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20 definitions starting with "P"

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The pass before the assist. Player A passes to Player B, who passes to Player C, who scores - Player A gets the pre-assist. It's a way to give credit to players who set up the setup, especially playmakers who create the opening without getting the final ball themselves. Not an official stat but tracked by analytics sites and used to identify creative players.
Xavi's pre-assist numbers at Barcelona were ridiculous. He'd play the pass that let Iniesta play the pass that let Messi score. Without him starting the move, half those goals never happen.
Robbie Feb 3, 2026
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An agreement to sign for a new club that can be made when a player has six months or less on their current contract. The player sees out their deal, then joins the new club on a free. Big clubs hate it because they lose valuable players for nothing. Players and agents love it because all the money that would've gone to the selling club can go into wages and signing bonuses instead.
Kylian Mbappé's pre-contract saga with Real Madrid dragged on for years - every January, Madrid could legally negotiate a free transfer, creating pressure on PSG to either sell or lose him for nothing.
Robbie Feb 1, 2026
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Actively closing down opponents to force mistakes or win the ball. You can press high (in their third), in a mid-block (middle of the pitch), or low (in your own third). It only works if everyone does it together - one player pressing alone just leaves space behind them. Klopp's Liverpool and Guardiola's City have made it central to how they play, using pressing as the first step of attack.
Barcelona's 6-2 destruction of Real Madrid in 2009 demonstrated relentless pressing - they suffocated Madrid high up the pitch, won the ball repeatedly in dangerous areas, and created chances directly from turnovers.
Robbie Jan 18, 2026
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How aggressively a team presses, measured by metrics like PPDA or the number of high recoveries. High pressing intensity means you're constantly harrying the opponent. It requires fitness, organization, and commitment from everyone. Some teams press intensely for 60 minutes then drop off; others can sustain it. Klopp's Liverpool and Nagelsmann's teams have been among the most intense pressers.
RB Leipzig under Nagelsmann had extreme pressing intensity - they'd hunt the ball relentlessly, win it high up the pitch, and attack before opponents could organize. It was exhausting to watch, let alone play against.
Robbie Jan 20, 2026
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Deliberately allowing the ball to go to a certain player or area, then springing a coordinated press the moment it arrives. You let them think they have an out, then shut it down. Usually involves directing play toward the sideline or a weaker player, where pressing is more effective because their options are limited. A pressing trap requires everyone to know the plan and commit at the right moment.
Liverpool under Klopp would let teams play to the full-back near the corner flag, then spring the trap - three players would converge instantly, the full-back had nowhere to go, and Liverpool would win the ball in a dangerous position.
Robbie Jan 17, 2026
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