El Nottingham Forest acaba de demostrar que la posesión está sobrevalorada
ES 
EN Johan Cruyff, often referred to as the father of modern football, once said, “There is only one ball, so you need to have it.”
This simple but profound idea has shaped football over the past decade, inspiring coaches to prioritize systems rooted in ball control. We’ve seen the rise of ball-playing goalkeepers building from the back (Brighton), and center-forwards dropping deep to aid the buildup (Arsenal), each variation enjoying some degree of success.
At its core, Cruyff’s philosophy is about moving the ball quickly and with purpose to destabilize the opposition, all while maintaining a well-structured defensive shape to neutralize counterattacks.
Coaches like Pep Guardiola and Arsène Wenger have become flagbearers of possession-based football over the last 20 years, achieving major success in the Premier League, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League.
But not everyone has found success with this style.
This season, Chelsea fans grew frustrated as midfielders repeatedly passed backward while chasing goals. Manager Enzo Maresca, however, remained firm in his philosophy, stating defiantly:
“[Enzo] Fernandez knows that if he doesn’t play back, I will change him.”
Such comments reflect a trend among some modern managers: prioritizing ball retention over goal-scoring urgency. As many fans might ask, “To what end?”
In contrast, Nuno Espirito Santo has become a beloved figure at the City Ground. Not just because Nottingham Forest sit just a point behind Manchester City in fourth place with 60 points, but because he’s shattered expectations. A club previously stuck in relegation battles is now fighting for a Champions League spot.
On matchdays, Forest fans chant, “Forest are magic on and off the pitch,” not because the football is flashy, but because Nuno has delivered an effective, alternative blueprint for winning.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Blueprint for Success
While Cruyff emphasized quick ball movement to destabilize opponents, Nuno follows that principle in his own way by positioning Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga wide with devastating effect.
Elanga has contributed 6 goals and 9 assists, while Hudson-Odoi has delivered 5 goals and a staggering 20 assists.
Against Manchester United, Elanga clocked a top speed of 36.7 km/h – the second fastest in the Premier League this season, just behind Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven.
Speed is vital to Nuno’s system, but defensive shape matters even more. As he puts it:
“We have a clear way to play, and when we found ourselves in our identity, we’ve been able to compete well and fight for every ball.”
With defenders like Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo, Forest ranks in the Premier League’s top 8 for clearances, headed clearances, interceptions, and tackles.
These stats reflect a manager who has borrowed from Cruyff’s philosophy of attacking with purpose, while placing a higher premium on defensive solidity than his peers at Chelsea or Brighton.
Last season, Forest finished 19th while averaging 40.3% possession. This season, they rank 20th in possession with just 39.4%, yet they currently sit in the top 4.
The difference?
As Nuno explains:
“We help each other in every situation. We give balance, clear things off the line. When you are in front, the priority is to contain and block the game.”
Forest have scored first more than any other team in the league (24 times), and haven’t failed to win from a 2–0 lead since October 2023.
Their work ethic is relentless. Players sprint back to cover gaps, cheered on by their ever-passionate fans. While others chase beautiful football, Nottingham Forest are edging toward the Champions League, powered by hard work, belief, and a philosophy rooted in Johan Cruyff’s intention-driven football.
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