The Premier League has seen an intriguing shift in tactics this season, with a renewed focus on long throws and inswinging corners. This strategy, once associated with lower-ranked teams, has now caught the attention of title contenders, indicating a potential evolution in the game's dynamics.
When discussing long-throw specialists, names like Michael Kayode, Ethan Ampadu, and Chris Richards often come up. However, the real impact of long throws lies in the players' ability to win the first contact, either to create scoring opportunities or to clear the ball defensively. This 'first contact' concept is a critical aspect of the game that often goes unnoticed.
The Premier League's First-Contact Specialists
The data reveals some interesting insights. Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix and Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi lead the pack when it comes to winning aerial duels, a crucial skill for any defender. Everton's James Tarkowski, a seasoned professional, is also among the top contenders.
What's intriguing is that these players are almost exclusively defenders. The absence of midfielders, wingers, or full-backs in this list is notable. It suggests a specialized role for defenders in this aspect of the game, which is an interesting strategic choice.
Splitting the Data: Attacking vs. Defensive Long Throws
When we break down the data further, considering long throws into the opposition box, Lacroix remains a key player. However, Tarkowski's name stands out, given his career trajectory and experience with attacking set pieces under managers like Sean Dyche.
The presence of Sunderland's Dan Ballard and three Brentford defenders in this category is also noteworthy. It seems that Brentford, in particular, has a well-drilled strategy for long throws, which is a testament to their set-piece coach, Keith Andrews.
The Unconventional Roles of Brentford's Thiago
Igor Thiago of Brentford is an intriguing case. While he ranks highly in terms of overall first contacts, his role is unique. All of his 17 first contacts from long throws have come inside his own box, making him the best defensive player at clearing throws in the Premier League.
This is a remarkable feat, especially considering that Thiago is also the second-top goalscorer in the league this season. It shows a level of tactical flexibility and specialization that is rarely seen.
A Tactical Analysis of Brentford's Approach
Brentford's approach to long throws is deliberate and well-planned. Thiago, for instance, is tasked with blocking the opposition goalkeeper during attacking throw-ins, a role that frees up other players to win the first and second balls. This strategy was evident in their goal against Arsenal, where Kayode's long throws caused Arsenal significant problems.
Defensively, Thiago's role is equally crucial. His ability to head the ball clear from his own box has been a key factor in Brentford's recent success. It's a strategy that opponents might want to consider countering, by effectively blocking Thiago and preventing him from having a free run.
The Upcoming Clash: Thiago vs. Tarkowski
This weekend's fixture between Brentford and Everton promises an intriguing battle between Thiago and Tarkowski. While they are both center-backs, their roles are almost reversed when it comes to long throws. Tarkowski is the league's best at winning the first contact in the opposition box, while Thiago excels at defending against long throws, making him the best in the league overall.
This tactical battle will be a key aspect of the game, showcasing the importance of long throws and the specialized roles that players can adopt to gain an advantage.
In conclusion, the focus on long throws and the 'first contact' concept highlights an often-overlooked aspect of the beautiful game. It's a reminder that football is a game of strategy and specialization, where every player has a unique role to play.
