Ezri Konsa: England Adopts Arsenal’s Strategy for World Cup Success
Ezri Konsa, the England defender, has expressed enthusiasm about adopting Arsenal’s effective set-piece strategy as the national team gears up for the World Cup. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, has established itself as a leader in the Premier League for scoring from set pieces, including free kicks, corners, and long throws.
England’s Strategy Inspired by Arsenal
Konsa believes that England can enhance their set-piece game, similar to Arsenal’s successful approach. He highlighted that the focus on set pieces in the Premier League has begun to influence the national team’s tactics. Konsa noted, “Teams are scoring more from set-pieces, and the emphasis on defending set pieces is increasing.”
Building on Club-Level Training
The Aston Villa defender has been training with specialist coach Austin MacPhee, which he credits for his recent success in set pieces. Konsa scored his first goal for England during a 5-0 victory over Serbia in September, a direct result of their focused training on set pieces.
- Konsa emphasizes physicality in defending set pieces.
- He learned to approach set pieces from a striker’s mindset.
- His goal in Serbia reinforced the effectiveness of these drills.
Adapting to International Play
While training with England is less frequent and intense compared to club-level preparation, Konsa is committed to maximizing available time. “The schedule is tight, but we try to integrate as much set-piece training as possible,” he stated. He acknowledges the value of having well-defined strategies in these situations.
Trust from the Coaching Staff
At 28 years old, Konsa has become a reliable player for England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel. His versatility across the defensive line has garnered Tuchel’s trust, which Konsa considers essential for his confidence on the pitch. “Having a manager who believes in you is a special feeling,” he remarked, reflecting on his journey as an international player.
World Cup Aspirations
As the team prepares for the forthcoming World Cup, Konsa is focused on continuing his development and contributing to England’s success. With a strategy influenced by Arsenal’s proficiency, he aims to make a significant impact during the tournament.
