**Villarreal's Defensive Struggles: Average Goals Allowed in Mid-table Position**
Villarreal, one of Europe’s top-tier football clubs, has been a club of note in recent seasons, particularly in terms of their attacking prowess and defensive consistency. However, in the 2022/2023 season, Villarreal has faced some significant challenges in their defensive games, particularly in mid-table positions. This has been reflected in their average goals allowed, which has been on the higher side compared to their performance in the previous season.
One of the key areas where Villarreal has struggled is their defensive performance in the midfield and defense. Mid-table players, particularly in the midfield position, have been a significant source of conceded goals. This is partly due to a lack of pressure from the front-line and a tendency for midfielders to slide into the box or allow space to the attackers. Additionally, the midfield often struggles to maintain their defensive pressure, leading to more opportunities for the attackers to exploit these gaps.
Another factor contributing to Villarreal’s defensive struggles is their reliance on counter-attacking tactics. They have been known for their ability to counterattack effectively, but this has not been sufficient to maintain their defensive integrity. The club has also been inconsistent in their use of aerial play, particularly in the midfield, which has led to a lack of cohesion in defense.
Villarreal’s defense has also been influenced by a lack of key players in mid-table positions. This has led to a situation where the club has to rely heavily on their defense to contain the attack, which has resulted in a higher number of conceded goals. Additionally, the club’s defensive hierarchy has been compromised, leading to a lack of cohesion and stability in the backline.
In terms of tactics, Villarreal has been trying to increase the pressure on the mid-table by using counter-attacks and forcing play to their advantage. However, this has been inconsistent, and the club has struggled to maintain this pressure consistently. The club has also been trying to improve their possession and movement, but these efforts have not been enough to compensate for their defensive struggles.
Overall, Villarreal’s defensive struggles have been a significant challenge for the club, particularly in mid-table positions. While the club has been making some progress in recent seasons, they still need to address their defensive weaknesses to maintain their competitive edge. This will require a combination of improving possession, increasing pressure in key areas, and enhancing their mid-table defense.