Table of Contents
- So, what is a pressing forward in soccer?
- Why use a pressing forward?
- Any downsides to using a pressing forward?
- How is a pressing forward different from a poacher?
- Example of a pressing forward in soccer
- What attributes does a pressing forward need?
- Recap: The role of the pressing forward in soccer
There are lots of ways to deploy a central striker, and utilizing a pressing forward in soccer is one of them.
But what exactly is a pressing forward? What attributes do you need for this position? And are there any real-world examples of effective pressing forwards in modern-day soccer? Let’s investigate.
So, what is a pressing forward in soccer?
A pressing forward is a central attacker that is responsible for putting the central defenders under pressure as soon as they receive the ball. You can regard a pressing forward in soccer as the spearhead of the attack, playing a crucial role in the center of the field.
The coach will decide when to trigger the pressing forward, and the player can be utilized in a support or advanced role, depending on how aggressive the team’s press is.
Read on to find out more about the role of the pressing forward in soccer and whether it’s a position you would like to include in your team.
Why use a pressing forward?
The main benefit of using a pressing forward is that the role doesn’t give the opposition any time on the ball when they’re passing around the back four.
As such, it can be really effective when you deploy a pressing forward against a team that favors a possession-based approach to soccer (something like tiki-taka, for instance).
While the pressing forward works well with a number of tactical approaches, it’s particularly good when employed as part of a gegenpressing approach, which prioritizes high-intensity pressing throughout the team.
Ultimately, if you deploy a pressing forward to spearhead your attack, you ensure that your team defends from the front, preventing your opponents from building their attacks from the center of their defense.
Any downsides to using a pressing forward?
The biggest drawback to using a pressing forward is that talented, ball-playing defenders can play the ball around the forward. This can leave your team a player short on the defensive front, which is a big problem if you’re facing a strong opponent.
Another potential issue with the pressing forward role is that it requires a lot of energy and a high level of fitness to get right. Pressing forwards need to be sharp and must initiate the press as soon as their opponents receive the ball, often meaning they don’t get much time to rest!
Also, if the pressing forward can end up out of position when your team turns the ball over. If, for instance, they have closed the ball down in the full-back areas and helped your team win it back, they can’t be in the center of the penalty area to finish off your attack!
How is a pressing forward different from a poacher?
A pressing forward is notably different from a poacher. A poacher usually plays on the last line of defense and is a fox-in-the-box. In other words, their main role for the team is to capitalize on chances in the final third to put the ball in the back of the net.
Conversely, a pressing forward employs a deeper starting position and seeks to defend from the front. Then, when the play is turned over, they push forward with their teammates to pose a threat to the opponent’s goal.
Both roles can be deployed effectively, but they both offer something completely different. Poachers are much better for teams who get the ball into the box often, as they are alert and able to put the ball into the back of the net when a chance arises.
Be sure to also check our recent article that explains what a target man is in soccer and how you can utilize this position on the field instead of a poacher or pressing forward.
Example of a pressing forward in soccer
One of the best examples of a pressing forward in the modern game is Manchester City’s star striker, Erling Haaland.
As well as putting the fear of God into defenders around the world, Haaland presses relentlessly for his teammates, putting opposing defenders under pressure and creating chances for Man City in and around the penalty area.
Haaland has all the attributes required to be an effective pressing forward – he’s quick, agile, strong, and fit, and he’s also a brilliant finisher!
It’s little surprise that City recently won the UEFA Champions League for the first time, with Haaland playing the role of pressing forward majestically throughout the season.
What attributes does a pressing forward need?
A pressing forward needs to be fit, strong, and hard-working, as they get through a lot of running for their teammates. It also helps if they’re fast, as the quicker they can put their opponents under pressure, the more effective it is for the press.
Of course, when you’re playing with a central forward, it helps enormously if the player deployed in that position is a good finisher, as they should be able to take most of the chances that they get at the top end of the field.
So, if you have a forward who is quick, strong, pacy, and good at finishing, they’re the perfect candidate to play in the position of pressing forward for your team.
Recap: The role of the pressing forward in soccer
The pressing forward in soccer is a role that is being used more and more in the modern game as coaches look to execute a high press to put their opponents under pressure right up the top of the field.
You now have all the information that you need if you want to deploy a pressing forward in soccer, and the role can be super helpful if you’re keen to play a high-intensity attacking game.