Defending like Wolves

On this weeks blog we focus on Wolverhampton Wanderers who are one of the best defensive teams the Premier League has seen this season.

Recently I have watched a lot of Nuno Espirito Santos's men and they have really impressed me in regards their defensive shape, organization and compactness. 

You see a team that are very well drilled, leave no space between the lines and who thoroughly enjoy defending.  They sit back in a mid-low block looking to steal the ball and counter.

When defending Wolves line up in a 532, where the strikers are preventing balls inside,. Wolves are happy to let teams move the ball from side to side as they have midfielders who are very fit and can cover the ground.  

When they fatigue and in need of support one of the strikers will drop in to the midfield line creating a 541 in defence. Here as well you see Moutinho play as a screening player preventing any balls into the striker.

As the ball is now forced wide Wolves with Matt Doherty and Jonny are very good defending in 1v1 situations.

Should the cross come into the box,  Coady, Boly and Saiss are more than capable with their height in dealing with aerial threats.

A key part of defending is blocking and bravery which they have throughout.

Upon transition in Neves and Moutinho are players who can play a variety of passes to the strikers Joto and Raul Jimenez who can hold up and get in behind.

 Key features in Wolves defensive play

-compact

-organised

-sliding and screening

-denying passing lanes

-blocking and bravery

-good defending crosses and 1v1s

-forcing opponents back, sideways or long

-intensity and hunger to win the ball

Credit goes to the manager who has incorporated a hunt like Wolves mentality with his squad!

Coming soon........ we flip it around......how to break the low block!