Tactics

A player who looks good only because of the team or manager they're in. The implication is they'd struggle elsewhere because they're not that talented individually. Sometimes accurate - some players thrive in specific setups - but often used to discredit anyone who succeeds under a great manager. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been called a system player despite his clearly individual passing ability.

When an attacker comes back toward their own goal to receive the ball. Strikers who drop deep pull defenders out of position and create space for runners. It also helps the team build play by adding an extra body in midfield. Not every striker can do it - you need good link-up play and the intelligence to know when to drop and when to stay high. Firmino and Benzema are masters at it.

Playing the ball backward or sideways to keep it rather than forcing a forward pass. When the initial attack breaks down, good teams recycle to the back, reset, and try again rather than losing the ball. Critics see it as negative; supporters say it's patient. Guardiola teams recycle constantly, waiting for the right moment to play forward. The balance between recycling and risk is a tactical choice.

The moment a team loses the ball and has to shift from attacking to defending. The first few seconds are critical - either you press immediately to win it back, or you sprint back to reorganize. Teams that handle defensive transitions badly get picked apart on the counter. It's tracked analytically now and coaches drill it constantly.

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.