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Pushing the defence up towards the halfway line, squeezing the space between defence and midfield but leaving lots of room behind. Usually combined with pressing to pin opponents back and catch attackers offside. You need quick defenders who read the game well and a keeper who can sweep. When it works, it suffocates teams. When it doesn't, balls over the top destroy you. VAR's tight offside calls have made it both more effective and more contentious.

Winning the ball back in the opponent's third of the pitch. Teams that recover possession high up get immediate attacking opportunities. It's a key stat for measuring pressing effectiveness. High recoveries often lead to shots within a few seconds because the defense is scrambled. Coaches target a certain number per game as a measure of whether the press is working.

Similar to gazumping but sounds more aggressive - actively intercepting a transfer that's in progress. The hijacking club doesn't just outbid, they convince the player to change his mind when he'd already agreed terms elsewhere. Creates drama, headlines, and enemies. Barcelona hijacking Cesc Fàbregas from Arsenal's rivals became legendary.

The midfielder who sits in front of the defence, breaks up attacks, and gives the ball to more creative players. Also called a defensive midfielder or number 6. Makélélé, Kanté, and Busquets are the famous examples - they make their teams work through positioning and winning the ball back. The job has evolved, and now holding midfielders are expected to pass well too, not just destroy.

The tense period during VAR reviews when everyone waits to see if a goal stands or gets disallowed. Named after the literal thing fans do. Games now have these long pauses where nobody knows what's happening, the referee draws a rectangle in the air, and then you find out if you're celebrating or mourning. Changed the rhythm of how goals are experienced.