Spain U16 MYNT
Spain U16 MYNT
Pre-Match Opposition Report: Spain U16 MYNT
CONFIDENTIAL
Pre-Match Opposition Report: Spain U16 MYNT
Primary Match Analyzed: Spain U16 vs. Italy U16 (1-0 W, 16.09.2025 - "Match 3")
Secondary Match Analyzed: Spain U16 vs. Italy U16 (1-2 L, 18.09.2025 - "Match 4")
Analyst: Positional Analyst
Note: This analysis is primarily based on Spain's 1-0 victory against Italy (Match 3), which featured a stable starting XI that played the majority of the match. Their most recent match, a 1-2 loss (Match 4), involved 10 substitutions at or just after halftime and appears heavily rotational. Therefore, we will project the stable lineup from Match 3, but use data from both games to build a complete, data-driven profile of their players and tactical tendencies.
Projected Starting XI (4-3-3) (Based on stable lineup from Match 3)
GK: #1 P. Peña
RB: #2 A. Fernández
CB: #4 Asier Sanchez
CB: #5 Pablo García
LB: #3 Álvaro Obarrio
DM: #6 Gorka Buil
CM: #8 A. Santoyo
CM: #10 Álvaro Fernández
RW: #7 J. Sanchez
LW: #11 Álvaro Vega
ST: #9 Pau Mateos
Key Rotations
Striker: #9 Carlos Sánchez started Match 4, playing 57 minutes. He is a mobile alternative to the "Target Man" #9 Pau Mateos.
Midfield: #20 B. Luque (sub in Match 3) started Match 4, while #8 A. Santoyo (starter in Match 3) was a sub. These two appear to be direct rotational options for the holding midfield role.
Wingers: #18 D. Lozano (sub in Match 3) started Match 4, confirming he is in direct rotation with the starting wingers #7 J. Sanchez and #11 Álvaro Vega.
(Note: Player numbers for subs are based on the official team sheet from the full match report, e.g., Spain U16 - Italy U16 1-0.pdf)
Goalkeeper
#1 P. Peña (Started Match 3; Bench in Match 4)
Role/Archetype: Sweeper-Keeper
Key Strengths:
Proactive: Extremely proactive in defending his box, logging 5 "Exits" in the second half alone (Match 3).
Aerial Dominance: Perfect 100% (3/3) success rate on aerial duels (Match 3).
Reflexes: Capable of strong reflex saves, making 4 saves in the Match 3 win.
Key Weaknesses:
Poor Long Distribution: Highly unreliable under pressure. Completed only 36% (8/22) of passes beyond his own third (Match 3).
Note: In Match 4, GK #13 Jorge Duenas (43 mins) was excellent with long passes (4/3, 75%), while GK #20 R. Lavín (42 mins) was poor (5/2, 40%). This is a key weakness only if Peña or Lavín plays.
Defenders
#2 A. Fernández (Outside Back) (Started Match 3; Sub in Match 4)
Role/Archetype: Supportive Full-Back
Key Strengths:
Reliable Possession: Generally secure with the ball, completing 88% (28/32) of his passes in his start (Match 3).
Crossing: Shows potential for good delivery, with a 100% (1/1) accurate cross (Match 3).
Key Weaknesses:
Inconsistent in Duels: Posted a 50% (3/6) defensive duel success rate in Match 3. While he won his only duel (1/1) as a sub in Match 4, the larger sample suggests he can be targeted.
Ill-disciplined: Prone to committing fouls in his defensive third (2 fouls committed in Match 3).
#4 Asier Sanchez (Center Back) (Started Match 3; Sub in Match 4)
Role/Archetype: Stopper
Key Strengths:
High-Volume Defending: Very active, registering 6 interceptions and 5 clearances (Match 3).
Clean Tackler: Perfect 100% (2/2) success rate on sliding tackles (Match 3).
Key Weaknesses:
Inconsistent Duelist: His performance varies wildly. He was an elite duelist in Match 3 (100% def. duels), but struggled as a sub in Match 4, winning only 33% (2/6) of his duels and 50% (2/4) of his defensive duels.
Poor Long Passing: Cannot be relied on to break lines. Posted a 38% (3/8) long pass accuracy in Match 3, though he was 50% (2/4) in Match 4.
#5 Pablo García (Center Back) (Started both matches)
Role/Archetype: Extreme Ball-Playing Defender
Key Strengths:
Elite Passer: He is their primary builder from the back. He was perfect in Match 4 (100% pass accuracy, 22/22) and 90% accurate in Match 3 (27/30). He can also play long, hitting 100% (2/2) in Match 4.
Reads the Game: Exceptional defensive intelligence, logging 9 interceptions (Match 3).
Key Weaknesses:
Defensive Duel Liability: This is a major, exploitable weakness. He posted a 0% (0/2) defensive duel success rate in his 43 minutes in Match 4. He is a pure "cover" defender who avoids or loses 1v1 challenges.
Weak in the Air: Inconsistent. He won 100% (1/1) in Match 4 but only 50% (1/2) in Match 3.
#3 Álvaro Obarrio (Outside Back) (Started Match 3; Sub in Match 4)
Role/Archetype: Defensive Full-Back
Key Strengths:
Solid 1v1 Defender: He is difficult to beat on the dribble. He won 86% (6/7) of his defensive duels in Match 4 and 60% (3/5) in Match 3.
Active Defender: Good anticipation, making 4 interceptions (Match 3).
Key Weaknesses:
No Attacking Product: Offers nothing in the final third. He had 0% crossing accuracy (0/1) in Match 3 and 0% (0/2) passes to the final third in Match 4.
Panics Under Pressure: Fails to clear his lines effectively, with 0% (0/3) successful clearances (Match 3).
Midfielders
#6 Gorka Buil (Started both matches)
Role/Archetype: Box-to-Box Goal Threat
Key Strengths:
Major Goal Threat: This is a critical finding. He is not just a holder. He took 7 shots (2 on target) and scored a goal in Match 4.
Dominant Duelist: Physically strong. He won 83% (10/12) of his duels in Match 3, including an impressive 71% (5/7) of his offensive duels.
Press Resistant: Wins 100% (2/2) of loose ball duels (Match 3) and drew 2 fouls (Match 4).
Key Weaknesses:
Inconsistent Progression: His role changes. In Match 3, he was a simple passer (0% long pass). In Match 4, he was an attacker (7 shots) but still only completed 2/4 forward passes.
Inconsistent Duel %: His duel rate dropped from 83% in Match 3 to 50% (8/16) in Match 4, suggesting he can be matched physically.
#8 A. Santoyo (Started Match 3; Sub in Match 4)
Role/Archetype: Defensive Midfielder (Holder)
Key Strengths:
Reliable Defensive Anchor: Wins his challenges. Posted a 75% (3/4) defensive duel success in Match 3 and 67% (2/3) in Match 4.
Secure Recycler: Extremely safe on the ball. 94% (15/16) pass accuracy in Match 3 and 86% (6/7) in Match 4.
Key Weaknesses:
No Forward Intent: Almost exclusively passes backward or sideways. Attempted only 2 forward passes (1 successful) in Match 3 and 1 forward pass (0 successful) in Match 4.
#10 Álvaro Fernández (Started Match 3; Sub in Match 4)
Role/Archetype: Deep-Lying Playmaker (Regista)
Key Strengths:
Elite Long Passing (When Starting): The team's primary distributor when in rhythm. He completed 100% (4/4) of his long passes in his start (Match 3).
Metronomic Accuracy: Flawless in build-up, with a 97% (32/33) pass completion rate (Match 3).
Key Weaknesses:
Ineffective as a Sub: His performance dropped significantly in Match 4. In 22 mins, his pass accuracy fell to 71% (5/7) and his long passing was 0% (0/1).
No Goal Threat: Purely a distributor. Attempted 0 dribbles and 0 shots (Match 3).
Forwards
#7 J. Sanchez (RW) (Started both matches)
Role/Archetype: Inverted Winger
Key Strengths:
Elite Dribbler: The team's primary 1v1 threat. Completed 89% (8/9) of his dribbles (Match 3) and 67% (2/3) in Match 4.
High Shot Volume: Constantly looks to cut inside and shoot. He registered 3 shots (2 on target) in Match 3 and 2 shots (1 on target) in Match 4.
Key Weaknesses:
Physically Weak: This is a consistent, exploitable weakness. He lost the majority of his duels in both games, winning only 47% (9/19) in Match 3 and 44% (7/16) in Match 4.
#11 Álvaro Vega (LW) (Started Match 3; Sub in Match 4)
Role/Archetype: Direct Winger
Key Strengths:
Direct Goal Threat: Looks to score, registering 2 shots (1 on target) from the wing (Match 3).
Willing Dribbler: Will take on his man, attempting 4 dribbles (50% success) in Match 3 and 2 dribbles (50% success) in Match 4.
Key Weaknesses:
Extremely Weak in Duels: A very poor physical profile. He won only 43% (3/7) of offensive duels in Match 3 and 33% (2/6) in Match 4. His overall duel % in Match 4 was 30% (3/10).
Poor in Possession: Inconsistent passer. Completed only 53% (9/17) of his passes in Match 3, though he was 80% (4/5) in his brief Match 4 appearance.
#9 Pau Mateos (ST) (Started Match 3; Bench in Match 4)
Role/Archetype: Target Man
Key Strengths:
Aerial Presence: His primary function. Won 67% (4/6) of his aerial duels (Match 3).
Key Weaknesses:
Abysmal in Duels: A black hole for possession. Won 0% (0/3) of his defensive duels and 0% (0/3) of his offensive duels (Match 3).
No Hold-Up Play: Overall duel success was 31% (4/13). He cannot hold the ball.
No Goal Threat: Registered 0 shots (Match 3).
Potential Starter: #9 Carlos Sánchez (ST) (Started Match 4)
Role/Archetype: Mobile Forward / Poacher
Key Strengths:
Gets Shots on Target: A more direct goal threat than Mateos. He put 100% (2/2) of his shots on target in Match 4.
Decent Ground Duelist: Willing to engage, winning 50% (3/6) of his offensive duels (Match 4).
Key Weaknesses:
No Aerial Presence: A complete liability in the air. He won only 20% (1/5) of his aerial duels (Match 4).
Poor in Possession: Sloppy. Posted only a 60% (6/10) pass accuracy (Match 4).
Dominance of Patient Build-Up: Spain is fundamentally a "Positional Attack" team, eschewing direct, fast breaks. Their system is built on methodical build-up, confirmed by their attack statistics in both games:
vs. Italy (1-0 W): 89 Positional Attacks (89% of total) compared to just 7 Counterattacks (7%) (Spain U16 - Italy U16 1-0.pdf).
vs. Italy (1-2 L): 89 Positional Attacks (88% of total) compared to just 8 Counterattacks (8%) (Spain U16 - Italy U16 1-2.pdf).
This consistency, regardless of match state, shows it is a core tactical DNA.
Build-Up Through Specific Hubs: Play is channeled through two key individuals in the first and second phases:
#5 Pablo García (CB): Acts as the primary builder from the back, ensuring elite ball retention (100% pass accuracy in Match 4, 90% in Match 3).
#10 Álvaro Fernández (CM): When starting, he is the metronome who dictates tempo (97% pass accuracy) and breaks lines (100% long pass accuracy) (Match 3).
Final Third Entry & Shot Creation: Once possession is established, the attack becomes highly individualized:
1v1 Wing Play: The primary method of final-third penetration is isolating #7 J. Sanchez (RW), who uses his elite dribbling (89% success in Match 3) to cut inside and shoot (5 shots total across both matches).
Central Surge: A critical secondary threat comes from #6 Gorka Buil (CM), who makes late, aggressive runs into the box. This pattern generated 7 shots and a goal for him in Match 4 (Spain U16 - Italy U16 1-2.pdf).
Zonal, Mid-Block Structure: Spain does not employ a high-intensity press. They are comfortable letting opponents have the ball in their own half and engaging in a structured mid-block. This is proven by their PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action):
PPDA (Match 3): 11.45 (Spain U16 - Italy U16 1-0.pdf).
PPDA (Match 4): 10.19 (Spain U16 - Italy U16 1-2.pdf).
These figures are indicative of a zonal, patient defensive system that engages when the ball crosses the halfway line, rather than an aggressive, high-pressing one.
Ball-Winning Through Interception & Duels: When defending, Spain relies on two main mechanisms:
Reading Play (CBs): Their center-backs are "readers" of the game. #5 Pablo García (9 interceptions in Match 3) and #4 Asier Sanchez (6 interceptions in Match 3) are key to this.
Winning Duels (Fullback & Midfield): They lock down their left flank with #3 Álvaro Obarrio (86% def. duel success in Match 4) and rely on #6 Gorka Buil to be a physical enforcer in midfield (83% duel success in Match 3).
Defensive Transition (Losing the Ball): Selective Counter-Press: Spain prioritizes defensive shape over immediate, manic counter-pressing.
In Match 3, only 27% of their ball recoveries (22 out of 81) were classified as "Counterpressing recoveries" (Spain U16 - Italy U16 1-0.pdf).
In Match 4, this dropped to 25% (18 out of 72) (Spain U16 - Italy U16 1-2.pdf).
Conclusion: This indicates that when they lose the ball, 3 out of 4 times they opt to regain their defensive shape (the mid-block) rather than immediately swarming the ball.
Offensive Transition (Winning the Ball): Secure & Re-Circulate: This is a defining trait. Upon winning possession, Spain's first instinct is not to attack.
Across two full matches, they generated a near-non-existent counter-attack: 7 in Match 3 (7% of attacks) and 8 in Match 4 (8% of attacks).
Conclusion: This proves their offensive transition is built on securing possession first. They win the ball, find a safe pass (likely to #5 García or #10 Fernández), and then begin their methodical "Positional Attack" from a stable base.
#7 J. Sanchez (RW): The Primary 1v1 Threat. Confirmed across both matches. He is their main source of individual creation, using his dribbling (89% success in Match 3, 67% in Match 4) to cut inside and shoot (5 shots total).
#6 Gorka Buil (CM): The Box-to-Box Threat. This is a critical update. He is not just an enforcer (83% duels in Match 3). He is a primary goal threat, firing 7 shots and scoring in Match 4. He is the engine and a main offensive weapon.
#5 Pablo García (CB): The Build-Up Hub & Defensive Liability. His profile is now clear. He is an elite distributor (100% passing in Match 4) but a major weakness in 1v1s (0% def. duels in Match 4). He is the key to their build-up but also a primary target for our attackers.
#10 Álvaro Fernández (CM): The Metronome (When Starting). He is essential to their tempo, with 97% pass accuracy and 100% long pass accuracy in Match 3. However, his drastic drop-off as a sub (71% pass acc, 0% long pass in Match 4) suggests he is a rhythm player who can be disrupted.
#4 Asier Sanchez (CB): The Inconsistent Stopper. He organizes the back line and is highly active (6 interceptions in Match 3), but his individual duel-winning is unreliable (100% in Match 3, 50% in Match 4).
Between the Lines:
Who: #7 J. Sanchez (cutting in from Right), #6 Gorka Buil (surging from deep).
Tactical Pattern: This is a dual threat.
Wide-to-In: #10 Fernández sprays the ball wide to #7 J. Sanchez, who dribbles diagonally inside to shoot.
Central Surge: As seen in Match 4, #6 Gorka Buil makes aggressive forward runs into the central attacking midfield space to receive lay-offs and shoot (7 shots in Match 4).
Defensive Counter: Our deepest midfielder must be disciplined. He must cover the inside channel for J. Sanchez and track the late runs of Gorka Buil. This is a significant defensive load.
Space Behind the Back Line:
Who: #7 J. Sanchez and #11 Álvaro Vega (running from out-to-in).
Tactical Pattern: The main threat here is a long, diagonal ball from #10 Álvaro Fernández (100% long pass accuracy in Match 3). He will look for his wingers making runs behind our full-backs.
Defensive Counter: Constant pressure on #10. He cannot be allowed to lift his head. His effectiveness plummeted in Match 4 when he had no time as a sub.
Target Player: #5 Pablo García (CB)
Identified Weakness: Extreme reluctance or inability to win 1v1 defensive duels.
Supporting Data: 0% defensive duel success (0/2) in 43 minutes (Match 4).
Recommended Attacking Strategy: Our striker and wingers must dribble directly at him. He is an elite passer (100% in Match 4) but panics when challenged 1v1. Forcing him to defend, not pass, will lead to fouls or clear chances.
Target Player: Whichever Striker Starts (Mateos or Sánchez)
Identified Weakness: One is poor on the ground, the other is poor in the air.
Supporting Data: #9 Pau Mateos: 0% offensive duels (0/3) (Match 3). #9 Carlos Sánchez: 20% aerial duels (1/5) (Match 4).
Recommended Attacking Strategy:
If Mateos (Target Man) plays: Play aggressively in front of him. He has no hold-up play (0% off. duels).
If Sánchez (Mobile) plays: Deny him service to feet. Our CBs should dominate him in the air (80% win rate) and not fear the long ball.
Target Player: #10 Álvaro Fernández (CM)
Identified Weakness: He is the only source of reliable, progressive passing from deep, and he is ineffective when disrupted.
Supporting Data: 100% long pass accuracy (4/4) in Match 3 (start) vs. 0% (0/1) in Match 4 (sub).
Recommended Attacking Strategy: Man-mark #10 from the first whistle. Deny him time to turn. This will force their build-up through the inconsistent long-passing of their CBs (#4 Sanchez: 38% in Match 3) or the defensively weak #5 García.
Target Area: Spain's Left-Side Attack (LB #3 Obarrio & LW #11 Vega)
Identified Weakness: Zero attacking output and physically weak.
Supporting Data: Obarrio: 0% crossing (Match 3), 0% passes to final third (Match 4). Vega: 30% duel success (Match 4), 43% offensive duels (Match 3).
Recommended Attacking Strategy: Show them this flank. Our press should be angled to make the pass to their left side the "easy" ball. Obarrio offers no attacking threat, and Vega is easily out-muscled (30-40% duel success). We can win the ball back here consistently.
Target Player: #7 J. Sanchez (RW)
Identified Weakness: Over-reliance on 1v1 dribbling; physically weak in duels.
Supporting Data: 89% dribble success (Match 3) but a consistently low overall duel success (47% in Match 3, 44% in Match 4).
Recommended Attacking Strategy: Do not allow our LB to be isolated. The moment #7 receives the ball, our LW/LM must drop to double-team. He consistently beats the first man but will lose the ball in a 2v1. Be physical and do not dive in.
Target Player: #1 P. Peña (GK) or #20 R. Lavín (GK)
Identified Weakness: Poor long-distance distribution.
Supporting Data: Peña: 36% (8/22) accuracy on "Passes beyond own third" (Match 3). Lavín: 40% (2/5) accuracy (Match 4).
Recommended Attacking Strategy: Implement a high press that invites the back-pass to the GK. Once the ball travels, our striker triggers the press, forcing Peña or Lavín to kick long inaccurately, creating a 60-65% chance of a turnover. (Note: If #13 Duenas starts, this press is less effective as he was 75% accurate).
Comprehensive Coaching Staff Report
Analysis: Spain U16 primarily plays in a 4-3-3 formation. Their wingers operate high and wide, with the left winger being an inverted, right-footed player who dribbles centrally, and the right winger (#7) being a classic, dangerous winger.
Key Supporting Metrics: Not explicitly provided in notes, but implied by formation and winger roles.
Suggestion for Video Review: A sequence showcasing their typical 4-3-3 shape in attack and the movements of their high and wide wingers.
2. In-Possession Analysis: Build-Up & Progression
Analysis: Spain U16 manages the pace of the game with many passes. Their organized attack is sped up by wingers facing forward and long passes to wingers in forward positions. Full-backs join the attack in the attacking half/final third.
Key Supporting Metrics: Not explicitly provided in notes, but implied by "manage pace of the game with many passes" and "long pass to a winger facing forward speeds the attack up".
Suggestion for Video Review: A clip demonstrating their patient build-up with multiple passes, followed by a quick acceleration through a winger facing forward or a long pass to a winger.
3. In-Possession Analysis: Chance Creation & Finishing
Analysis: Their best chances come from the right side, with the winger facing forward into the box, leading to half-space cutbacks or shots.
Key Supporting Metrics: Not explicitly provided in notes, but implied by "Best chances come from right side winger facing forward into the box - half space cut back or shot".
Suggestion for Video Review: A sequence showing their right-sided winger creating a chance from a forward position in the box, culminating in a cutback or shot.
4. Out-of-Possession Analysis: Defensive Structure & Pressing
Analysis: Spain U16 defends in a 4-4-2 formation. From goal kicks, the attacking midfielder joins the center forward to press the center-backs. They leave outside backs open, prevent central passes, and drop to absorb pressure, aiming to regain possession in their defensive half. In one game, the center forward pressed by himself, with the attacking midfielder staying connected to the midfield three, using a wide trigger.
Key Supporting Metrics: Not explicitly provided in notes, but implied by "4-4-2" and descriptions of pressing.
Suggestion for Video Review: A clip demonstrating their defensive shape and pressing triggers, particularly focusing on the attacking midfielder joining the center forward to press from a goal kick, or the wide trigger press.
5. Tactical Vulnerabilities & Goal Concession Analysis
Analysis: Spain U16 conceded 2 corners in the last two games against Italy.
Key Supporting Metrics: Conceded 2 corners.
Suggestion for Video Review: Clips of the two conceded corners, if available, to analyze the specific vulnerabilities.
6. Key Players
Right Winger (#7):
Role: Classic winger, dangerous.
Strengths: Creates chances from wide areas.
Weaknesses: Not explicitly provided in notes.
Left Winger (Inverted, Right-footed):
Role: Dribbles centrally.
Strengths: Ability to cut inside and create.
Weaknesses: Not explicitly provided in notes.
Suggestion for Video Review:
Right Winger (#7): A clip showcasing his dangerous play from the wide areas.
Left Winger: A clip demonstrating his central dribbling.
7. Set-Piece Analysis
Analysis: Conceded 2 corners.
Key Supporting Metrics: Conceded 2 corners.
Suggestion for Video Review: The two conceded corners to understand the defensive setup and any weaknesses.