What to watch when Wednesday haven’t got the ball

For a few minutes at the next game, try watching a midfielder instead of the ball. Follow him when the opponent has possession. Notice when he moves towards it, when he holds his ground and when he looks over his shoulder. A different match begins to appear.

Start with the first player applying pressure. His job may be to win possession, but it may also be to make one pass difficult and encourage another. A curved run can close the route into midfield while leaving a defender an apparently comfortable pass towards the touchline.

That only works if the next player is ready. If the ball goes wide and nobody can get across, the first runner has spent energy without making the receiver uncomfortable. Look for the movement behind the press: who steps forward, who covers and who stays close enough to collect a loose ball?

Distances matter more than the amount of running. A midfielder can chase hard and still leave a useful pocket behind him. Equally, a side can stand off the centre-backs while protecting the passes that would actually hurt it. Noise from the crowd is understandable; it is not always a reliable guide to the best moment to jump.

The awkward moment often comes just after Wednesday lose possession. One player may be facing the wrong way, another may have moved beyond the ball and a full-back may be high up the pitch. Watch who slows the counterattack. Forcing an opponent sideways can buy the seconds needed for others to recover.

Near the penalty area, shift your attention again. The defender nearest the ball is only part of the picture. A runner arriving behind a midfielder, or an attacker waiting beyond the far post, may be the greater danger. Good defending includes seeing those movements early enough to pass responsibility between teammates.

Against Cambridge, pick one passage of play and follow the players behind the first challenge. If they move together, a pass that looks easy can quickly become awkward. If they leave a gap, the opponent can beat several of them with one ball. That is often where a press succeeds or fails.