Formation & how the side will operate
Based on the 2007 Roma side which played a 433 - with el capitano Francesco Totti as the false 9 and creative fulcrum of the team.
The idea of the inside forwards making diagonal runs, whilst the fullbacks overlap on the outside is fantastic - impossible to defend against when executed correctly.
Totti will keep picking it up into feet, from neat and tidy distribution from Scholes, Deco, De Rossi, take one touch and spin, then sweep a pass out to one of the 4 runners – Suarez, Pessotto, Savicevic, Di Livio. (This is also not including any runs made from midfield. Scholes as everyone knows, scored goals.)
The whole side is built around Totti and is aimed at getting the most out of this extraordinary talent. Suarez is a perfect foil next to him. Cutting in from the left he offers pace, work rate and goals.
The team requires good work rate in order to accomadate the duo of Totti and Savicevic. This is provided by proven workaholics such as Suarez, Deco, De Rossi & Di Livio.
The foundations of the side are built on the tried and tested, highly successful Juventus back 5 of the mid 1990’s. Peruzzi, Pessotto, Montero, Ferrara and Di Livio won everything together. At one time forming the best defence in European football. During the mid 90’s Juventus reached 3 consecutive Champions League finals. An incredible achievement.
With the chemistry and proven ability to win , this team will be extremely difficult to score against.
Paul Scholes in midfield brings control to the side, as well as a big goal threat. Our Paul was quite simply a fabulous footballer. And the current Utd side miss him terribly.
Deco brings industry, tackling, and technical ability. A hard working, tenacious all-rounder in his prime, he suits Scholes very well. Offering endless energy and coverage of the pitch.
De Rossi brings the Roma connection to the side with Totti. But also that fight, drive and spirit. An excellent passer in his own right, he will neatly link defence and midfield.
Of course with either Di Livio or Pessotto getting forward at different times, De Rossi has the tactical nous to drop in and cover, holding off the threat of the counter-attack, keeping the shape at the back. Ferrara was capable of playing right back, Montero also was capable at left back. De Rossi has played such a role before with Roma and Italy.
The whole side is bursting with winners. Experienced and seasoned pro’s who have the “know how” required to win. One thing is certain, there will not be a lack of fight in this side.
Breaking down the in-game battles:
· Dejan Savicevic was incredibly quick and a superb dribbler. He will cause Evra all sorts of problems, whether running directly at him or cutting inside between him and Hierro.
· Suarez like-wise will cause Neville a lot of headaches. Poor Gary got turned inside out at times when up against quick dribblers. McManaman always seemed to rip him apart. So I fully expect Suarez to get some joy here. When Luis cuts inside, Thuram will be there to cover, leaving space in the middle for Totti, or a late Scholes run.
· With Totti playing a false 9 he has a licence to drop deep and connect midfield with attack.
· There is a lack of width in Jayvin’s side. Shearer and Zlatan are similar forwards in the sense that neither will pull out wide but rather stay central and expect delivery from wide areas. This isn’t going to happen here and actually plays into my hands quite well with Pessotto and Di Livio going forward themselves to attack.
· There is a lack of pace in his side, in general. I believe with exceptional passers like Totti and Scholes, the pacey forwards can get in behind their back line.
· Deco, De Rossi and Scholes are all excellent on the ball. With Totti helping, there should be a solid control of possession and the tempo of the game.
PLAYER PROFILES
