Liam Rosenior Tactics and Style of Play
If we take a look at the Liam Rosenior tactics, the Englishman’s approach is all about intelligent positioning and control of the game. Above all, his game is based on possession and his style focuses on playing the ball from the back and building their attacks even under pressure. However, this discipline is not only seen during build-ups. The players on the team show an unmatched work ethic thanks to the discipline he has instilled within the team. The defensive unit of the team is well-drilled. Whether it is about keeping the danger at bay or cutting the crucial pass at the final third, all his players’ tactical awareness is levels above that of the opposing side, and this is something often seen in their Ligue 1 games.
When it comes to the formation, Liam Rosenior prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation or 4-3-3. These are the shapes that allow Liam to make unpredictable rotations in the midfield. We often see that Liam gives his full-backs the freedom to stay up on the pitch and hold a high line. With that, the CMs often drop down to play the ball from the back and funnel it to the flanks without failure. Moreover, his transitions allow the team to play through the opposition press and exploit the gaps that are often left by the opponent teams.
When it comes to attacking, Liam’s team is one of the clubs right now that are heavily reliant on their wingers. Given that midfielders often attempt to channel their attacks through the flanks after dropping into a deeper position, they often make late runs through the middle. By the time, the defense line of the opposing team is stretched by the wingers, which leaves gaps in the midfield. With quick passing and retaining the shape at the front line of the opposition box, Strasbourg players carry out their attacking strategy like pros.
Liam Rosenior Tactics Comparison & Evolution
While the positional playstyle has been the feature of Liam Rosenior’s tenure at Strasbourg, it has not always been the go-to choice for the 41-year-old. Over the years, the Englishman has made multiple changes and has become one of the coaches who is a more expansive thinker. In the early years of Liam Rosenior managerial career, he prioritized defensive stability and organization in his play. However, as Liam became more comfortable making tweaks from the touchline, he incorporated more progressive elements into his tactics.
If we take a look at his tenure at Hull City, the gameplay was more focused on structured pressing and ball retention. However, there was no definition of the team’s attacking strategy. But his arrival at Strasbourg saw a massive evolution when it came to his tactics and attacking style. Instead of emphasizing relentless pressing and ball retention, he focused on bypassing the opposition press after cutting their attacks abruptly.
Instead of relying on individuality at the flanks and the frontline, he had box-to-box players who could build up the game not just at the back but at the front line as well, where the wingers have created pocket spaces in the middle of the pitch while they have stretched the defense line wide.