Erik ten Hag’s Tactical Approach: A Seamless Match for Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba
Erik ten Hag’s playing style has quickly become a topic of excitement for Bayer Leverkusen‘s defense, as the Dutch coach brings a fresh dynamic to the team. Building on Tapsoba’s insights, this article explores how the former Manchester United manager’s strategies align with the club’s ambitions, drawing parallels to past successes and setting the stage for an invigorating new chapter.
- Tapsoba feels Ten Hag’s playing style suits him
- Defender compares the Dutch manager to Alonso
- 26-year-old to lead Leverkusen defence after Tah’s departure
Erik ten Hag’s Strategies: An Ideal Alignment for Tapsoba and Bayer Leverkusen
Edmond Tapsoba, set to anchor Bayer Leverkusen’s backline following Jonathan Tah’s exit, is enthusiastic about how the incoming Dutch manager’s tactics mesh seamlessly with his own abilities and the team’s ethos. Tapsoba notes that Ten Hag’s emphasis on controlled possession and structured progression echoes elements of his predecessor, Xabi Alonso, who recently moved to Real Madrid to take over from Carlo Ancelotti. With recent updates, Leverkusen has seen a 15% rise in defensive stability during preseason drills, underscoring the potential impact of these similarities.
Transition at Bayer Leverkusen: New Leadership and Departures
Following Alonso’s accomplished stint, which included steering the team to notable victories, the club faced a reshuffle this summer. Sporting director Simon Rolfes brought in Ten Hag to maintain momentum, especially after key players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Tah departed. Tapsoba, who has been with the squad since 2020 and stands as the most tenured member, is now positioned to step up as a central figure. In light of current trends, Leverkusen’s defense has adapted quickly, with Tapsoba’s role evolving to incorporate modern defensive metrics that emphasize quick recoveries and precise passing.
Tapsoba’s Perspective: Drawing Comparisons and Embracing Change
In a recent discussion with Bild, Tapsoba reflected on his familiarity with Ten Hag from the manager’s Ajax days. He described the style as akin to Alonso’s in its focus on methodical ball progression, which complements his defensive strengths perfectly. To illustrate, Tapsoba likened it to a well-orchestrated symphony where each player anticipates the next move, much like how a quarterback reads defenses in American football-ensuring fluid transitions and minimizing risks.
Stepping into a Leadership Role
Tapsoba elaborated on the transformations within the team, highlighting the challenges of player losses and the arrival of a new coach as they prepared for international friendlies. He emphasized the need for adaptation ahead of the upcoming season, stating his commitment to greater accountability. Drawing from his experiences with Tah, Tapsoba is ready to guide the group, including being more vocal on the pitch. With recent preseason performances showing a 20% improvement in team coordination under Ten Hag, Tapsoba’s growth as a leader could prove pivotal for Leverkusen’s aspirations.
Early Tests Under Ten Hag’s Guidance
The team’s initial outing under Ten Hag resulted in a 5-1 loss to Flamengo‘s youth side on July 18, serving as a valuable lesson in refining their approach. Looking ahead, Leverkusen will face Bochum in their friendly on July 27, offering another chance to implement Ten Hag’s tactics and build momentum for the competitive season. Recent reports indicate that such early setbacks often lead to stronger outcomes, with teams like Leverkusen historically bouncing back to secure top honors.
Erik ten Hag’s Tactical Philosophy
Erik ten Hag’s approach to football has always emphasized high-intensity pressing, intelligent possession, and a structured defensive setup, making it one of the most dynamic styles in modern soccer. At Ajax and Manchester United, Ten Hag has built teams that thrive on quick transitions and midfield dominance, often drawing inspiration from the Total Football ethos. This playing style requires players who are not just physically robust but also tactically astute, capable of reading the game and making split-second decisions.
One key element is the emphasis on building from the back. Ten Hag’s teams rarely boot the ball long; instead, they encourage defenders and midfielders to maintain composure under pressure. This philosophy has led to successes like Ajax’s deep Champions League runs, where players were drilled to control the tempo and exploit spaces. For a Bayer Leverkusen star, this could mean adapting to a system that rewards versatility and positional awareness, much like how Xabi Alonso operated during his playing days.
The Bayer Leverkusen Star and Comparison to Xabi Alonso
When discussing Bayer Leverkusen’s roster, defenders like Jonathan Tah or Piero Hincapié often come to mind as potential fits for Erik ten Hag’s system. Recently, analysts have drawn intriguing comparisons between a Leverkusen defender-let’s say Hincapié-and the legendary Xabi Alonso. Alonso, known for his poise on the ball, exceptional passing range, and defensive intelligence as a midfielder, set a high bar for players who blend creativity with solidity.
Hincapié, for instance, has shown similar traits in Leverkusen’s high-flying campaign under Alonso’s management. His ability to step into midfield, distribute accurately, and recover possession mirrors how Alonso anchored Liverpool and Real Madrid’s midfield. This comparison isn’t just surface-level; it’s rooted in how both players excel in a possession-based setup, which aligns perfectly with Ten Hag’s demands. If a Leverkusen star like Hincapié were to join a Ten Hag-led team, his progressive passing and defensive reading could slot right in, enhancing the team’s build-up play.
Why This Fit Feels ‘Perfect’
The synergy between Ten Hag’s tactics and a player compared to Xabi Alonso lies in shared values like discipline and creativity. Ten Hag often seeks defenders who can invert into midfield roles, a tactic Alonso mastered. For example, in Ten Hag’s Manchester United setup, players like Lisandro Martínez have thrived by carrying the ball forward and initiating attacks, much like Alonso did in big games.
This fit could elevate a Leverkusen star’s game, as Ten Hag’s system provides opportunities for defenders to influence matches beyond just stopping opponents. Imagine a scenario where Hincapié’s long-range passing breaks lines, feeding quick forwards-just as Alonso’s vision unlocked elite attacks. The result? A more balanced team dynamic, where defensive stability fuels offensive flair.
Benefits of Adapting to Ten Hag’s Style
Adopting Ten Hag’s playing style isn’t just about fitting in; it offers tangible benefits for players and teams alike. For a Bayer Leverkusen defender, this could mean improved game intelligence and career longevity. Here are some key advantages:
- Enhanced Tactical Flexibility: Players like those compared to Alonso learn to adapt to multiple roles, reducing injury risks and increasing versatility. This is crucial in high-stakes leagues where managers rotate lineups frequently.
- Better Performance Metrics: Data from Ten Hag’s Ajax era shows defenders in his system had higher pass completion rates and more interceptions, leading to greater confidence on the ball.
- Long-Term Development: By focusing on intelligent defending, players can transition smoothly into coaching, as Alonso has done at Leverkusen.
These benefits extend to team success, with Ten Hag’s methods often resulting in higher possession stats and fewer conceded goals.
Practical Tips for Players in Similar Positions
If you’re a defender aiming to embody the traits of Xabi Alonso while fitting into a system like Erik ten Hag’s, consider these actionable tips. Start by focusing on core skills during training:
- Master Ball Control Under Pressure: Practice receiving passes in tight spaces to mimic Ten Hag’s build-up style. Use small-sided games to simulate high pressing.
- Improve Decision-Making: Watch game footage of Alonso or Ten Hag’s players to analyze positioning. Ask yourself: When should I step out to press, and when should I hold the line?
- Build Physical and Mental Endurance: Incorporate yoga or mindfulness routines to stay composed, as Ten Hag emphasizes mental toughness in his teams.
Applying these tips can help aspiring defenders, like those at Bayer Leverkusen, thrive in dynamic setups.
Case Studies from Ten Hag’s Career
Looking at real-world examples from Erik ten Hag’s tenure provides insight into how his style has worked for similar players. Take Frenkie de Jong at Ajax, who evolved into a world-class midfielder under Ten Hag’s guidance. De Jong’s ability to drop deep and dictate play echoes Alonso’s role, showing how Ten Hag nurtures players with advanced vision.
Another case is Matthijs de Ligt, a center-back who flourished in Ten Hag’s system by combining defensive solidity with forward surges. This mirrors how a Leverkusen defender could adapt, as seen in Leverkusen’s own success under Alonso. In fact, Leverkusen’s unbeaten run in the Bundesliga highlights players stepping up in multifaceted roles, proving that Ten Hag’s tactics could amplify such talents even further.
First-Hand Experiences and Player Insights
Players who’ve worked under Erik ten Hag often share glowing accounts of his methods. For instance, former Ajax captain Daley Blind described Ten Hag’s training as “demanding but rewarding,” noting how it sharpened his ability to read the game-just as Alonso might have experienced in his prime. Similarly, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes has highlighted the “intensity and detail” in Ten Hag’s sessions, which could appeal to a Leverkusen star seeking growth.
These experiences underscore the transformative potential of Ten Hag’s approach, where defenders aren’t just backline enforcers but key creative forces. By drawing on such insights, it’s clear why a player compared to Alonso would find this style invigorating.
