Matthew Booth: Sundowns' defence needs to be ready to weather Dortmund and Fluminense storms at Club World Cup
On Saturday, the Brazilians will face-off against German super team Borussia Dortmund, in what is set to be a spicy affair to say the least. While Ulsan provided a good test for Sundowns, the challenge that awaits them this Saturday (21 June) is very different. And former Sundowns defender Matthew Booth knows that his former team will have to be at their very best if they are to get anything out of Saturday's thrilling encounter.
Booth says it is imperative that his former club remain solid against the diverse attacking threats of a European powerhouse like Borussia Dortmund and the flair of Fluminense. 'Adaptation springs to mind. That will be key to the defensive back-4 and CDM,' Booth told Showmax.
'Not only from a change in personnel from game to game but also a change in individual approach to each game in a very diverse group. Pre-match analysis of individual opponents will be key in a tournament of this nature as most one-on-one battles will be of the first time.'
The physical demands of a compact tournament featuring top-tier opposition are immense, and Booth offers a glimpse into how Sundowns plans to maintain intensity and discipline. 'Sundowns has given an even spread to their full-backs this season. Expect that to continue in this tournament, during the game and from game to game. For example, Mudau and Morena have rotated beautifully. The CBs and CDM on the other hand should remain as consistent as possible. Throughout the Betway Premiership season, the defensive unit have rarely come under sustained pressure, which would've been a disadvantage going into this tournament if it was not for the CAF CL semi and final where the unit was certainly tested.'
Drawing from his own extensive experience battling world-class forwards, Booth's advice to the current Sundowns defenders is clear: to make sure they are well prepared and ready to make an immediate impact.
When asked what advice he would give to the current Sundowns defenders on handling the individual brilliance and team dynamics of players from teams like Dortmund and Fluminense, Booth said, 'Pre-match analysis of opposition team, group and individual tactics will be vital and in the game your first action often sets the tone and your confidence for the rest of the game.'
Communication and cohesion within the defensive unit are, according to Booth, 'everything when coming up against unknown opponents.'
'Good communication is everything when coming up against unknown opponents as in-game adaptations will occur but more important is the telepathic understanding that a unit like Sundowns has after having played together under nearly every different scenario that has been thrown at them in matches and numerous training sessions.'
Ultimately, Booth believes a strong defensive showing from Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup could be a game-changer for the global perception of African football. 'Southern African teams have a reputation for flair and likewise the North African teams have a defensive one. This perception will change should Sundowns put in a strong defensive performance. The contrast will come from the full back roles of Mudau, Morena, Modiba and Lunga, as these players offer a perfect balance between defensive capability and contributing to the attack by overloading wide and in the final third.'
Sundowns group stage results and fixtures: Ulsan HD 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns v Borussia Dortmund: Saturday, 21 June: 18:00 (SA time)
Mamelodi Sundowns v Fluminense: Wednesday, 25 June: 21:00 (SA time)
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