Michael Cox knows football. He has written for ESPN and the Guardian and is a regular on the Totally Football Show. He has composed two books with the latter, Zonal Marking: From Ajax to Zidane, the Making of Modern Soccer, being released today. He’s widely regarded as the global authority on football tactics. No one knows the topic better.
At first glance you might think that Zonal Marking is just about zonal marking, but the book is about more than just the latest trend in football tactics. It’s a grand discussion of global football styles and influences. The book is cleverly divided into time periods and countries of influence. It starts with the Netherlands and is followed by Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, and England.
The discussion surrounding the Netherlands goes to the obvious topic of total football and Johan Cruyff. When Ajax faltered in the mid-90s, Serie A and the Italian game moved to center stage and Cox moves the discussion in that direction as well. From there Zidane and the French national team are dissected in detail. Then comes the Portuguese influence through Mourinho followed by the Catalan influence of Guardiola and FC Barcelona. Finally you are treated to a thorough analysis of the German and English games. Each of the seven parts offers something to the reader.
The book offers a lot of depth and detail as it spans over 400 pages, but it is time well spent as you’ll be entertained and educated at the same time. Cox brings the tactics of the beautiful game to a level that both casual and hardcore fans can enjoy.
All in all, the book is a fascinating and insightful look into the tactics and styles that make up the modern game, a lovely read by all accounts. You won’t find a more knowledgeable or passionate author and you won’t find a better football book in 2019. This title tells us what modern football has become and where it is going next.
There was a lot of buzz and anticipation for Zonal Marking over the past year, but it was well worth the wait. Bold Type Books continues to set the standard by putting out amazing football titles by the world’s top footballing minds.
