JDT VS RATCHABURI FC: AN ANALYSIS

The second game of Group G in the AFC Champions League 2021 sees Ratchaburi FC (RBMFC) playing against reigning Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT). Both teams are looking to get back into the groove after they lost their first game. It will be an interesting test for JDT as RBMFC are currently sitting 8th in the Thai League and having lost the last 4 our of 5 games, should be optimistic about getting a win here. 

Third game: Ratchaburi FC vs Johor Darul Takzim 

Scorers 

RBMFC: 

JDT: Leando Velazquez (46’)

Formation: 

RBMFC: 4-2-3-1

JDT: 4-3-3

RBMFC kicks off the game! They are lined up as a 4-2-3-1 formation (black lines), while without the ball JDT are a 4-1-4-1 (white lines). Natxo Insa plays as a lone pivot in front of the back four, allowing both Leandro Velazquez and Safiq Rahim to roam further forward. Azril Nasrulhaq comes in at LB, while Safiq (CM) and Akhyar Rashid (LW) replaces Afiq Fazail and Safawi Rashid respectively. 

RBMFC choose to drop off the CBs, and instead opt to compact the middle third instead. On the left photo you can see how they effectively block off all the lanes for Natxo to receive the ball. This forces Safiq to play a long ball forward as seen in the right photo. However, this is physically taxing as the midfielders and forwards for RBMFC have to constantly move and shift to make sure that the space in the middle is compact. 

The contrast between the two fullbacks here. Matthew Davies (circled in black) is shown here maintaining his width on the right flank, while Azrif (circled in white) is seen to be coming narrower towards the ball. This is a central theme for the game as most of the attacks by JDT hinged on the width provided by the right side. As a natural right sided player, the lack of width provided by Azrif made the attacks from JDT more predictable for the Thai side.

One of the comforts for JDT. As Farizal Marlias is at ease with the ball at his feet, JDT can use him as the 11th man in possession. This allowed JDT to reset the tempo of possession, while also relieving the pressure from the rest of his outfield teammates. This also helps to catch out opposing defenders, because Farizal can always choose to play short or long. Hope to see him play Ederson-esque passes in the near future for JDT. 

Where RBMFC allowed the opponent CBs time on the ball, JDT did not give the Thais a second. Here we see Bergson Da Silva and Arif Aiman pressuring the defenders into a mistake, which eventually leads to a poor pass from RBMFC and a shot off target by Natxo. However, if opponents are more press resistant (can play quicker passes or dribbles past the oncoming defender) the player out of position gives a lot of space to the opposition. 

Bergson earns a penalty for JDT. He works hard the whole game, hassles and hurries defenders and comes deep for the ball and runs into spaces behind the defenders. He’s a key part of the attack for JDT because he is everywhere for them, popping up on the right, the left, the middle and looks dangerous due to his ability with both feet. This hard work was exemplified by the penalty he earned. As the long ball comes in, he makes a nuisance of himself against two defenders and forces them into giving away the penalty. Although he did not score the penalty or any of his 11 shots, the shift he puts in as the lone front man should not be overlooked. 

A touch of class. Leandro showing his ability being able to flick the ball up, and then proceeding to volley the ball on the turn into the top bins. However, we should not forget the vital contributions of Arif running on the wing and cutting the ball back, Bergson passing the ball to Safiq who manages to ride two challenges before prodding the ball to Leandro to score. Poor defending from RBMFC, but a quality goal nonetheless. 

After the goal, RBMFC tried to edge their way back into the game. Their forwards began to press the JDT defenders and goalkeeper when they were in possession, but this worked to JDT’s favour as gaps began to open up in the middle of the pitch. This allowed more space for Natxo, Safiq and Leandro to venture forward and be more adventurous on the ball. 

JDT tends to concentrate their attack through the wing. On the right side, Arif was invaluable as he likes to run at his defender down the wing and swing in a cross or cut back. His trickery enables him to get past his defender and the space he creates for his teammates is crucial. Here, you can see that the FB is engaging him, but the CB does not come close enough to cover. Thus, Safiq Rahim has two options; to run towards the near post or towards the penalty spot. Both are dangerous and although this one instance does not result in a goal, these chances get them closer to scoring. 

Here, poor defending allows Safiq room close to the penalty box. As the game wore on, the tired legs of RBMFC began to show and Safiq is allowed far too much space and time to receive the ball, turn and make a pass. Meanwhile not one but two DMs are huddled next to one another and neither are closing him down. Had the pass been better, JDT would have been through on goal, and RBMFC will want to avoid this happening often. 

JDT begins to tire towards the end of the game and choose to engage lower. As Bergson does not hassle the CBs, they have ample space and time to pick out a pass. This allows RBMFC to grow into the late stages of the game, where they were not threatening before. Against higher level opposition this may be costly as they can create more dangerous chances to score.

At the last 1-2 minutes of the game, JDT still choose to attack. Although they can be lauded for never giving up and keeping the ‘pedal to the metal’ there has to be better game management here. Safiq (on the ball) looks up to see 3 options for him. Bergson (black arrow) is where he chooses to pass to. After receiving possession, Bergson decides to shoot, which the RBMFC GK catches and initiates the attack. With so little time in the game, there must be questions raised as to why they did not choose to hold on to possession, play a simple pass and run the clock down? 

Overall: JDT had a comfortable game against RBMFC. Bar the 1 shot on target, RBMFC never really threatened JDT much. JDT held most of the possession and looked dangerous most times they received the ball. Natxo, Leandro and Safiq ran the show for JDT and it was their quick movement of the ball in the middle that unsettled the RBMFC defense. Leandro’s goal was classy, Safiq looks like he deserves to play at this level, and Natxo was impactful without having to be seen, a sign of a very good DM.

However, look at the game against Nagoya Grampus. Will JDT be able to shift the way they play against opposition that will never give them time to settle, especially in the midfield? Are they capable of lasting the full 90 minutes against teams that play a higher intensity? Those questions will be answered shortly as they face a Pohang Steelers who came 3rd in the K League last season and currently sit 5th in the standings. We will find out!