Leganés press ahead with a vertigo-driven identity under Paco López
A team that transmits energy and relentlessly seeks depth through vertical movements, Leganés is taking shape in Paco López’s image. The coach from Silla has forged a squad that embraces risk, eschews patient buildup, and keeps the tempo high from the first whistle. Early in the league, the Pepineros already show the hallmark style López favors: a side that demands constant focus from the opponent and never settles for horizontal play.
Attacking philosophy and shape
Leganés does not base its attack on possession, but on continuous pressure and rapid transitions. The objective is to move the ball quickly to the space or to the support, repeatedly targeting the space behind the last line. The team presses relatively high in a 4-4-2 that López has often used, transforming into a flexible, asymmetric offensive shape in possession.
Defensively, the side looks to force opponents to the flanks, raising the level of harassment once there and attempting to recover the ball higher up the pitch. However, the structure is not yet fully cohesive or aggressively duel-focused, leaving gaps and distances between lines that can be exploited when sequences are spun by the opposition.
Personnel and roles
Leganés lines up with three central defenders in action without the ball, with Rubén Peña shifting wide on the right to give width. On the left, Marvel anchors the defense alongside captain Jorge Sáenz, who operates as a central figure and also acts as a natural leader at the back. Lalo Aguilar takes the right side of the back line, contributing to a back four that can become a three when in possession.
Midfielders and attackers reinforce the asymmetric approach. Naim García, a Madrid-born talent, is a right-footed midfielder who adds interior depth and can arrive from deeper positions to link play. Duk serves on the left wing—an exterior profile that tucks inside to help create a 3-2-4-1 aesthetic at times, with the left channel becoming a corridor for combination play. On the right side, Naim can also drift in, supporting Peña and providing passing angles.
The forward line features Diego García and Miguel De la Fuente as a complementary duo, capable of constant movement to break defenses. They run hard to pull center-backs and stay active in areas behind the last line, creating trouble with their relentless off-ball work. The left-wing presence of Duk and the right-side interior play of Naim García feed the two forwards and keep the ball moving quickly toward the opposition’s vulnerable zones.
The pace and turning points
Duk’s pace and athleticism enable Leganés to threaten high up the pitch, either cutting inside or driving at full-backs to create xG opportunities. The team’s speed helps them turn quick counterpressing into decisive transitions, especially when the ball is shifted to the opposite flank and a player can attack the space behind the defense.
Two forwards who combine well
Diego García and Miguel De la Fuente form a high-energy pairing, known for their willingness to burst into space and engage in quick combinations. They understand each other’s movements and can cover for one another—one providing support while the other pulls off a run into the channels. This complementary dynamic converts positional pressure into rapid transitions, a hallmark of Leganés’ approach.
Defensive challenges and opportunities
Despite the high-intensity style, the team’s defensive structure shows room for improvement. The distances between lines can open spaces when the opposition builds a sequence, and Leganés must sharpen its coordination and duels to avoid giving opponents clean options after losing the ball. The plan is to pressure higher and push opponents toward the sidelines, but achieving a more compact defensive shape will be key to turning early momentum into a more secure run of results.
Outlook and value
Leganés’ start under López has been promising in terms of identity and pace, with the team taking the lead in both league matches they’ve played. If the defensive organization tightens and the transitions between pressing, cover, and attack are fine-tuned, this high-energy model could become a consistent source of problems for opposition sides in the division. The squad’s vertical philosophy, combined with the quality and depth of its attacking options, suggests they can translate early momentum into sustained performance as the season progresses.
Summary
Leganés under Paco López is building a fast, aggressive, vertical-driven style that emphasizes asymmetrical attacking shapes, rapid transitions, and relentless pressure. While the approach delivers excitement and promising openings, defensive cohesion and compactness remain areas for improvement. With continued development and cleaner connections between lines, the team has the potential to convert its high-energy pressure into steady results.
Additional notes
– Watch for how López manages the back line’s flexibility: the shift from four to three in possession is a key element of their progression.
– Duk’s left-sided thrust and Naim García’s interior movement will be crucial in unlocking space for the forwards, particularly against teams that sit high.
– A focus on reducing distances between lines and improving duels in midfield could help Leganés convert chances into wins more consistently.