Machin's well-oiled Girona machine making a major mark

Pablo Machin nailed his colours to the mast last August, before he and his side made their debuts in LaLiga Santander, by stating that he fully intended to stick to the tried-and-trusted playbook that had at long last led Girona FC to the big time. This game plan had previously helped the club pull off a great escape to avoid relegation from LaLiga 1|2|3 in 2013/14. When Machin took the helm in March 2014, the Catalans were rooted to the bottom of the second division, five points from safety. He duly oversaw a remarkable turnaround, with 21 points from a possible 33 proving enough to secure survival.

Almost half a year on, we can say that Machin has certainly kept his word. He continues to consistently call on most of the linchpins from last season's run to promotion, ensuring that his side's identity remains very much intact. To complete the jigsaw, he has slotted in a few choice new pieces that have kicked the team up a notch and helped them go toe to toe with every opponent they have faced in the top flight.

An 11-point cushion currently separates Girona from the drop zone.

One of the most conspicuous things that set Machin's Girona apart is their use of a system that no other LaLiga Santander club has employed on a regular basis in 2017/18: a back three flanked by two wing-backs. The midfield features four players who dovetail effectively thanks to their contrasting skill sets, while the lone striker is charged with leading the line and providing a focal point. 

This set-up ensures that Machin's backline outnumber opponents both when defending and when initiating moves. The wing-backs are genuine chalk-on-their-boots specialists tasked with hugging their touchline and rarely being expected to tuck infield, albeit they have the licence and ability to ghost into attacking positions.

Machin's approach is deceptively simple. Mindful that the endgame in football is all about goals and that the goalposts are located centrally, his priority is for his team to dominate the central areas in and around both boxes.

When the opposition attack, his three centre-halves and two of the midfielders create a tough-to-penetrate blockade on the edge of the area. When Girona themselves go forward, their frontman's job is to pin back and stretch the opposition defence, paving the way for the midfielders and wing-backs to link up and whip in crosses towards at least three or four targets in the middle.

A look at five of Machin's key performers this term sheds further light on the secrets to his side's success:

- Bernardo: The centre-back was brought in over the summer to be the cornerstone of the defence and has not disappointed. He has racked up a team-high 86 clearances and 41 interceptions in LaLiga Santander so far and has built up a fine understanding with his no-nonsense partner in crime Juanpe – as well as with both Jonas Ramalho and Marc Muniesa, who have been in and out of the team –, thus providing the Blanquivermells with a solid platform.

- Johan Mojica: After beginning the campaign warming the bench, Bernardo's fellow Colombian has forced his way into the starting XI thanks to his stellar performances down the left. He tops the club charts when it comes to assists (4) and successful dribbles (32) and, with his speed, power, ability to beat players and increasing tactical discipline, he fits the bill perfectly for a Machin wing-back. The trio consisting of Mojica, Pablo Maffeo and Aday – both of whom have clocked up at least as much game time as the Colombia international up the flanks – represent one of Girona's main threats.

- Pere Pons: The academy kid made good is the heartbeat of the team and a firm fan favourite who gets the Montilivi crowd going like no one else. He is a livewire who is equally adept at building play and pressing intelligently. His centre-midfield partner Alex Granell, another local lad, is also shining and has caught the eye with his excellent striking of the ball with his left foot.

- Portu: Cristian Portugues, to give him his seldom-used full name, has been a revelation this term. A skilful, slippery attacking midfielder who has a habit of drifting to the right flank and excels in tight spaces, he is Girona's second-top scorer in LaLiga Santander with eight goals – as many as he managed in the entirety of last season in LaLiga 1|2|3. Together with Borja Garcia, he carries the bulk of the creative load in Machin's system. Borja, for his part, offers less attacking thrust but more of a patient passing presence: no Girona player has played more short passes than his 647.

- Cristhian Stuani: Another summer signing, the Uruguayan was snapped up to spearhead the charge for the LaLiga Santander new boys and wasted no time in endearing himself to the Blanquivermells supporters. With 10 goals to his name, Stuani stands joint-fourth in the divison's scoring charts alongside Valencia CF's Simone Zaza. Headers account for half of that tally, a stat that speaks volumes of the former RCD Espanyol man's aerial prowess, which is arguably his biggest strength. Coupled with his superlative hold-up play, this dominance in the air – he wins more than his fair share of flick-ons – means that the striker also offers Girona a safe out ball from the back.

With over half of the season gone, Machin and his club's maiden campaign in the Spanish top flight has been the stuff of dreams. There are still 18 matchdays to go and they are not safe yet, but Girona have every reason to be looking up rather than down, having shown that they can more than hold their own in the rarefied heights of LaLiga Santander.