Spain and Germany are the kings of possession. It's Pep's influence

Average ownership in Germany over the past year is 71%. Spain has 72%. The Germans have never dropped below the 57% mark (against Denmark). Spain's worst result 59% (against Portugal). The teams have long forgotten about defeats in this aspect under Hansi Flick and Luis Enrique. The only question is the degree of superiority.

Germany and Spain simply have a cosmic lead over any other team in this narrow parameter. Immediately recall: possession is a characteristic of the style, not the quality of football. The dominance of the Germans and the Spaniards in this regard is never an argument in a dispute about the best or even the most spectacular team in the world. Moreover, sometimes excessive possession can look boring and monotonous (and even indicate problems in attack).

But when two such radical teams face each other, the battle for possession (usually a formality that says little about as football) comes to the fore and acquires a sacred meaning. Against this background, it is interesting to understand how much Spain and Germany value the ball and where it came from.

Since 2014, Spain and Germany have been top 2 in possession

The teams started the Qatari World Cup in the traditional manner. One match (with polar outcomes 7-0 win over Costa Rica and 1-2 loss to Japan) was enough to take the lead:

Not always so obvious after 1win-az.net the first meeting, but in every major tournament since 2014, Spain and Germany have been top 2 in possession.

Why are Spain and Germany so obsessed with possession? (spoiler: because Guardiola, but not only)

This percentage of possession is possible under three conditions:

the intention to play short with proper selection of players is a consequence of long-term trends and youth training programs;

the structure and disciplined position of the players to hold the ball (often limits improvisation) is always the coach's initiative;

the fastest possible return of the ball (pressing) also comes from the coach.

Both teams fanatically believe in this approach. They prepare players and select coaches according to the necessary principles. Flick and Enrique are perhaps the most prominent representatives of this movement who have coached national teams in the last 10 years.

We want to play football that is attractive and based on possession. Receive the ball high and attack with a clear understanding of which zones to use. Intensity is a key element of such football. It is important for our style to be aware of ourselves as a team. Each player must be sure that he can rely on a partner, formulated the philosophy of Flick.

And here are the postulates of Luis Enrique: We must have the ball. If you can do it on someone else's half, generally fine. You can’t put a little pressure on the pressure; it must be organized and purposeful. It is important to have the ball, but it is equally important to return it as quickly as possible.