Key Highlights
- Ezri Konsa reveals how England are adopting Arsenal’s set-piece strategy for the upcoming World Cup.
- Arsenal’s focus on set pieces has been a key factor in their success under Mikel Arteta.
- Konsa believes that working with Austin MacPhee at Aston Villa has significantly improved his set-piece abilities.
- The England defender scored his first goal for the national team after applying these strategies during training sessions.
England’s Set-Piece Strategy: A Copycat Approach?
Ezri Konsa, a key player in the English national team under manager Thomas Tuchel, has revealed that England are adopting Arsenal’s set-piece strategy for the upcoming World Cup. This move is part of a broader trend where Premier League teams have increasingly focused on mastering free kicks, corners, and long throws.
Konsa attributes this shift to Arsenal, led by their coach Mikel Arteta, who has made his team one of the most feared in the league when it comes to scoring from set pieces. The Manchester City defender believes that England can make significant gains by emulating Arsenal’s tactics at next year’s tournament.
The Arsenal Advantage
According to Konsa, Arsenal’s dominance in set-piece situations is a result of their meticulous training and execution. “Look the Premier League’s changing everything year, it’s getting harder and harder and this season, I think you’re seeing teams scoring from set-pieces,” he said.
Konsa further emphasized that the importance of physicality cannot be understated in defending against these tactics: “You do have to be strong, you do have to have physicality in the team because if not you are going to struggle. You look at Arsenal and see how many goals they have scored and how many points they’ve won from it.” This highlights the strategic importance of set pieces not just for attacking teams but also for defending against them.
Training and Preparation
Ezri Konsa has already applied these strategies in his career, scoring his first goal for England after working on set-pieces with Austin MacPhee at Aston Villa. However, he notes that training with the national team is more challenging due to the limited time available: “When I do get the opportunity to go out there, I do have to think like a striker. For me, since Austin has come in, it’s something he’s instilled into my head.” This insight provides a window into how professional players are adapting their roles and techniques to fit the modern game.
Konsa also highlighted the physical demands of defending against set pieces: “In that situation, I wanted to think like a striker.
Just run into the box. Hopefully there was a rebound. It just fell to me and I smashed it in with my left foot.” His description underscores the importance of both individual skill and team coordination in executing effective set-piece strategies.
Trust from the Manager
The England defender also spoke about the support he receives from his manager, Thomas Tuchel. “As a player, to have a manager that shows trust and believes in you is always a special feeling and gives you so much confidence coming here going into games,” Konsa said. This sentiment reflects the broader relationship between players and their coaches, which can significantly impact performance.
Konsa added: “It was a dream since I was a kid to represent my country and to have played as many games under him as I have is a special feeling so I can only thank him for what he has done. He is a great manager and I am just happy to be working under him.” This personal touch adds depth to the professional discussion, highlighting the emotional and psychological support that players receive from their teams.
Conclusion
The focus on set pieces in the Premier League is not just about winning games but also preparing England for international competition. As Konsa suggests, these strategies can provide a significant advantage at next year’s World Cup if adopted and refined by the national team. The trend towards more physicality and strategic preparation in defending against set pieces could become a defining feature of modern football.
As Ezri Konsa and his teammates continue to refine their tactics, they will be following in the footsteps of some of the league’s top teams like Arsenal, who have already demonstrated the effectiveness of such strategies. The upcoming World Cup presents an opportunity for England to showcase this new approach on the global stage.
