Lots of talk about Xavi on my TL lately so I'll give you a short overview of another coach with similar ideas I admire greatly - Miguel Ángel Ramírez, recently a free agent and formerly of Independiente del Valle in Ecuador.

RTs, opinions appreciated!

/SHORT-ish THREAD/

Ramírez loves to play aggressive, positional football that creates superiorities across the pitch. Using the GK as an outfield player is a signature move where he creates a diamond with the CBs and the DM.

He also uses inverted FBs who love to position btw the lines to receive.

I've talked a lot about the importance of superiority in first line of attack since it gives your team one crucial aspect - progression.

With the GK so high, there's no need for DM to be deep/ btw the CBs, allowing him to receive higher and dictate play.

The diamond also...

... ensures the team has numerical superiority against systems with 1, 2 or 3 defenders in the first line.

I've talked about this before and here's an excellent example from @C_Carpenter14 that I've used as well.

The same principles apply here as well. https://twitter.com/BarcaFront/status/1343854727902220290?s=20

Space occupation is key here. Note below how the FB inverts to receive btw the lines and Independiente progress the play with a vertical lofted pass.

The other forwards are also occupying the same area here, either pinning the backline or forcing them into a decisional crisis.

Ramírez likes to give his players a largely free reign in final third and they have the licence to get creative. However, movement manipulation is used to create/ exploit space.

Using the inverted move of the FB with positional freedom of the forwards creates superiorities...

.. in certain areas of the pitch and opening space in others. Below, the FB inverts, attracting the midfielder, the winger and a midfielder drift wide, forcing three defenders out of position and then another forward can receive in a pocket of space.

It's all about manipulation.

Just like Xavi, Ramírez is a coach with no experience in Europe as a coach nor playing against top-tier opposition, which is what bothers most people.

However, I strongly believe both of these managers would find success regardless of that 'inexperience'. Why?

Simple.

With a set philosophy and understanding of your squad's limitations/ abilities, you can successfully adapt to the higher level of competition.

Yes, TOP5 leagues are tougher but you also get a better squad. BUT the choice of team is crucial here.

Ramírez needs a positional team.

His style of play is very specific despite being fluid and outside the box. A team like Barcelona would suit him perfectly.

For a more detailed analysis, here's the link.

RTs and feedback appreciated. Let me know if you want more threads like this! https://totalfootballanalysis.com/article/miguel-angel-ramirez-independiente-del-valle-2020-21-tactical-analysis-tactics

CC: @TacticoModerno @MarcusBr22 @jcperez_ @FMAnalysis @C_Carpenter14 @JdIllusionista @GriffinFtbl

Trying to think of ppl who appreciate football in less-known leagues so if you know anyone, please tag them below!

Thanks