Senegal’s national football team has been grappling with issues in their ball distribution, particularly in how they transition from defense to attack. This concern, evident during their recent matches against Malawi, is not a new one. The problem stems from inefficient “short throws,” or quick releases from the back, which are crucial for breaking through an opponent’s pressing game. Despite the trend towards this modern approach, the Lions have often failed to execute with the technical precision required.
One of the key figures responsible for setting the tempo in this phase is Kalidou Koulibaly, the captain and anchor of Senegal’s defense.
However, rather than dictating a swift and fluid transition, Koulibaly has been prone to hesitation. His decision-making often leads to over-reliance on long balls, a tactic that tends to backfire, especially against teams that opt for a low defensive block.
This issue was glaring in the first leg against Malawi, where Senegal struggled to break down their opponents, despite having a numerical advantage for most of the game.
The Lions were forced into long, speculative passes that played into the hands of Malawi’s defensive strategy.
In a match where rapid, short passes could have dismantled the opposition, Senegal’s insistence on the long game contributed to a modest 1-0 lead at halftime.
The final scoreline of 4-0, while comfortable, belied the inefficiencies in their buildup play.
Koulibaly’s tendency to bypass the midfield with long passes disrupts the rhythm that is necessary for a more dynamic and unpredictable offense.
The result is a stunted attacking strategy, despite the talent of Senegal’s forward players.
The team’s offensive struggles are not easy to explain given the quality of the squad, but they seem closely linked to this failure in ball distribution from the back.
“It’s when we have the ball that we are in more danger,” said a source close to the team, highlighting a key issue with Senegal’s possession play.
When the Lions are tasked with building from the back, their inability to execute quick, short passes often leaves them vulnerable to turnovers and counterattacks.
The modern game increasingly demands fluid transitions, particularly from the backline.
Many successful teams, such as those coached by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City or Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, have perfected the art of short passes to destabilize their opponents.
Senegal’s technical staff is certainly aware of this, but the players’ execution, particularly Koulibaly’s, has not matched the level required for this approach.
The coaching staff now faces the challenge of correcting these errors. With professional players who are accustomed to this tactical style at their clubs, the Lions have the potential to adapt.
The key lies in improving their defense-to-midfield connection, which will allow for smoother offensive transitions and more effective possession play.
As Senegal prepares for future fixtures, their ability to refine this aspect of their game will be crucial.
While they managed to overpower Malawi with a 4-0 victory in the second leg, the underlying issue of ball distribution remains a concern.
For the Lions to maximize their attacking potential, Koulibaly and the defensive unit must step up and embrace the demands of modern football, where short passes and quick transitions are essential to success.
