Analysing Girona’s playstyle as they face Arsenal in the UCL

Dissecting the Spanish sides playstyle and some of their most influential players that will face Arsenal and how they’ve quickly risen under the management of Michel Muñoz

Girona host Arsenal at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi in the penultimate match week of the new Champions League format. On one side Arsenal see themselves safe on the 3rd spot for direct qualifications, Girona are on the 31st spot, unfortunately out of the qualifying stages

Girona were one of the best performers last season, infact one of Europe’s most overachieving sides with their surge. Michel’s distinctive brand of football has suffered a set back this season – reflected in their positions in the domestic league

Michel’s football has been a blend of tactical excellence + attacking football over the years. Girona bold and front footed approach was what made them fearless > attacking branded and always asking questions to their opponents

Usually setup in different variations against different oppositions – a specific wide dominant 3-4-3/4-2-3-1. This formation then converts to a 3-1-6 that ensure a mix of pressing routines and compact defences to get the best out of players

In possession dynamics mainly revolve around the idea of building from the back + holding the ball + exploiting spaces with OTB movements – avg 58% possession in La Liga. Attacks are usually built over the flanks via their attacking fullbacks and wingers.

Overlaps/underlaps are common between the wide channels where they aim to capitalise on runners + switching of flanks. The CFs aim to cause trouble to the CB’s by efficiently moving and reading the game. 1v1’s > crosses + cutbacks to goal

Out of possession, Girona like to hold a compact mid block where they protect central spaces > inverting their wingers to defensive duties in the middle of the pitch, close to the pivot. Like creating overloads in different defensive areas to mitigate attacks

Also known to be an energetic team whilst pressing from the first phase of opposition build up. Also can form a decent high line which they favoured off brilliantly last season. Counter pressing whilst losing a ball is notably good in order to bring the added pressure to win back the ball.

With Girona having nothing to lose in this game, they’d look to cause upsets when they host the English side. Although both sides are expected to be rotated in this fixture, it’s surely going to be a tactical battle between the two Spaniards

Recent Form in the UCL:

Arsenal hosted Dinamo Zagreb at home in the last round and managed to beat them to a comfortable 3-0 victory – nailing them a spot in the top 8. Meanwhile, Girona’s recent game against AC Milan ended up in a 1-0 defeat – keeping them on 1 win in 6 matches

Key players:

Yaser Asprilla | Columbian
21 | RW/AM | 6’0

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An entertaining winger off the RW whose lethal left foot and creative output does the talking. Great ball manipulation + positioning BTL helps in moving on the half turn > taking on defenders to create chaos. Can play as a playmaker and showcase creative skills

Abel Ruiz – Spanish
25 | CF | 5’11

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The former Braga outlet has plenty of experience in the UCL – leading the line for Girona brings the added value. Efficient in dropping deep to link up play > getting at the end of crosses + fluidly pressing to help in ball retention

Viktor Tsygankhov – Ukrainian
27 | RW/AM | 5’10

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The Ukrainian winger is an archetype wide winger that thrives on his ability to take on players from isolation. From positions of width, he likes to dribble towards the box > leading to a cross > shot on his favoured left foot

Donny Van De Beek – Dutch
27 | AM/CM | 6’0

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Van De Beek has finally seemed to find his feet in a Spanish environment. He excels at linking defence to attack – primarily stringing passes behind the lines. Vision in executing passes + effective positions helps him create chances for his side

Ivan Martin – Spanish
25 | CM | 5’10

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Martin us a passing metronome in midfield for Girona. His versatality in carrying the ball + elite ball control help him navigate through tight spaces. Works like an engine in midfield, often participating in ball recovery actions + closing gaps in opposition attack.

Conclusion:

Although Girona are expected to be without key players like Bryan Gil, Miguel Gutierrez and Daley Blind – it’s expected that they’ll put in a great shift at home to make things difficult for the Gunners

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