Formation Thread

[Flasher]

I make no apologies. I want to discuss formation

 

I'm really encouraged by the 4-2-3-1 system that we seem to be adopting at the minute. It's very flexible and can be easily adapted on the pitch to become more defensive or attacking as the game suits.

 

We've wondered for a long time if this was something that Rafa would look to adopt, having used it at Valencia. AC Milan use the same system, with Gerrard now playing for us in the Kaka role, something which suits him best I think.

 

When Gerrard quite literally has the freedom to go anyway, he's outstanding. When he plays either in CM, as a two, or wide right in a 4, he's been succesfull, but it can be restrictive for Gerrard and disrupt the balance of the team.

 

The current system does require attack minded fullbacks, ideally with pace. As such, if Rafa persists with this then I can see one or two additions there. Arbeloa is capable, and Finnan certainly can attack, though obviously the latter lacks the pace element.

 

Aurelio is capable also, as is Riise, but neither are world beaters.

 

The system would certainly suit someone like Alves.

 

Long term, I think it suits Babel too. He's a wide forward, not a striker and not a traditional winger.

 

Torres - suits him fine too.

 

Just leaves the right side for me. Kuyt is working his nuts off in this position, but it's not his number one spot. He is a striker ultimately. If we could add someone capable of playing front right, or left, as Babel could swap quite comfortably, we'd look really strong.

 

Xabi and Mascherano in the middle, with Lucas there as back up. Another forward that could fill either Gerrard's position or the one of the other three positions if needed, as cover...... and it starts to look good.

 

I for one would really like to see the 4-2-3-1 on a long term basis.

[johngibo YPC]

Yeah decent analysis that.

I agree with the Gerrard analysis. I think he;s a bit wasted in CM. He has to play too deep and doesn't get to punish them in the final third as much. I also agree it will suit Babel long term and Torres seems fine up there on his own.

Improvements to the full backs, and a top class attacking midfielder and we could be away!

[fred milne]

The wide players (currently Babel and Kuyt) are at least as important as the fullbacks in making this work. If they play as midfielders rather than forwards then either Torres becomes too isolated or Gerrard has to play with his back to goal too much.

[Rory Fitzgerald]

Mascherano, Gerrard and Torres are people that fit well into that role.

 

Babel, one would suspect, is someone that can be groomed for that role given his ability, age and schooling in Holland.

 

Lucas is someone that I have alot of time for, I would hope he can develop. I dont like the doom merchants that want to knock him straight away.

 

My concerns are over the ability of Kuyt to play that role. In fact, the only people from the current squad that could play those roles (for me) would be Babel right and Kewell left (if master Kewell was ever, ever to get back to form).

 

I think the defence, no matter what formation is played ahead of them will always be schooled in the Benitez way of things so I didnt look at them.

Edited February 26, 2008 by Rory Fitzgerald

[The_Adder]

I make no apologies. I want to discuss formation

 

I'm really encouraged by the 4-2-3-1 system that we seem to be adopting at the minute. It's very flexible and can be easily adapted on the pitch to become more defensive or attacking as the game suits.

 

We've wondered for a long time if this was something that Rafa would look to adopt, having used it at Valencia. AC Milan use the same system, with Gerrard now playing for us in the Kaka role, something which suits him best I think.

 

When Gerrard quite literally has the freedom to go anyway, he's outstanding. When he plays either in CM, as a two, or wide right in a 4, he's been succesfull, but it can be restrictive for Gerrard and disrupt the balance of the team.

 

The current system does require attack minded fullbacks, ideally with pace. As such, if Rafa persists with this then I can see one or two additions there. Arbeloa is capable, and Finnan certainly can attack, though obviously the latter lacks the pace element.

 

Aurelio is capable also, as is Riise, but neither are world beaters.

 

The system would certainly suit someone like Alves.

 

Long term, I think it suits Babel too. He's a wide forward, not a striker and not a traditional winger.

 

Torres - suits him fine too.

 

Just leaves the right side for me. Kuyt is working his nuts off in this position, but it's not his number one spot. He is a striker ultimately. If we could add someone capable of playing front right, or left, as Babel could swap quite comfortably, we'd look really strong.

 

Xabi and Mascherano in the middle, with Lucas there as back up. Another forward that could fill either Gerrard's position or the one of the other three positions if needed, as cover...... and it starts to look good.

 

I for one would really like to see the 4-2-3-1 on a long term basis.

 

:thumbs: :thumbs:

 

I've been thinking this practically ever since young Rafa came here and have been wondering for the last 3 and a half years when he was actually gonna use the bloody thing.

 

I totally agree with your assessment and the players we need to buy to improve it, Babel, give time in that position could blossom into something a wee bit deadly - and yeah I think we need to fill the other side with someone pretty much outstanding, I actually think Benniyoon could do a pretty fine job there at the moment (plus he gives us a treat of goals too) - Torres seems to suit it well and Gerrard in a free role is perfect.

 

We have two out of Mascherano, Xabi and Lucas to sit between breaking up and dictating the play which works rather well.

 

Its pretty much spot on - add those new players (I would certainly include a top full back in that - think Arbeloa would be my personal choice for the other side) and we could certainly do some serious damage next season.