has to again go back to Leno. A natural left-footer would have found it easier to be more progressive.

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Sokratis isn’t the most comfortable in possession anyway but the issues with Arsenal’s build-up in this game aren’t just down to him. Here’s another example, this time with Torreira on the ball. Although the Uruguayan is playing in midfield and not at the back, this is another right-footed pass that shows the structural reasons why left-footed passers are so revered.

Torreira passes to Tierney with his right foot. This is one of the few times in the first half where the passing lane out to the left is clear — Robert Snodgrass had a great first half when it came to blocking Arsenal’s progress down the left.

Mesut Ozil is circled and, although he’s being (loosely) marked by Mark Noble, the West Ham captain is the wrong side of his man. If Arsenal play this situation right, they could find themselves in a threatening position.

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Snodgrass switches on and starts to close Tierney down. The trajectory of the ball means it’s curving in towards Tierney, so if he wants to attack the space in front of him, he has to control the ball and move it forwards himself…

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…instead, he elects to pass the ball back from Torreira. Ozil is still free, and in plenty of space, but is unable to be found by Torreira.

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In fact, it takes Arsenal eight more passes and 30 seconds before the ball eventually reaches Ozil’s feet. At the start of the move, he was between the lines of West Ham’s defence and midfield, but now Ozil receives the ball just behind the midfield line (see below) — a far less threatening situation than one that could have played out.

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Let’s replay this situation, but instead imagining that the pass Tierney receives is from a left foot instead. The trajectory of the ball would naturally be going forwards instead of towards the sideline, and Arsenal’s left-back would be able to run onto it at speed.

One pass would have comfortably moved the side upfield, temporarily removing six players from the game as they attack down their left:

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In this situation, Arsenal would have upped the tempo of their possession, and potentially tempted a West Ham defender to step out from the back to reduce the threat of Ozil between the lines if the ball is played his way.

Any number of possible situations could play out in theory, causing plenty of chaos and resulting in a dangerous attack, but none of these were able to take place due to the initial pass.

According to Statsbomb data on fbref, Chambers and Sokratis combined for 177 passes in open play in this game, the most by members of a four-man Arsenal back-line in any game in 2019-20. That’s a lot of opportunities to progress the ball but they rarely did, completing just two progressive passes (those that move into the opposition box or take play forward 10 metres more than any of the prior six passes) and two passes into the final third.

The combination of the two shows a stagnant centre-back pairing, unable to build effectively from the back. There’s little wonder, then, that Mikel Arteta specifically requested a left-footed centre-back in the January window shortly after he joined from Manchester City as head coach. The club brought in Pablo Mari of Flamengo, and then signed Gabriel from Lille last week. Both players are natural left-footers.

After Mari arrived, Arteta’s comments about him echoed those of Guardiola. “Mari balances what I want to do from the backline,” Arteta said. “He gives more options, more solutions, he opens up the pitch more.”

And those solutions were evident in the return fixture against West Ham in March. Newly-signed Mari anchored Arsenal’s backline alongside David Luiz, the first natural left and right pairing at the back of the season.

Arsenal’s shape in this game saw midfielder Granit Xhaka slotting in at left-back when their de facto left-back Bukayo Saka bombed forward. The presence of Mari led to greater balance on the left side of the field and created situations such as the one below early in the game. This helped Arsenal get the ball into the final third, courtesy of a curling left-footed pass in to Saka in space behind West Ham’s midfield.

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It’s an unsurprising pass to see Mari make, given it’s a very common route that Guardiola uses at City with his left-footed option, Laporte. In the 2-2 draw at the Etihad against Tottenham Hotspur at the start of last season, Laporte frequently used a left-footed pass to carve a way into the attacking third.

First of all, he passes to Oleksandr Zinchenko, who sets Raheem Sterling up for a shot just six seconds after the Frenchman’s pass…

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…then Laporte gets Sterling in behind less than 90 seconds later…

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…and again three minutes later, with Zinchenko acting as a decoy, with the left-back moving centrally to pull his marker inside the pitch, again offering a clear passing lane in behind to Sterling.

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It’s not just passes along the ground that left-footers on the left side can help to complete, but also those in the air.

Here’s an example of Mari lifting the ball forward over West Ham’s midfield, aiming for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

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The natural flight of the ball spins away towards the touchline, over Jeremy Ngakia’s head. It’s not a perfect ball — that would have allowed Aubameyang to run directly at goal — but it does result in him having the ball under control in a fair amount of space on the left.

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Again according to fbref, this game saw Arsenal’s two centre-backs combine for 146 passes overall, eight progressive passes and eight into the final third — a huge improvement in getting the ball forward from the back.

It’s hard to isolate the reason for this uptick in passing performance being solely down to this revised defensive pairing, but there is a clear difference in how Arsenal looked to distribute the ball and impact the game.


The benefits of having a left-footed centre-back are clear for teams that are hyper-focused on building out from defence, and there are a few teams in clear need of a left-footed option.

Manchester United are the most obvious, given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer practically told the world what he’s looking for in the transfer market…

Solskjaer’s side regularly played with a fully right-footed backline last season, but the merits of having a left-footed option in defence were tangible away to Chelsea in February.

United started with a back three of Luke Shaw, Eric Bailly and Harry Maguire, with the left-footed Shaw completing nine progressive passes. That’s the most of any United centre-back appearance in a league game last season, level with Maguire against Watford.

The difference here is that United shouldn’t be reliant on the finer elements of building out from the back to defeat the likes of a Watford side that ended up relegated but in games against top opposition, such as Chelsea, this efficiency in doing so is important.

Another club who might want to enter the market for a left-footed centre-back are Tottenham.

With the recent departure Jan Vertonghen, who was their only naturally left-footed option in central defence, Spurs’ options when building up are going to be limited.

When looking at the games in which Tottenham start with a back four, they get far more productive passing from their two centre-backs when the pairing is a left-footer with a right-footer rather than two right-footed players.

spurs_build_up.png

Southampton are one such club that won’t be worrying about a lack of balance at the back.

Although they’re hardly a possession-heavy team, their signing of 21-year-old Mohammed Salisu for £10.9 million from Real Valladolid could be quite the coup.

Given how much teams value “Premier League experience”, there’s a very good chance you will see Southampton’s new left-footed centre-back linked with all manner of top teams if he starts regularly for them and accrues good minutes.

That’s a sentiment shared by those within the game too, with one data scout at a European club noting, “Come the end of the season, if he’s got 2,000 minutes in the league, he’s a £20 million player minimum, likely verging on £25 million-£30 million.”

This all points to why Manchester City were so willing to pay £41 million this summer for Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake — there are very few top left-footed centre-backs in the market at the moment.

He will likely be a deputy to Laporte, but Ake gives City another left-footed option at the back. When you have a player as crucial as Laporte who’s had a recent long-term injury, it makes sense to invest heavily in a back-up.

Ake’s signing ensures Guardiola can exploit the additional angles and trajectories that come with having a southpaw at the back.

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1 hour ago, Styl1994 said:

Don’t get me wrong Sancho is talented but every time I have see him play for England he just looks average I wonder if he is helped by Dortmund style and system?

That's because Dortmund have a style of play and know how to implement it. Southgate doesn't have one and is clueless.

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1 hour ago, Blues Forever said:

According to Matt Law on the London is Blue Podcast

https://londonisbluepodcast.com/

Matt on a new keeper signing:

Frank wanted to leave Cech to the keeper signing (who recommended Mendy), Chelsea decided to make a battle for the number one shirt a priority due to lack of interest in Kepa.

On Kepa:

Kepa & Kepa's people want to stay and fight for the spot, Frank and Kepa have held talks and Frank was sympathetic to Kepa's form slump due to life issues and wants him to stay.

On Mendy:

"They wanted a tall goalkeeper I know that", their most successful goalkeepers in Cech and Courtois were good off the line and Frank wants someone to dominate the area and play with his feet. Told he is a good, confident lad and he brings a different element to the game.

On Declan Rice:

Frank wants a new DM and Rice is his top target, Declan wants to return. Reason left to last is because it is the most difficult and possibly the most money. He isn't going to force his way out of West Ham. "As long as Frank is head coach, Rice will come to Chelsea this summer or next summer".

On Midfield insights:

"Lampard and Chelsea are extremely happy with the midfield talent, but not the mix in Midfield". Kova and Jorginho don't bring out the best in each other defensively, leaves holes, Kova & Kante pair is quiet and do not speak as much on the pitch. Chelsea is a very quiet time aside from Kepa, Azpi & Rudi. They want the mix to work defensively and offensively, they want someone to partner either Kante or Kova and talk to them into defensive position. Aside from Rice, Brozovic & Soumare are options.

On Kante:

Kante's injury problems are due to the overplaying of him during his time France, the Foxes, but especially with Sarri and Conte, his fitness issues are a worry and the club want someone who can fill his spot to keep him fit for longer. Interesting point on Sarri "He was quite frankly reckless with Kante's fitness to get into the Champions League and win Europa League and it set him back several months of recovery."

Further quote from the Kante points: If they bring in a DM, I know their next big area of search for next summer is a commanding & dominant CB. Thiago Silva is a stop gap for that window. "If they couldn't get Rice they will look elsewhere".

On Selling Kante:

Frank has said he doesn't want to sell publicly, whispers if the money was right the discussions could start but until then there is no chance. Highest earner at the club so it's not impossible.

On the market:

They are going to struggle to get the valuations that Marina wants is very hard this window. It makes more sense to get loans out the door and to wait for a better financial position.

On outgoings:

Michy to Palace is confirmed (extra year extension on his contract) club hopes his value will rise after a good season, Bakayoko to Milan will be done unsure as to whether the buy option will be included (Gazidis has good relationship with Chelsea), Ampadu is looking good and his physicality has improved (he is rated highly by the club and his time with Wilder will be great), Gallagher will end up at a premier league club (Leeds the main mention but says there are a few options), Tomori wanted to stay and was hoping to play a role in the backline but the club sees him as someone who needs more consistent playing time at a top 5 league club before settling into a role at Chelsea (he might go to Rennes on loan if Everton falls through).

On Rudiger, Zouma, and Christensen:

Matt's theory and not from any new information, more from hearsay from around the club, says that any of the three of them could have been sold this summer if the market was normal. Rudiger is a good character in the dressing room, but older and injury prone, Christensen is a worry because of a "De Bruyne" situation where a sale to a non-physical league could see his value skyrocket and he could go somewhere else and flourish. Don't want to give up Zouma as he is a big talent, "they are all very much playing for their futures"

On Injuries:

Ziyech might struggle to make gameweek one, they want him to be at full fitness and strong and ready to face the tough league, says he might be on the bench. Says Pulisic injury isn't a big concern, but the concern is more surrounding quarantine and having enough time to get up to match fitness (Matt expects him to be in the starting 11 for Brighton). Chilwell is still a few weeks away from a full start, might make the bench vs Liverpool.

On Silva:

Will be a later start for him due to going from France to Brazil to England, but they are excited to have his leadership around the team.

On Werner:

Everyone is absolutely amazed by him, hearing just how incredible he has looked, everyone is excited for him, thinks he will start down the middle but Chelsea want to deploy a more fluid front three to cause trouble in all areas.

On Havertz:

Thinks he might start out wide to help him adjust to the physicality of the league and give him a chance to have extra space and time to create and learn the league. They are impressed by his desire to join up with the team and thinks he will take some time to get in the groove.

Other choice quotes:

"Like most clubs, Chelsea don't want to do much of anything in January."

"This is just phase one for Chelsea, there are two phases and next summer will be big too."

Pulisic is expected to be in the starting 11?

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If phase 2 is getting shit players like Brozovic, Soumare or breaking the transfer record for Rice, I'd rather we not buy anything next summer. This part is simply depressing, you have guys like Zakaria and Camavinga as incredible talents yet chase and try to settle for one of those 3 options.

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1 hour ago, Vesper said:

Explained: Why left-footed centre-backs are so in demand

here are the best left-footed CB's who are available or may be available next year

we now have a true wild card, Malang Sarr, who I rate atm over all but the bolds, and quite possibly can become a start with us

there are only 5 on the list (the ones in bold), if you remove Alaba and assume Theo is not tried at CB, who could walk in and be a starter for us and 4 are likely not available and the other one, N'Dicka is 50/50 in terms of being ready

In fact there are only 2 others in football who could, Laporte and Lenglet

so you can see why left-footed CB's are SO in demand

A shocking stat, is that if you make Alaba a LB and DO convert Theo to CB, 10 of the top 16 T Markt most valuable left footed CB's are French and Sarr is only one slot in value behind. What the hell is in the water in France???

  
David Alaba  (last summer window n any list for me, as he is then too old, and tbh, I hope he renews with Bayern to keep him away from Shitty, Victimpool, Manure, Barca, RM, and Juve, all of whom I hate more than Bayern and some are also EPL direct threats)
Lucas Hernández   (IF Bayern are not satisfied with him, but that is doubtful, he just needs to stay healthy)
Theo Hernández (I am positive he can be converted to LCB like his older, smaller brother)
Alessandro Bastoni   (his explosion upward is why Inter may sell Skriniar, probably an impossible pull)
Alessio Romagnoli (another extremely hard pull)  
Dan-Axel Zagadou  (huge, 1.96m, but pace is an issue)  
Pau Torres (not impressed with the last 5 games I watched him play, but he is young so may get stronger) 
Presnel Kimpembe  (cannot see him leaving PSG) 
Abdou Diallo  
Evan N'Dicka  
Benoît Badiashile  19yo, 1.92m, we are tracking him
Marcos Senesi    
Jordan Torunarigha   
Mohammed Salisu  (deffo watching how he adapts to the EPL, huge upside)  
Moussa Niakhaté   
Felix Uduokhai   
Strahinja Pavlovic   19yo, 1.94m
Eduardo Quaresma (ambipedal) 18yo

 

I do not rate Umtiti (I would take him on a free though, lolol)

shocking drop for a WC-winning starter who is only 26 and was a Barca star

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1 hour ago, Blues Forever said:

According to Matt Law on the London is Blue Podcast

https://londonisbluepodcast.com/

On Midfield insights:

"Lampard and Chelsea are extremely happy with the midfield talent, but not the mix in Midfield". Kova and Jorginho don't bring out the best in each other defensively, leaves holes, Kova & Kante pair is quiet and do not speak as much on the pitch. Chelsea is a very quiet time aside from Kepa, Azpi & Rudi. They want the mix to work defensively and offensively, they want someone to partner either Kante or Kova and talk to them into defensive position. Aside from Rice, Brozovic & Soumare are options.

On Kante:

Kante's injury problems are due to the overplaying of him during his time France, the Foxes, but especially with Sarri and Conte, his fitness issues are a worry and the club want someone who can fill his spot to keep him fit for longer. Interesting point on Sarri "He was quite frankly reckless with Kante's fitness to get into the Champions League and win Europa League and it set him back several months of recovery."

Further quote from the Kante points: If they bring in a DM, I know their next big area of search for next summer is a commanding & dominant CB. Thiago Silva is a stop gap for that window. "If they couldn't get Rice they will look elsewhere".

On Selling Kante:

Frank has said he doesn't want to sell publicly, whispers if the money was right the discussions could start but until then there is no chance. Highest earner at the club so it's not impossible.

On the market:

They are going to struggle to get the valuations that Marina wants is very hard this window. It makes more sense to get loans out the door and to wait for a better financial position.

Other choice quotes:

"Like most clubs, Chelsea don't want to do much of anything in January."

"This is just phase one for Chelsea, there are two phases and next summer will be big too."

Surely we must be looking at the following over fucking Brozovic (Inter will FUCK us and he is 28yo in 2 months and is NOT the crunching nor athletic type of DMF we need,) and the VERY problematic Soumare (horrid stats, a pure dice roll)

Assuming we get Rice this window or next summer we should be looking at 3 DMF's who would be an ideal partner for him in a double pivot

1 Camavinga (my dream signing)

2 Denis Zakaria   super cruncher, beast mode

3 Bruno Guimarães so versatile, the most skilled on here after Camavinga

4 Ismaël Bennacer  <<< tough pull but he is little pitbull, player of the tournament at AFCON 2019

5 Boubacar Kamara (recently switched to DMF, where he was been superb, and he is also, of course a very decent CB, so lots of versatility) <<< all day long over Soumare

6 Thomas Partey (if Arsenal fuck it up)

 

Would love to sell Kante (no one is shocked by that)

fuck Sarri, he ruined him

I do agree on the loans to a point, to get better prices

good to see we will go big again

 

not sold on Mendy, but I guess we all will literally defer to Cech, so IF we buy him, I instantly stop the negativity and become a fan

 

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Boubacar Kamara | Forza Italian FootballBoubacar Kamara has no intention of leaving Marseille | Get French Football  News1,170 Boubacar Kamara Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images

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