Aston Villa have the most effective offside trap in Europe – and it’s by design
New York TimesThe vignette of Aston Villa’s back four, heads tilted towards the assistant referee with one arm raised, is common. But more pertinently, their average defensive line is the seventh lowest — this suggests that while Villa’s offside traps are more regular and successful than any other side, Emery’s team generally defend deeper. We’re still making mistakes but that’s normal when you’re trying to play a high line and, regardless if it’s onside or offside, we just have to run back as quick as we can.” As Villa’s quickest recovering defender, Konsa is integral to Villa’s defensive line, especially in the absence of long-standing partner Tyrone Mings. Even when there is no pressure on the player on the ball — again at odds with defenders’ orthodoxy which is usually to drop off — Villa’s back line steps up. Recognising the triggers of when to squeeze high, maintain the defensive line or, rarely in Villa’s case, drop off, is fundamental in achieving the consistency Emery wants.
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