The analysis found a common U-shaped pattern around the attacking penalty area among Argentina, Spain, England and France, with distinctive differences separating one side from another.
For Argentina, the map reportedly revolved around Lionel Messi. Several recurring combinations either sought to find Messi between the lines or showed him receiving possession and carrying the attack forward. That is less a rigid system than a clear hierarchy: teammates knew where the decisive player wanted the ball.
Klein described some of football’s passing habits as “formulaic”, but argued that instructions and individual quality give those habits their character.
Spain offered a contrasting identity. Their most recognisable combinations reportedly shifted towards the left, with Marc Cucurella and Alex Baena involved in repeated exchanges.
The map also highlighted longer passes towards Lamine Yamal on the right. That balance matters. Spain could patiently build through the left, then quickly switch play to isolate a direct winger against a defender.
It is a useful reminder that possession football is not defined simply by volume. The important question is whether the ball is being moved with a purpose that opponents recognise but still struggle to stop.
The report describes Norway as more direct, using longer passes towards the right and players such as Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth and Martin Odegaard. Morocco, meanwhile, reportedly showed what Klein called an “extreme dominance on the right side”, with Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz central to their attacking patterns.
The next major tournament will offer the clearest test of this theory: which teams arrive with a recognisable attacking signature, and which are still searching for one?