Five best counter-attacking teams in Europe

The art of counter-attacking football is a difficult skill to master. Whilst extremely risky and reliant on solid defending, this style of play can render impressive results.

We have already seen a number of fascinating goals scored on the break across Europe this season. In this article, Squawka looks at the current top five counter-attacking teams on the continent.

5. FSV Mainz- 3 goals

Thomas Tuchel’s counter-attacking tactics paid-off at the beginning of the season, especially considering the German side claimed nine points from their opening three fixtures.

Mainz have created 90 chances so far this campaign with 15 goals to show for it – three of the strikes have come on the break.

Their win against VfL Wolfsburg was a fine display of this counter-attacking style. Their second goal in this 2-0 win saw a fantastic ball fall to German winger Nicolai Müller, who finished in style.

4. Borussia Dortmund- 3 goals

Over the last three years, Jurgen Klopp has established Borussia Dortmund as one of the most exciting teams in Europe.

The German club has evolved into a compelling attacking unit, as a combination of excellent tactics and fantastic players has seen them destroy teams time and again with their deadly counter-attacks and clinical finishing.

With the players at Klopp’s disposal it’s easy to see why the club are so effective at moving the ball from defence to attack. The likes of Marco Reus, Ilkay Gundogan, Robert Lewandowski and now Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are key in implementing these type of moves. Dortmund have already scored three league goals from counter-attacks this season, expect to see many, many more.

3. Barcelona- 4 goals

Since Gerardo Martino took over at Barcelona he has been committed to improving both the sides defence from counter-attacks as well as the team’s ability to respond with a break of their own.

Barca have sometimes lacked speed in transitions, as they are used to slowing the pace down and patiently waiting for an opening. However, this season counter-attacking football has added more variety to their attack.

Against Real Madrid last weekend we saw a fantastic example of this – with just over 10 minutes remaining Alexis Sanchez latched on to a long ball forward from the back and lobbed Diego Lopez in the Madrid goal.

2. Atletico Madrid- 4 goals

Atletico Madrid have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, they currently sit second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona.

Diego Simeone has structured his team to counter attack and take chances as well as score from set pieces. Already this term, the Spaniards have finished four times on the break.

Diego Costa and the rest of the Atletico attackers are lethal finishers. They make the most of their opportunities, this is shown by their 58% shot accuracy. If they continue to perform in the same manner for the rest of the season, it’s fair to say, they could be realistic title contenders.

1. Roma- 5 goals

Roma have already scored five goals on the counter-attack this season, as they continue to enjoy their dominance in Serie A.

The Italians, who have conceded just one goal this season, lead the current table with 27 points, five clear of Napoli and Juventus. They recently equalled the record for the best start to a Serie A season, when they won 1-0 at Udinese to claim their ninth victory in nine matches.

Rudi Garcia’s side have displayed an array of attacking options that often force their opponents into a huge defensive effort. Considering that 68% of Roma’s goals this season have come in the second half of matches, it seems the league leaders are most threatening when the opposition defence starts to show signs of tiredness.