Cesc Fabregas’ Como tactics explained

Cesc Fàbregas’ Como demonstrates a unique blend of possession play and quick counter-attacks. They emphasize intelligent movement and tactical structure, notably with young talent Nico Paz. While their organized defense limits risks, improving attacking efficiency could help them challenge for a higher league position and potentially European spots.

INMR

October 9, 2025

3–4 minutes

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Cesc Fàbregas’ Como are an intriguing side that blend two contrasting approaches without losing their identity. Como prefer to dominate possession, build through associative play, and create chances via quick combinations, close positioning, and intelligent movement to break down the opposition’s defensive structure. They also make good use of wide wingers and the number of players around the ball and in the box to exploit crossing opportunities.

When defending, Como look to transition quickly, launching counter-attacks through fast link-up play and by exploiting the spaces left behind the opposition’s defensive line. Although comfortable in possession, they are equally confident attacking directly through crosses or quick breaks, making them a genuinely dangerous side. Much of their attacking rhythm is built around the young and talented Nico Paz, who is developing an exciting career under Fàbregas.

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Low Build-Up

In the low build-up phase, Fàbregas’ Como drop their defenders deep. Both central midfielders drift towards the side of the pitch where the ball is located. For example, if the ball is on the left, the left-sided midfielder moves closer to the full-back, while the central midfielder also shifts across to support. The centre-forward drops slightly towards that flank, positioning himself close enough to combine but remaining between the lines, just behind the wide midfielder.

The same principle applies on the right, both central midfielders slide across to create overloads, with Nico Paz joining the play and the centre-forward adjusting accordingly.

This setup also provides defensive balance. If Como lose possession, both centre-backs are already well placed to defend and limit counter-attacks. The numerical overload on one side encourages short, associative play, particularly between the full-back, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and occasionally the centre-forward. The opposite-side central midfielder can also move across to offer support, adding variation and making it harder for the opposition to regain possession.

This structure promotes fluid passing and controlled progression while maintaining the option to switch play through longer diagonals. It allows players to stay close enough for quick combinations while keeping space available to exploit. Como can also use longer passes to take advantage of their wide players’ speed or form rapid link-ups with Paz, who remains close to help advance play and exploit gaps behind the opposition’s pressing line.

High Build-Up

In the high build-up phase, Como push their defensive line up to the halfway line. One of the centre-backs steps forward into a defensive midfield role, linking the two attacking lines. The centre-forward advances, one central midfielder pushes higher to act as a second striker, and both wide midfielders move up to operate as wingers. Nico Paz, from his attacking midfield position, joins the forward line as an additional attacker.

At times, Paz will drift wide to provide width, allowing one of the wingers to move inside and operate closer to the centre-forward as a secondary striker.

This tactical structure creates two open wingers who give width and support crossing situations, stretching the opposition’s defensive line. It also increases the number of players inside the box for potential crosses, improving Como’s chances in aerial duels. With two supporting attackers positioned slightly off the centre-forward, Como have multiple options for link-up play. This allows them to attack through the middle, from the flanks, or through well-timed crosses into dangerous areas.

A common variation of this high build-up shape, particularly when already in the final third, sees the full-backs move inside to act as central midfielders alongside the defensive midfielder. This helps maintain control in midfield and strengthens the press when possession is lost, crowding central areas and reducing the opponent’s ability to counter-attack effectively.

Como’s tactical approach under Cesc Fàbregas explains their strong mid‑table position. Their blend of possession, quick combinations, and effective counter-attacks has allowed them to compete with stronger sides, while defensive organisation limits risks.

To push higher this season, they need to improve attacking efficiency, convert more chances, and maintain depth to sustain pressing intensity. With these adjustments, Como could challenge for a top-half finish or even eye European spots.