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Defending deep with two compact lines near your own goal. You give up territory but leave no space behind the defence and clog the middle. Success depends on staying organized, concentrating, and being ready to counter when you win the ball. Critics call it negative, but it works against better teams. The opposite of pressing high.
Burnley under Sean Dyche became synonymous with the low block in the Premier League - sitting deep, defending their box heroically, and hitting teams on the break with direct football and set pieces.
Robbie
Jan 27, 2026
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