Title: Croatian Duo Steps Up as Tractor’s New Playmakers – A Tactical Shift in Action
A New Era for Tractor’s Midfield
In a thrilling and high-stakes match against Sepahan in Isfahan, which ended in a 2-1 victory, Tractor’s midfield saw a notable shift with the emergence of two Croatian players—Tomislav Štrokali and Tibor Helilović. The duo has taken on the role of the team’s creative midfielders, a position long dominated by the beloved Ricardo Alves.
Alves, a former star and fan favorite, was known for his composure, creativity, and unmatched confidence as Tractor’s playmaker. His presence symbolized flair and innovation in the midfield, contributing significantly to the team’s past successes. However, a new chapter has begun, with the Croatian pair stepping into his shoes.
Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
Interestingly, Igor Postunski, who primarily played as a defensive midfielder (No. 6) last season, was deployed as the playmaker in this match to fill Alves’ void. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s Odil Hamrobekov retained his position as the defensive anchor.
A pivotal tactical change came in the second half when head coach Dragan Skočić substituted Hamrobekov for Tibor Helilović. This adjustment allowed Postunski to revert to his natural defensive role, while Helilović’s speed and creativity revitalized Tractor’s attacking play.
A Winning Formula
The new midfield setup injected pace and dynamism into Tractor’s gameplay, leading to a more aggressive offensive approach. Helilović’s explosive passes and movements became the driving force behind the team’s attacks, creating more scoring opportunities and keeping Sepahan’s defense under constant pressure.
Ultimately, this tactical evolution not only compensated for Alves’ absence but also set Tractor on a promising new path—one that blends experience with speed, potentially becoming the team’s key advantage in the ongoing season.
Source: Intitar
