Rest-defense continues to evolve with the best teams in the modern game. It's become so much more than just what happens behind the ball. It's also much to do with the structures and shapes teams use at the very back-end of their possession in the attacking half. As you will see, "resting" players aren't really resting at all. Here is how the best teams in the world use their rest-defense to create chances.
Brighton have been one of the best teams in the Premier League so far in 2026-27, topping the charts on goals, xG, and clean sheets. They're also second in the possession table behind only Manchester City, as one of the only remaining 'press and possess' teams in the league. Along the way, they've been tactically flexible and complex, making for one of the most fun teams to root for right now. Here is an analysis of Fabian Hürzeler's Brighton so far in 2026-27.
