The Athletic Explores Iconic Football Passes: From Alonso’s Dribble to Beckham’s Cross

The Athletic has launched a new series aimed at dissecting the finer points of football technique, with its latest installment focusing on the art of passing and crossing. The series delves into how players can emulate some of the game’s most iconic moments, from the precise “ping it” style of Xabi Alonso to the renowned crossing ability of David Beckham, and the increasingly popular trivela executed by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

Expert analysis and demonstrations are provided by a team including former Premier League player Tom Huddlestone, content creator Eman SV2, ex-Everton midfielder Tom Davies, and showboat specialist Lee Trundle. The series aims to translate complex skills into understandable lessons for aspiring players and enthusiasts.

Mastering the Diagonal Pass

The series highlights the importance and nuances of different types of passes, including the diagonal ball. It references former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s view that passing is an “act of intelligence and generosity,” requiring players to understand the receiver’s position. While modern tactics often favor shorter passes, as noted by Declan Rice regarding Mikel Arteta’s preference for “short relationships” at Arsenal, the diagonal pass remains a potent weapon when used effectively.

The article recalls Hakim Ziyech’s stunning diagonal pass for Ajax against Bayern Munich as an example of exceptional execution. It also draws a historical parallel to Frank de Boer’s iconic assist for Dennis Bergkamp in the 1998 World Cup, a pass described as a “stretch-limo of a pass.”

The Rabona and The Trivela

The “How To” series also tackles more flamboyant techniques, such as the rabona. The article mentions Rayan Cherki’s rabona assist for Phil Foden, which, while spectacular, drew criticism from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who favors simplicity. The origins of the rabona, meaning to “play hooky” in Spanish, are explored, with Claudio Borghi cited as a master of the skill. Erik Lamela’s memorable rabona goal for Tottenham against Arsenal is also featured.

Lamine Yamal’s signature move, the trivela, is another focus. This technique, where a player strikes the ball with the outside of their foot, has become a hallmark of the young Barcelona star.

Xabi Alonso’s Precision Passing

The series pays special attention to Xabi Alonso, showcasing his enduring ability to deliver precise passes. Footage of Alonso, as Bayer Leverkusen coach, demonstrates his exceptional technique in pinging diagonal passes during training. His former player Jonathan Tah recounts a training session where Alonso emphasized the need for “sharper” passes, illustrating his point with a demonstration that left players in awe of the sound and accuracy of his strike. The article suggests that Alonso’s passes have a distinctive “ping” that is instantly recognizable.

The overall aim of the series is to provide practical insights into mastering these advanced footballing skills, offering a blend of technical breakdown and historical context through the lens of celebrated players and coaches.

Key facts
| Player | Skill Demonstrated | Context |
|——————-|————————–|—————————————–|
| Xabi Alonso | Precision passing | Coaching drill at Bayer Leverkusen |
| David Beckham | Crossing | Mentioned as an iconic crosser |
| Lamine Yamal | Trivela | Signature move, tutorial focus |
| Frank de Boer | Diagonal pass | 1998 World Cup assist for Bergkamp |
| Hakim Ziyech | Diagonal pass | Ajax vs. Bayern Munich |
| Erik Lamela | Rabona | Goal for Tottenham vs. Arsenal |

This content is relevant to FootballGames10 readers by offering insights into the technical skills that define top-level football. By breaking down iconic techniques, the article provides educational value and appreciation for the artistry of the game, appealing to fans interested in the “how” behind footballing excellence.

Source: The Athletic Football – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7329886/2026/06/18/yamal-beckham-passing-video-tutorial-how-to/

Datos clave