Como's Understated Brilliance: Fàbregas's Team Outshine Rivals with Identity-Driven Football
Cesc Fàbregas is no stranger to frustration, having found himself in front of the camera just last month to explain a scoreline that defied logic. Yet again, his team, Como, held 79% possession and attempted 28 shots against Atalanta, but were unable to break down their opponents' defense.
The draw marked yet another chapter in Fàbregas's journey as the mastermind behind Como's unique brand of football. Under his guidance, the club has developed a distinct identity that values technically adept players who are comfortable with the ball at their feet. This approach has yielded impressive results, with Como boasting an astonishing 5.24 expected goals against Atalanta, a number not seen since Opta started tracking such data 15 years ago.
Como's reliance on possession football is a far cry from the high-intensity pressing that has become popular in modern football. Instead, Fàbregas's team focuses on wearing down their opponents with a relentless barrage of passes and movement. This approach has allowed them to nullify even the most potent attacks, as evidenced by their success against Atalanta.
While some have accused Como of becoming too predictable, Fàbregas remains committed to his philosophy. "I won with Antonio Conte, I won with José Mourinho, I won with Arsène Wenger, I won with Pep Guardiola," he said in a recent interview. "I won with every different style of play. You'll never hear me say that one works and another doesn't."
Fàbregas's emphasis on player development has also been instrumental in Como's success. The team is littered with talented youngsters, including Nico Paz, Álvaro Morata, and Jacobo Ramón, who are all making a significant impact on the pitch.
Paz, 21, has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Serie A, with eight goals and six assists to his name this season. His exceptional pitch awareness and vision have made him a key player for Como, and his ability to score crucial goals has not gone unnoticed by other top teams.
Morata, also 21, has been a revelation at Como, scoring three goals in his previous four games. The Croatia international Martin Baturina has also been excellent, serving Tasos Douvikas with several scoring opportunities from a starting position on the left-wing.
While Fàbregas's team may not have won their biggest game yet, they are closing in on qualification for the Europa League. Their next challenge comes in the form of a Coppa Italia quarter-final against Napoli, which promises to be an intriguing encounter.
As Como look to navigate the challenges ahead, one thing is clear: Fàbregas's team will not be intimidated by their opponents. With their unique brand of football and commitment to player development, they are poised to make a significant impact in Serie A.
Cesc Fàbregas is no stranger to frustration, having found himself in front of the camera just last month to explain a scoreline that defied logic. Yet again, his team, Como, held 79% possession and attempted 28 shots against Atalanta, but were unable to break down their opponents' defense.
The draw marked yet another chapter in Fàbregas's journey as the mastermind behind Como's unique brand of football. Under his guidance, the club has developed a distinct identity that values technically adept players who are comfortable with the ball at their feet. This approach has yielded impressive results, with Como boasting an astonishing 5.24 expected goals against Atalanta, a number not seen since Opta started tracking such data 15 years ago.
Como's reliance on possession football is a far cry from the high-intensity pressing that has become popular in modern football. Instead, Fàbregas's team focuses on wearing down their opponents with a relentless barrage of passes and movement. This approach has allowed them to nullify even the most potent attacks, as evidenced by their success against Atalanta.
While some have accused Como of becoming too predictable, Fàbregas remains committed to his philosophy. "I won with Antonio Conte, I won with José Mourinho, I won with Arsène Wenger, I won with Pep Guardiola," he said in a recent interview. "I won with every different style of play. You'll never hear me say that one works and another doesn't."
Fàbregas's emphasis on player development has also been instrumental in Como's success. The team is littered with talented youngsters, including Nico Paz, Álvaro Morata, and Jacobo Ramón, who are all making a significant impact on the pitch.
Paz, 21, has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Serie A, with eight goals and six assists to his name this season. His exceptional pitch awareness and vision have made him a key player for Como, and his ability to score crucial goals has not gone unnoticed by other top teams.
Morata, also 21, has been a revelation at Como, scoring three goals in his previous four games. The Croatia international Martin Baturina has also been excellent, serving Tasos Douvikas with several scoring opportunities from a starting position on the left-wing.
While Fàbregas's team may not have won their biggest game yet, they are closing in on qualification for the Europa League. Their next challenge comes in the form of a Coppa Italia quarter-final against Napoli, which promises to be an intriguing encounter.
As Como look to navigate the challenges ahead, one thing is clear: Fàbregas's team will not be intimidated by their opponents. With their unique brand of football and commitment to player development, they are poised to make a significant impact in Serie A.