Cover-Credits:
In the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) Western Europe (WEU) 2021-22 Tour 1: Division 1, Team Liquid has so far outperformed all its opponents to pick up five straight wins. The move to add Lasse Aukusti "MATUMBAMAN" Urpalainen and Ludwig "zai" Wåhlberg is evidently paying off. A team game like Dota 2 requires constant communication and Team Liquid's captain, Aydin "iNSaNiA" Sarkohi, spoke recently about how the team is adjusting to these two new players’ communication style. INSaNiA said that zai and MATUMBAMAN are quite relaxed during games, while the remaining members of the squad, including him, are chaotic and loud. However, they are making progress, he added.
INSaNIA talks about the changes that came about through zai and MATUMBAMAN
Team Liquid’s most recent series against Team Secret in the DPC involved two nerve-wracking games, both of which went beyond 50-minutes. Team Liquid prevailed with a scoreline of 2-1 against Team Secret. In such situations, winning teamfights becomes paramount and communication is key. During the post-match winner's interview, iNSaNiA discussed the differences between the communication styles of the players on his team.
“I think we come from two very different backgrounds when it comes to comms. Like me, Boxi, and miCKe are very hectic and very wild. There’s a lot of sh** going on. Whereas zai and Matu are very calm, quiet, soft spoken. We have to yell at Matu like - speak up, we can’t hear you, what are you saying. But I think we are figuring it out slowly but surely. Sometimes you have five captains at once but only one is needed.”
As part of the series against Team Secret, both teams had competitive drafts, and iNSaNiA remarked that because zai and MATUMBAMAN are former Team Secret players, he got some valuable insight for drafting against them.
“For me, I think the drafting was extra fun. I mean, it’s always the case when we are playing against Team Secret. I think, historically, they have almost always had a big edge when it comes to drafting against us. But having a little bit of insight with zai and Matu, and kind of understanding how they think has been quite helpful.”
While there have been some benefits enjoyed and adjustments made due to zai and MATUMBAMAN's arrival, the overall outcome for Team Liquid has been very positive. Currently, the team is at the top spot on the points table and has already secured a slot for the first Major of the DPC 2021-22. Team Liquid will gain direct entry into the playoffs of the Major if it manages to finish top of its group by the end of the season, but if given the choice, captain iNSaNiA would prefer to play in the group stages first.
“I think, group stage actually because I think there’s always a meta that develops at tournaments and if you play the groups, you get a feel for it. You get to be a part of the development rather than just watching it from the outside.”
The final two series in the DPC 2021-22 Tour 1 for Team Liquid will take place against Nigma Galaxy and Alliance in January 2022.
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