Cesc Fàbregas Tactics At Como 2026/2027: How Como Evolved Without Losing Their Identity - Data Analysis
Como’s success last season under Cesc Fàbregas was built around the relationships between his players, and those relationships have continued to develop this term.
This has allowed them to create more passing options in build-up and helped players know exactly what to do in each phase of play.
Every player has a role on the ball, which allowed them to move, reduce space, and create passing options for each other.
But how much have these ideas actually changed?
In this Cesc Fàbregas at Como data analysis, we look at the differences between the two seasons and how the players’ movements and positioning have evolved.
Keeping Distances Short
One thing Fàbregas keeps coming back to is the relationships between Como players this season.
When players are spread too far, and there are too many spaces between them, swapping positions and rotating becomes much harder.
At Como, it’s all about keeping distances short between his players, making sure players are close enough to be passing options.
Como Average Positions & Passing Links In The UEFA Champions League 2026/2027
The average positioning map from the first matches of the Champions League and Serie A 2026/2027 shows just how close Como’s players tend to be.
With everyone close together, there's always an option on the ball, and everyone gets involved in the build-up and the different phases of play.
Keeping Possession Through Passing Combinations
That proximity between players is a big part of why Como are so comfortable keeping the ball.
There's always a player available for a pass, which allows them to keep possession moving and build attacks.
In Serie A, Como have recorded 183 passing sequences of 10 or more passes; they are the league's highest total, while averaging 4.95 passes per sequence.
Only Inter Milan have more than them, with 5.06.
10+ Pass Sequences Vs Passes Per Sequence In Serie A 2026/2027
The short distances between players give Como players the chance to keep finding each other and move opponents around.
It's a big part of how Fàbregas wants his players to play.
It's not just happening in Serie A; Como have also recorded 83 sequences of 10 or more passes in the Champions League, matching Real Madrid, Man City and PSG, while averaging 5.17 passes per sequence.
Champions League Longest Passing Sequences 2026/2027
Creating Space To Free The Full-Backs
Como's short passing game and positional rotations during their build-up aren't just about keeping the ball for the sake of it.
There's a clear goal behind their movements during the build-up phase; the aim is to pull opponents out of position and open up space on the other side for Álex Valle to exploit.
On paper, Fàbregas sets his side up with a double pivot, but it often becomes a single pivot.
The wingers Lucas Da Cunha and Martin Baturina move into the half-spaces, while both full-backs push up, though not to the same height.
Yan Couto stays wider on the right without getting too far forward, helping Como keep their back four shape.
Luis Milla drops into the left-back position, with Nico Paz staying central between the lines and Maximo Perrone occupying the central channels as a single pivot.
Como Rotations Interchanging Positions In Build-Up To Drag Opposition Markers Out Of Shape
This movement pulls the opposition around; as the left winger moves inside, the opponent full-back follows him, creating space on the left for Valle to push into.
It's a well-worked rotation involving all Como players during the build-up phase, creating space and finding a free man, with the players knowing when to move and where the next pass is coming from.
The numbers back this up: Como have the highest passing rate in Serie A this season, at 17.1, ahead of Inter's 16.7.
Serie A Highest Passing Rates 2026/2027
However, another reason they're finding it easier to play through teams this season is that opponents are showing them more respect.
