Operating inside during build-up

As previously stated, one of the aims of Sydney’s defensive set-up is to reduce the potential for their opposition to build up through central areas of the pitch.

This, when successfully executed, is hugely beneficial in preserving the integrity of the defensive structure, as defensive blocks are usually designed to defend from the outside in as opposed from the inside out – in short, getting players on the ball within a defensive block drags players out of position and ensures an easier passage to creating goal-scoring opportunities.

Usually, teams find doing so very difficult against Sydney FC, but Hayden Foxe’s side were up to the task.

Kearyn Baccus receiving the ball facing forwards behind the first line of pressure

Kearyn Baccus played a vital role in Western Sydney’s build-up play during the match, with his movement between and behind the first line of Sydney pressure easing the process of his side’s construction of possession.

Effective possession is often characterised as being so because it ‘breaks a line’. The line being referred to is of course a line of pressure – the space between two or more defenders who are engaging as a unit during an act of organised pressing.

In the example above, Baccus positions himself between and behind the first line of pressure, providing a solid option to his team by ensuring he is in a clear passing line. The fact that he is positioned behind the immediate defenders means that he is out of their line of sight, giving him a slight advantage if he receives a pass.

Secondly, being between the defenders maximises the validity of the passing line, creating a comfortable option to progress the player. As he generally receives the ball facing forward, Baccus is able to immediately begin attacks by driving into space or giving the ball to a more progressed player from within the heart of the Sky Blues defensive block.

This movement was key in any sustained possession which Western Sydney enjoyed, and Baccus was a key figure in the game as a result.