Full-backs highlight the value of attacking fluidity

Llorente’s movement against Liverpool

UEFA highlighted Atlético wing-back Marcos Llorente’s movement in the team’s match at Liverpool. He ran infield and behind Liverpool’s centre-backs to score, while Atlético’s midfield overloads helped the visitors find space both centrally and out wide.

The analysis described attacking fluidity as freedom of movement within a system, intended to make a team less predictable and more difficult to defend against. It attributed to UEFA Technical Observer Kieran McKenna the view that such movement can be particularly useful against high pressing and man-to-man marking.

Brown’s role in Fenerbahçe’s equaliser

UEFA also pointed to Fenerbahçe left-back Archie Brown, who finished the move for the team’s equaliser against Roma. The article said Fenerbahçe used movement in midfield and forward Vedat Muriqi dropping deep to unsettle Roma’s man-to-man defensive organisation.

McKenna praised Brown’s composure and his willingness to occupy a centre-forward position and remain available for the final through pass, according to UEFA.

Rotations in Sporting CP’s comeback

A third example came from Sporting CP’s comeback win against Galatasaray. UEFA described left-forward Luis Guilherme moving to the right to draw an opposing midfielder away from central space, creating room for centre-back Eduardo Quaresma to run forward.

Full-backs featured again in the move: Maximiliano Araújo crossed for Geny Catamo’s goal, while fellow full-back Giorgios Vagiannidis also advanced into the area.

What coaches can take from the examples

McKenna’s coaching considerations, as summarised by UEFA, include helping players recognise openings created by disruption, developing their understanding of different roles in attack and defence, and planning how the team will defend after losing possession.