Are we witnessing La Liga’s version of Leicester City in Girona this season?
Girona, a modest club in Catalonia, has been making waves in the Spanish football this season, defying all expectations and taking the top spot in La Liga. With their thrilling and swashbuckling style of play, the White and Reds have managed to fend off competition from the league’s elite sides so far this season.
In this article, we’ll explore the key factors that have propelled Girona to the summit of La Liga.
Girona are not “parking the bus”
Girona’s style of play sets them apart from many other teams in La Liga, especially from what is expected of an underdog side. Under Michel, Girona have become synonymous with their all-out attack mentality, consistently scoring goals and providing spectators with exhilarating matches. In fact, Girona’s league games have produced a staggering 31 goals so far this season, making them some of the most entertaining matches of the league.
Under Michel, Girona has turned into a dynamic and adaptable side, using a variety of formations to suit different matchups. Predominantly employing a 4-2-3-1 setup, they prioritize possession, averaging over 52% per game, and display an aggressive, attack-minded approach with an average of 11 shots and nearly 2 goals per match.
Their wide players, including Gutierrez, Couto, Tsygankov, and Savio, exploit space effectively, supported by versatile players who can shift positions seamlessly. Whether utilizing a back three or narrower attacking formations, Girona emphasizes fluidity in their play. Herrera and Garcia contribute with well-timed runs into the box, adding depth to their attacking options, while goal-scoring responsibilities are distributed throughout the team, making Girona’s attacking setup more unpredictable.
Smart recruitment
One of the secrets behind Girona’s success lies in their smart recruitment strategy. As a smaller club affiliated with the City Football Group, they have access to extensive scouting resources and have used it to their advantage. Notable examples include Viktor Tsygankov and Artem Dovbyk, two Ukrainian players who have formed one of La Liga’s best attacking duos at Girona. Dovbyk, in particular, has been a revelation, reaching his best form as a false nine with an impressive 5.1 non-penalty shots per 90, the highest in La Liga among players with at least 225 minutes played.
Girona have also secured loan deals for promising players from CFG and its network of clubs. Yan Couto, Yangel Herrera, and Taty Castellanos are examples of talented players who have contributed to Girona’s success this season. The arrival of Sávio and the past loan spells of Aleix García and Douglas Luiz also demonstrate the advantages of being part of this multi-club model.
Make forgotten stars great again!
Girona’s coach, Míchel, has proven to be adept at implementing successful reformation projects. Players like Eric García, once criticized during his time at Barcelona, and Daley Blind, arriving after a dissapointing spell at Bayern Munich, have found their place and are integral to the team’s tactics.
García has rebuilt his confidence and showcased his ball-playing abilities since joining Michel’s side. Blind, on the other hand, despite his age and perceived lack of athleticism, adds a wealth of experience and exceptional passing ability to the backline.
Blind’s role extends beyond traditional defensive duties; he acts as a quarterback, orchestrating Girona’s forward movements with precision passing and strategic positioning. Supported by Blind’s distribution, midfielders like Tsygankov and Herrera exploit spaces more effectively, contributing to Girona’s fluid attacking style.
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