Football fashion, much like its sartorial counterpart, operates on a cyclical basis, and the beautiful game is currently experiencing a remarkable retro revival. The latest trends seeing a resurgence would make any football traditionalist nod in approval.
The Long Throw: Football's Forgotten Artillery
Once considered a relic of lower-league football, the booming long throw has made an unexpected return to prominence. This aerial assault tactic, reminiscent of Rory Delap's Stoke City heyday, is causing fresh headaches for defenders across the league. The sight of a player vigorously drying the ball with a towel before launching it into the penalty area is becoming increasingly common once more.
Dyche-ball: Tactical Nostalgia or Pragmatic Genius?
Sean Dyche's brand of no-nonsense, physically demanding football is enjoying a renaissance that extends beyond his current Everton tenure. The high-press, high-intensity approach that characterised his Burnley success is being reappraised by managers seeking reliable results over aesthetic perfection.
As captured in David Squires' latest Guardian cartoon, these returning trends highlight football's enduring relationship with its own history. The game continually rediscovers tactics and styles it had previously consigned to the past, proving that in football, what's old often becomes new again.
Other Trends Making a Comeback
- Traditional centre-forward play: Target men are back in vogue
- Robust defending: The art of clean sheets is being rediscovered
- Set-piece specialization: Dead-ball situations are becoming crucial differentiators
This tactical throwback movement represents more than mere nostalgia—it's a pragmatic response to the increasing homogenisation of modern football tactics. As teams search for competitive edges, they're increasingly looking backward to move forward.
