Brightonian
Full Member
Our problem is that Zirkzee is not positionally the right player for the #9 position in this formation, but Hojlund's skillset doesn't match it.
I reckon if you play them both together, Zirkzee as one of the #10s and Hojlund as #9, it could be effective. Hojlund can keep the CBs busy, but the long ball forward always needs to be aimed at Kirkzee. Then Hojlund gets to do what he's actually good at - make the run off the ball - and Zirkzee gets to do what he's good at - hold the ball, turn, pick the pass.
Obviously in the end we just need to replace both with a top-quality CF who can do both. But for now, that would be my approach. Garnacho doesn't earn his starting role and continues to be better used as an impact sub anyway.
I reckon if you play them both together, Zirkzee as one of the #10s and Hojlund as #9, it could be effective. Hojlund can keep the CBs busy, but the long ball forward always needs to be aimed at Kirkzee. Then Hojlund gets to do what he's actually good at - make the run off the ball - and Zirkzee gets to do what he's good at - hold the ball, turn, pick the pass.
Obviously in the end we just need to replace both with a top-quality CF who can do both. But for now, that would be my approach. Garnacho doesn't earn his starting role and continues to be better used as an impact sub anyway.