Al Nasr and Al Arabi faced each other for the U21’s League, with a final score of 1-1.

This time, the match wasn’t as impressive as others previously.

The score reflects, somehow, the Game on the field.

Not many chances for scoring from both teams, a Game mainly battled in the midfield, not always well-played, with some poor decision-making, tactical approaches, etc.

At times, it was hard to understand what the teams were looking for, in terms of their strategy.

Was it a Game based on ball-possession and positioning?
Positioning the defensive block in the midfield and explore the counters?

Or, even, what was the formation from where the behaviors started to occur.

Naturally, there are systems that are more hybrid than others, either offensively or defensively, but generally speaking, there’s always a starting point – which is now the modern understanding of tactical formation.

Therefore, a team may be super versatile and approaching the Game defending with a GK+4+4+2 formation, in a high pressing turning to a more individual approach as soon as the ball starts to be played from the opposite team. 

And then, the same team, approaching their offensive build-up from Goal-Kicks with a GK+3+4+3.

This can be seen regularly at different Leagues and levels. 

In UAE I can recall Al Wasl U23’s using similar strategies.

Or any other approach or strategies, either from a tactical perspective or the space/moment/trigger they decide to start pressing, where, when, or any other element that the Coaches (or you) may think.

That’s the beauty of Football.

It’s unpredictable by nature and there’s no perfect approach.

Nothing will guarantee wins.

Nothing is unbeatable.

In this match, both teams were somehow navigating from a GK+4+4+2 and a GK+4+1+4+1 formation.

However, the Game had so many balls losses, so many non-forced errors, that it was hard to clearly understand each other approach.

Al Nasr tried, offensively, to create a line of 4 players ahead, with the numbers Mohammad Ehab (11) and Omar Mohamed (42) playing in the center – as mobile strikers – and then Kianoush (19) and Karim Mohamed (26) playing as wingers, having the support of the Angolan player Walter Domingos (15) supporting them from behind and Omer Farooq (24) holding his position closer to the defensive line.

The right and left backs were similar, in terms of profile, with good physical capabilities, speed and strength, but didn’t impact the team offensively as it would be ideal.

Probably because the team wasn’t capable of maintaining the ball possession for long periods, enough to allow time for these players to reach higher spaces on the field.

A few good individual talents playing and a few surprises as well.

But, in general, I would say that this team should have more to give.

On the other side, Al Arabi was a good surprise with a few good individual talents.

The same tactical confusion was felt, at times, however, there were some key players that enjoy a clear priority on the different moments of the Game, mainly Kleverton Santos (8), Edmundo Candido (15) and Ray de Souza (80) offensively and the captain Abdulla Jabir (4) and his centre partner Ibrahim Raed (21) defensively – leading the defensive line.

The team was able to enjoy some space on the build-up, getting the ball with some quality to the key players mentioned, specially Kleverton and Edmundo merging in the center and Ray and the right winger providing the width needed to explore, but was also able to find the striker if pressed.

For the 2nd half, with the substitutions made, Edmundo start playing more at the right wing which provided more chances to create danger on the wing, but was less productive at the center of the field.

Defensively, normally they started from a GK+4+4+2 in a medium block that turned into an individual approach as soon as the ball was played, with an aggressive approach that benefited from the confidence growth provided due to the hesitations presented from Al Nasr defensive line and Goalkeeper at the begging of the match.

The team was, generally, older than their opposition, this was seen and easy to understand in the different Game moments, and it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if they could get the 3 points back from Dubai.

This particular match made me think about a few things, wonder the reasons behind some affirmations I’ve seen recently and in the past and considering what my eyes saw from 2015 to what they see now.

I’m leaving that for a text to explore this coming days.

Until then, hope you enjoying the ride through Emirati Football.

Let me know if you’re around and would like to chat!