Although a not so memorable season for Bidco United under Anthony Akhulia, Bidco United looked like a team with a plan. On their day they could match up against the league’s best.In this piece we will look to understand the tactical set up of Bidco United, the tactical approaches they look to employ and how slight alterations to their system have seen them stifle opponents. The improvements are evident as will be stated below;Gaffer….Sir Anthony Viera Akhulia.#wearebidco pic.twitter.com/9lfNH192Sv— Bidco United F.C (@fCBidco) July 5, 2023 Bidco United set up in a 1-4-2-3-1 centered system, with coach Anthony Akhulia making ever so slight alterations as the season progressed.The 1-4-2-3-1 was the main system employed and in some instances it was the system that looked to maximize on Bidco United’s performances.Build Up.From goal kicks and instances of settled possession Bidco United built a 1-4-2-3-1 with the midfield double pivot dropping deep and the front line looking to pin the opposition defense line back.This action would ensure the fullbacks, Thomas Wainaina and David Kalama would be in optimal positions to receive clipped passes from goalkeeper and center back pairing employed on the day. These clipped balls to the fullbacks allowed Bidco United to evade opposition pressure well.In the buildup phase, the center backs look to start off in very narrow positions and the midfield double pivots look also to start closer to the penalty area, this to invite pressure from opposition first and second lines of pressure. These actions draw attention from the two fullbacks who are able to receive in optimal positions to attack. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7359252##The Bidco Structure has created a dilemma amongst the opposition sides as John Owira / Michael Omondi double pivot provides a threat of penetrating centrally if given space and time on the ball, the double pivot also could now easily play passes into the wide areas if afforded the space.The heightened position of Alex Juma and or Lameck Oloo stretches the opposition lines. The wingers in this Bidco side look to stay as high and wide as possible. The Bidco united number nine also stays high, pinning the opposition defenders back. This build up structure is one that peaked my interest throughout the season when I had the chance to watch Bidco United. The Bidco build up structure enabled them to manipulate the opposition so they were able to create the space to chip the ball into their fullbacks to be able to progress.In instances where they sat off in a midblock, the narrow positioning of the double pivot ensured they were able to create triangles with their respective sided center-back and full-back, this enabling quick combinations to progress higher up the pitch.Creation PhaseOnce Bidco progressed into the opposition half, they looked to use the wide areas. Majority of their attacks is based on the wide combinations they manage to whip up. The Bidco United fullbacks are again key in this phase, their underlaps and overlaps meshing well with the wingers used. After playing through a press, Bidco United looked to use long possession switches to advance further. On successful switches of play and star man Juma occupying the widest lane to stretch the opposition, this allows the option of an underlap from the fullback. Menengai Oilers hoping to turn the tides in Driftwood 7sThese underlaps allow the slipped pass into the advancing fullback to cross the ball or cutback for the numbers in the box to attack. Bidco United in Juma have a 1v1 threat that can also run at the opposition center backs. The team majorly also looks to create these isolations for him so he can capitalize and whip up some magic. Juma uses his excellent dribbling to beat players down the wing and shoot or cross.In instances where the wide areas were shut out due to strong 1v1 defending and compact 1-5-4-1 blocks Bidco looked to struggle a little. Their main answer to this was to allow fluidity among the forwards with the forward line allowed to roam and intelligently rotate. Juma was allowed to drop and receive centrally so he could be able to avoid congested areas, through this he could help in overloading the opposition midfielders, good combinations would then see them play into the forward looking to have him receive on the half turn. This however was not always working as stated above.This inability to break down low blocks and work well when congested was the main undoing of a pretty solid and decent Bidco United side. The alterations in buildup are very interesting and encouraging. Now getting a wildcard in the creation and finishing phase is what will be key , getting wide playmakers could really help their cause. Especially in instances where they are overloaded in the final phases of play.However, Akhulia and his staff will for sure have identified this weakness and already got to it. They are developing a very good side.
