Step-ins

When centre-backs take advantage of this opportunity by performing a step-in, they can break lines. We also observed defenders stepping in with the ball against a high press, showing great confidence to progress the ball and break the forward line of their opponent’s defence.

By stepping in with the ball, a player can create a numerical advantage for their team. They can also disturb the opposition lines by engaging a defending player, which creates the opportunity for a ball progression into the space the defender vacated.

When we assess the data on step-ins, it correlates strongly with our technical observations, illustrating a genuine willingness to step in opposed with the ball. It is notable that half of the top ten players that performed step-ins are defenders. 

Canada centre-back, Jade Rose stood out in this tournament for her capacity and appetite to step in with the ball. She was top of the defenders' step-in rankings and was the player that performed most step-ins in the whole group stage of the tournament.

Teams that actively want to build play through the thirds also rank high for step-ins. It demonstrates the confidence and personality in the players, and their appetite to take responsibility in these situations to progress the ball. 

Step-ins are becoming increasingly important in the game and they are fast becoming a staple skill in the repertoire of the modern centre-back. Because defending teams are often in mid or low blocks, the onus is on the centre-back in possession to be able to break the forward line of the opposition defence. While other players also perform step-ins, it is becoming a more important feature of centre-back play, particularly when their team is in the build-up phase.