José Pérez (31) writes and talks about anything football-related: players, tactics, analytics, the relationship between football and society. Whenever he is not working on high-power lasers, he tries to keep up with all big five European leagues, but focuses particularly on La Liga. Outside of Between the Posts, you can find him arguing with people and posting analyses on Twitter or answering questions on Quora.
While in some national teams like the Netherlands or Spain the coach is the superstar of the project, Lionel Scaloni has followed a more player-based approach. His flexibility and diplomacy allowed hi...
Manuel Pellegrini prefers to focus on the players and offense in an age of complex structures and a league obsessed with defensive organization. Let’s talk about how his Real Betis plays a more offens...
Xavi’s 3-4-3 experiment to replace a suspended Sergio Busquets presented several problems in pressing and possession. None mattered in the face of talents like Raphinha and a transcendent Ansu Fati, w...
Benfica took the first leg of this tight Champions League qualifier tie. Early in the game, they bypassed the PSV press and scored. Afterwards, Benfica stepped back and remained compact while PSV stru...
The Germans suffered the trademark defense plus counterattacking strategy of Deschamps’ France. Looking at shot count and expected goals might wrongly show Germany as the dominant side, as these numbe...
Improving significantly on their first leg performance, Sevilla managed to push Dortmund back and counterpress successfully to prevent their deadly counterattacks. However, all it takes is one mistake...
Throughout the 2020/21 season, Real Madrid’s performances have followed the same tactical storyline: they struggle against deep blocks while thriving against opponents who press them high. This trend ...
Real Sociedad have one of the best defenses in LaLiga, but their pressing and high defensive line was blown away by the speed of Manchester United’s counterattack. United dominated the first half hour...
Real Sociedad struggled to create chances against a rock-solid Atlético who not only defend well but also attack with extreme efficiency. The home side displayed some brilliant possession football in ...
Quique Setién’s latest buildup experiment featured Riqui Puig at the tip of a midfield diamond and fullbacks used as wingers. While this helped Barcelona protect themselves against Atlético’s countera...