The final common method of superiority is that of a positional nature; where one player is positioned in a manner which provides advantage over his opponent. A necessary condition for this kind of superiority is that the receiver is able to beat his direct opponent upon receiving the ball.

As per the example below, the receiver is able to pick the ball up behind the active line of pressure, therefore having an advantage over his direct defender who is already behind the ball. The player now has space and time, and can freely choose the next desirable action within a state of control.

Positional superiority can be achieved through drawing opponents away from their positions, allowing opportunity for a teammate to move into the vacated space in an attempt to receive the ball in an advantageous position.

The player between the lines possesses a positional superiority and is able to offer an option to progress.

All three types of superiorities share a common objective: to progress the play. All three are employed consciously and regularly by Gombau’s team, and serve as an alternative method of progression when compared to Popovic’s more direct style.

LOOKING FORWARD

If Gombau’s previous tenure at Adelaide United is anything to go by, it can only be assumed that Western Sydney will simply get better at what they are already doing.

The basics of positional play are beginning to emerge, and the most likely scenario is that these methods will become clearer and clearer as the season progresses as the existing members of the squad continue on the journey to transition between a direct style to Gombau’s version of positional play.

This will no doubt be coupled with new signings who are familiar with the system already, such as Marcelo Carrusca, but the real question is will it be coupled with results? If so, when? If not, we may never get the chance to see the full fruition of Josep Gombau’s vision for his Western Sydney Wanderers, however tantalising a concept it may be.

Nathan Muir is an Australian coach and tactical analyst. You can find him on Facebook @NathanMuirFootball or on Twitter @NathanKMuir.