Ball protection and scoring: Suarez's goal against Atletico Madrid
Goal
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We review the duel of Suarez: physical power in protecting the ball, very high level technique and great expertise in playing 1 vs 1 |
The match is Barcelona-Atletico Madrid of January 30, 2016. The first two teams in the table are facing off in a match that in the past few years has shown a level of interest very close to the “classico” Barcelona-Real Madrid. Simeone’s Atletico takes the lead in the first few minutes, but is pegged back shortly after by the “usual” Messi’s goal.
We are at the 40th min. The play does not distinguish itself as a classical Blaugrana game action. Piquet sees Suarez’ movement but playing time do not allow to make a deep long pass and so he makes a short pass to Dani Alves.
Dani Alves keeps the ball and then the opportunity to play long arises. Suarez runs towards the depth and duels with the Atletico’s defender.
A perfect long ball and a perfect Suarez’s duel, protecting the ball efficiently to score the definitive goal for the 2 - 1.
Suarez’ success is based on his physical strength in defending the ball and on excellent technique for clinical finishing. He adapts well to the situation keeping balanced, and with a supreme 1v1 expertise in shielding, the goal which follows was inevitable
In the close-up picture we can see how Suarez uses his left arm very well to defend the ball and maintain his balance, whilst his left leg is used to defend the ball against a possible low attack of the defender.
Let’s also observe the difficulty for the defender to intervene and the barycentre always on the supporting parts of the Uruguayan player that give him exceptional equilibrium.
Most certainly, the Catalan team is able to show off one of the best tactical projects existing today in the football world. In addition one must agree, its stars succeed in making the duel impossible for anyone.
