06 Apr 2017 16:45:31
It's always hard to stay objective after a run of poor results.
I actually think we've been poor since the L'pool draw back in January and the standard of football since then has been slow and ponderous!
I put this down to Jose returning to a 4-2-3-1 formation. We were poor at the start of the season playing this way and only improved when we changed to 4-3-3 with Carrick holding and Herrera and Pogba playing in front!
(I know we've flirted with 3 at the back recently but it's generally been 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3)
Imo 4-3-3 gets the most out of the players we have. Carrick is able to dictate the pace of the game and is able to play the ball forward into Herrera and Pogba who can both then play their natural games further forward! Herrera is released to press and win the ball higher up the pitch and Pogba is free to get on the ball further forward and be creative. This is without doubt our best midfield. Carrick's form has dipped since he's had another midfielder playing alongside him rather than two just in front of him. This seriously limits his passing options and that's why recently he's been playing the ball backwards or sideways. He sometimes simply doesn't have a forward pass especially as Jose likes his wide players to drop back into full back areas when we don't have the ball!
A front 3 of Martial, Ibra and Miki is decent especially when supported by Pogba and Herrera with Carrick providing the defensive cover. (There was a point in the season when everybody was fit this was our first choice midfield and attack and we were playing well) .
Moving forward I think we need to prioritise a replacement for Carrick! I'd love to see a midfield of Kroos, Pogba and Herrera.
I predict that if Jose insists on playing 4-2-3-1 we'll still be in the same position this time next year or he'll need far more summer reinforcements to make that formation work!
{Ed004's Note - But will Kroos offer enough defensively for us in the big games. There is no doubting his ability on the ball, especially his set pieces}
06 Apr 2017 17:21:38
Decent outlook, Danny. I agree the 4-3-3 suits us better. As for next season, I wonder if Bakayoko would be a better option defensively at DCM.
06 Apr 2017 17:54:14
Ed 4 - I think we need more of a deep lying playmaker to hold just behind Pogba and Herrera rather than a destroyer. I think Herrera is fantastic at pressing and winning the ball high up the pitch but he can't do that as effectively when he plays in a two and Pobga is also better further forward where he can get on the ball in more dangerous areas and doesn't have to worry as much about his defensive responsibility's.
We need someone who can play behind them, read the game, make interceptions rather than tackles and feed them the ball quickly!
I'd love to see Kroos in that role and for what's is worth I actually think Bastien could have performed that role effectively for us if given the chance this season and shared the work load with Carrick.
This may sound weird but sometimes you don't have to be a great tackler to be a good defensive midfielder in my opinion. If you can read the game, sniff danger, be in the right position you can put out the fire before it's even started on most occasions. Use the ball effectively playing forward decisive passes rather than sideways and backwards all the time which usually just puts defenders under pressure as predominantly their not as good on the ball and end up giving it away anyway!
I'd be interested to see if anybody could name any other players who they think could do that role for us?
I like Javi Martinez at Bayern, but he's had injury problems and would be interested to know if anybody has seen anything of Strootman since he's returned from injury?
{Ed004's Note - I would have suggested Martinez as well but I don't think there is any chance we could sign him. The problem with Kroos playing there is he doesn't seem to be the most defensively aware and enough of a work rate to compensate. Theoretically he could adapt to the role although I think Jose will move for someone like Perreria, Fabinho or Williams.}
06 Apr 2017 18:01:21
Zidaniel - sometimes just subtle changes in formation can make a hugh difference. Pogba and Herrera look so much more comfortable playing in a three with somebody in behind. Pogba has played his best games for us in a three man midfield and this is how he made his name at Juventus. I don't like him as much in a two, it's not his natural game and I certainly wouldn't have paid £90m to play him there! I just don't think we're going to see the best of him if Jose wants him to play a more disciplined role in a two man midfield. Maybe he can adapt his game but I'd rather see us sign a DCM and play a three man midfield next season.
{Ed004's Note - I can see a DM coming in but Pogba will be tasked with playing in a 2 in a lot of games next season. Against the top teams Herrera will probably come in to strengthen up the midfield and make it more competitive}
06 Apr 2017 18:31:52
Ed 4 - yeah I totally agree I think we'll sign another midfielder to play alongside Pogba and Herrera will probably miss a lot of games. I think this is a mistake unless Pogba is prepared to be a lot more disciplined and I just don't see him being that effective in that role, not at the very highest level anyway! Interesting summer ahead!
{Ed004's Note - I think it'll work fine against teams that only intend to park the bus against us and who we have to attack quickly when we get the chance. Also I agree. It's going to be one hell of a summer}
06 Apr 2017 19:25:00
If Mourinho is determined to play 4231 Is it possible that we get 2 midfielders in the summer. One true holding midfielder and second possibly Kroos. This would then push Pogba further forward as part of the 3 behind our striker.
I know this would limit the amount of time Herera gets but possibly gets the most out of Pogba.
{Ed004's Note - Kroos would probably be the ideal partner to dictate the play for Pogba but a midfield of Pogba, Kroos and a dm doesn't offer enough goals imo especially when our current attack doesn't either}
06 Apr 2017 19:53:54
Why buy Kroos amd ask him to do a different job and play a different role then Tyne one be plays. He plays in front of the defensive midfielder cassimero along side modric. He does not play as the deepest midfielder.
I'd like us to sign a dm bakayoko or fabhino and Kroos and play any 3 from bakayoko Kroos pogba and herrera with fellaini to cover.
3 up front any 3 from martial rash Ibra (or his replacement) mata Jessie greizman miki.
06 Apr 2017 21:05:01
Shappy, you have competition :)
06 Apr 2017 21:53:51
Good post Danny. I really liked the balance with Carrick, Herrera and Pogba playing as a 3 and would much rather see Pogba picking up the ball in space to drive forward rather than dropping deep and playing horrible, flat and straight long balls straight to their keeper; as he was on Tueaday.
Herrera is one of my favourites in our current squad. Energetic pressing and good football brain, especially his movement after playing a short pass; where more often than not he is on to receive a return pass. I am not saying he's at the same standard, but in my opinion he's the player in our squad that would best fit into a Barcelona '10-'15 team.
06 Apr 2017 22:13:09
It appears I do Stevie. Top post btw Danny.
07 Apr 2017 00:06:07
Top post Danny ðŸ‘ðŸ¼ðŸ‘ðŸ¼.