Hansi Flick heavily relies on a width in his system. This allows his players to stretch the play create attacking opportunities, stretch opposition players, and contribute to offensive transitions. He used this with Bayern, Germany, and is currently at Barcelona. This system requires a high workload in the game of the fullbacks. Here’s a breakdown of their role:
High-Intensity Attacking Full-Backs
Flick implements an attacking role with the full-backs who provide width and pace.
📌Alphonso Davies: Davies became a world-known full-back under Flick with explosive overlapping runs. His pace allowed Bayern to transition quickly, while his high positioning stretched the opposition’s defence.
📌Alejandro Balde: Balde, who couldn’t reach his potential under Xavi has been phenomenal in Flick’s system. In Flick’s system, he gets a bit more freedom to showcase his pace and dribbling skills which are key for offensive chances.
Inverted Full-Backs
On one side, Flick prefers an offensive nature, while on the other, it is mainly used for inversion for more control on the pitch.
📌Joshua Kimmich: Kimmich who was initially a right-back was used as an inverted full-back to dictate the play. His tactical intelligence helped Bayern to build up from the centre.
📌Jules Koundé: At Barcelona, Kounde is the main right-back, initially shifted from the centre-back position. Flick uses Kounde in a more offensive role providing width. He is not involved in counter-attacks similar to Balde, due to lack of pace. But makes key overlapping runs to support Yamal.
Defensive Solidity and Positional Awareness
Flick prefers wide players who balance attacking support with defensive duties, especially in high-pressing situations.
📌Benjamin Pavard: Pavard played as a right-back, he offered defensive stability to allow Davies to push forward. He was not as attacking as Davies but crucial in maintaining balance.
📌Jules Koundé: Similar to Pavard, Kounde also provides defensive solidity when Barcelona push forward. His role in maintaining the defensive structure is key in Flick’s structure.
High-Pressing
One of Flick’s key tactics is high pressing. Wide players are crucial in pressing, they help by closing down passing lanes and recovering possession quickly.
Balde & Koundé: Balde and Kounde have evolved well with Flick’s pressing system. This helps Barcelona to recover possession as soon as possible and go for attack.
Davies & Kimmich: Their pressing helped Bayern to recover the ball quickly and go for counter-attacks.