The intricacies within the sophisticated systems employed by Tottenham and Ajax serve up an intriguing tactical battle in the Champions League semi-finals.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will stage the first installment of the double header with the Dutch outfit making the trip to London.
Here, we analyse the key tactics Erik ten Hag could use to mastermind a victory for Spurs.
Click here for Tottenham’s key tactics.
THE DE JONG EFFECT
Like Ajax, Spurs look to press their opponents high as well but the Dutch outfit are more adept than most at beating it. Frenkie de Jong is key here. The Barcelona-bound midfielder drops deep, slotting in on the left of the two centre-backs while Lasse Schone – the other member of a flexible midfield double pivot – positions himself ahead of the trio, creating a rhombus to exchange passes.
Meanwhile, the full-backs push up to offer options as well with wingers occupying the half-spaces and Donny van de Beek retreating to the centre circle. Most effectively, De Jong’s tremendous dribbling ability helps him break through the lines and turn defence into attack.
FRONT FOUR DYNAMIC
Spurs will likely field three centre-backs and they won’t enjoy dealing with Ajax’s fluid front four. There is no out-and-out striker to shadow or tussle with as Dusan Tadic operates as a false nine instead and often isn’t the most advanced player with Van de Beek regularly running beyond him.
Hakim Ziyech is the most prominent creative force of the lot, drifting in from the right.
When the Moroccan receives possession, that’s the cue for the other three to make darting runs in behind, especially David Neres on the opposite flank making diagonal runs on the blind side of the right-sided centre-back.
With Schone and De Jong occasionally offering support from midfield and the full-backs stretching play, Spurs have their work cut out for them.
