Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi has been utilizing the summer break to implement new strategies and shape a fresh-look squad, focusing on evolving their on-ball build-up play. A common scenario in pre-season has involved the center-backs having possession in the middle of the pitch, a situation where De Zerbi's teams have historically excelled by waiting for pressure and playing through the center to find attackers.
However, the effectiveness of this approach in 2022 has led opposing coaches to develop methods to nullify it. Teams have increasingly employed narrow defensive shapes to block the central passing lanes, making it difficult for Tottenham's center-backs to find their holding midfielders. In response, De Zerbi has been devising new solutions, including repositioning central players or progressing the ball down the flanks.
One illustration of this tactical adjustment occurred during Tottenham's pre-season victory against Hoffenheim, which ended 3-0. Hoffenheim adopted a narrow 4-4-2 mid-block formation. Their wide midfielders positioned themselves close to the central players, almost acting as additional central midfielders, and their two strikers occupied the space in front of Tottenham's midfield duo. This setup aimed to further protect the center of the pitch. Tottenham's formation in possession during this match frequently shifted to a 4-2-4, a common shape they are using in these build-up situations.