Tactics

The moment possession changes hands. Attacking transition means winning the ball and going forward before the opponent can organize. Defensive transition means losing it and either pressing immediately or sprinting back. Both sides are vulnerable during transitions, which is why tactical analysis focuses on them so much. Teams that handle these moments well can control games without dominating possession.

The moment a team wins the ball and can attack before the opposition reorganizes. Fast attacking transitions catch teams with players out of position. Some teams build their entire game around winning the ball and attacking quickly before defenses can set. Leicester's 2015-16 title was built on quick attacking transitions with Vardy sprinting into space.

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 and attacking immediately while the opposition is still out of position. Speed matters, and so does finishing the chance before they recover. It works well against teams who dominate possession and push lots of players forward. Some teams, like Leicester in 2015-16, build their whole approach around it. Others do it out of necessity when they're outmatched.

A winger on the opposite flank to their dominant foot - right-footer on the left, left-footer on the right. When they cut inside, they're on their stronger foot to shoot or pass across goal. Similar to an inside forward but might still provide width and use trivela crosses. Became standard once managers realized wingers could score as well as create.