By Soren Schamberg
Part Two
Our second example demonstrates a slightly different use of defensive space. In the 21st minute, Thiago Silva is found with the ball as the last CB and an encroaching Leicester attacking front.
Recognizing the oncoming pressure, Silva turns the ball back to their keeper Mendy, while Rüdiger and the wingbacks quickly drop back providing wide options for a pass.
This widening of the defense isolates and nullifies the chasing Vardy and Mendy has choices to build an attack out of the back.
With quick one touch passes, the Chelsea defense is able to work the ball to Kanté and maintain a numerical advantage in the back.
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Another pass from Kanté to Rüdiger gives a chance for Rüdiger to make a long range pass in the air to Callum Hudson-Odoi down the left channel, bypassing the midfield and straight into the attacking third.
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This attack was a direct result of the use of space defensively.
By Soren Schamberg
