🚨 Whenever We’re Up Against a Team We Expect to Dominate Possession Against, Benjamin Šeško Has to Start
In football, there are certain tactical decisions that can make or break a team’s performance.
One of the most pressing dilemmas for many managers is deciding which type of player to start when facing teams that sit deep and defend in a low block.
For teams like ours, who are often expected to dominate possession, the decision to include a natural No. 9 like Benjamin Šeško is becoming increasingly clear. Against teams that pack the defense and leave little space in the final third, starting Šeško offers the most balanced and direct approach to breaking down the opposition.
Take the match against West Ham as a prime example. Despite dominating possession, the team looked completely blunt in attack.
We had plenty of the ball, but there was no real cutting edge. The intricate passing and control in midfield were nullified by West Ham’s defensive setup. Without a player like Šeško—who thrives in situations where the ball is played into the box or held up for others to support—the attack was disjointed.
While the team tried to break down West Ham’s defense with passing and movement, it felt like too much possession was going to waste. A natural striker would have provided that focal point, someone to aim for in the air or someone capable of taking advantage of crosses into the box.
This is where the experiment with Bryan Mbeumo playing as a striker falls short. Mbeumo’s qualities—speed, versatility, and ability to exploit space in transitions—are undeniable. He has been effective in games where space is abundant and quick counter-attacks are necessary.
However, against teams that sit deep, like West Ham, Mbeumo doesn’t offer the same physical presence that a true No. 9 does. The Frenchman’s strengths lie in breaking the opposition’s defensive line, but when that line is already compact and well-organized, Mbeumo is far less impactful. He lacks the stature and aerial ability to win headers or physically hold off defenders when the game slows down.
The real tactical dilemma, then, is whether to start Šeško and, if so, who to leave out. We have several attacking options who are all vying for a place in the lineup: Mbeumo, Amad, and Cunha. All three bring something different, which makes the decision that much harder.
Mbeumo, while a talented forward, might be the one to miss out in these situations. While he excels in transitions and as a secondary striker, his role as a central figure in a possession-heavy system against a low block isn’t as effective as someone with Å eÅ¡ko’s attributes.
Amad, on the other hand, offers the flair and technical skill needed to break down stubborn defenses. His dribbling and creativity in tight spaces could complement Šeško’s physicality, offering balance to the attack.
Cunha is an all-rounder, capable of playing across the front line. His work rate and link-up play make him an important asset in any formation. However, if Šeško is going to be the focal point of the attack, Cunha may be better suited to a more flexible or fluid role, where he can roam and create space.
In the end, it’s about finding balance. Against teams that will sit deep, having Šeško start upfront with creative players like Amad or Cunha around him makes sense. The team needs someone to stretch the defense, win headers, and hold the ball up, while others contribute with the technical ability to unlock tight spaces.
In summary, Å eÅ¡ko should be the starting No. 9 whenever the team expects to dominate possession, particularly against teams that park the bus. The real challenge for the manager is deciding who should step aside to make room for him. It’s a tough call, but it’s one that could make the difference in breaking down defenses and turning possession into goals.
