I don’t see this formation as our permanent setup for years to come, but for this season I think it’s worth a try. It allows us to accommodate two strikers and one number 10 on the pitch, so probably suits our current personnel the best.
3 CBs: I think that Evans, Smalling and Jones can form a very solid partnership. Ideally we can play Jonny on the left (as he is very comfortable with his left foot), Chris on the right (knows how to cover a RB) and Phil in the middle, so that he can break forward at times. Jones isn’t exactly a midfielder, but given some passing options around I believe he can do a job there.
Midfield: Herrera + 1 defensively sound midfielder. I like the idea of two box-to-box players who can contribute on both sides of the pitch, but we only have one at the moment.
Attack: To be honest I don’t think this is some magical way to accommodate RVP, Rooney and Mata on the pitch. This would work if we had wingbacks ala Di Maria (perfect for that role IMO), but with our current wide options I just don’t see it.
From what I’ve seen, Shaw main strength is defending, and he’s not very good at going forward. I’m not concerned about that as he’s not a finished article, and in my opinion he can be a very good wingback if his speed and stamina is used correctly. I would be worried if he was Buttner type of player- good going forward, shit at defending.
On the other side of the pitch, I think Rafael would make a very good wingback. Unfortunately, if he spends half season injured again, than we are stuck with Valencia who I don’t like in that role. He’s not productive in the final third, and gets caught out of position while defending way too often.
We can play it with one of RVP or Rooney, Januzaj or Welbeck as the 2 strikers and Kagawa or Mata behind them.
No system makes Rooney/RVP/Mata suddenly have threatening speed.
I can definitely see Welbeck being used a lot, especially in the big games when we look to play on the break. Or Januzaj as the other option if he impresses in the role
It always applies, you need off the ball runners. You won't be able to penetrate with a team full of players who want the ball into feet. You need players who will run of the ball commit men and stretch teams. Pacy players.
I think that Welbeck might prove crucial for this formations to work. It really does suit him, the second striker role, moving to the side, playing those one-two with midfielders and wingbacks, while one of Rooney/Van Persie stays as main striker in the middle. I really think this is the best way to play this formation.
Januzaj could play on either side of the striker or as a 10. If anything I think it could bring the best out of him as he would have to do less defensive work.
Not sure why you don't see him as a number 10. I think he's be fantastic there. His vision, intelligence and weight of pass are fantastic. He has all the attributes to play there.
Januzaj would also be very good in that second striker role, his movement with the ball would cause the opposition a lot of trouble. He can play as a number 10 too.
A few promising signs early on that will improve as the players become accustomed to it, even if it will be against infinitely superior opposition than LA Galaxy.
From a defensive perspective it looked quite good. Agree with bishblaise about how much more difficult it is to maintain your defensive shape and keep your backline three aligned, opposed to a back two/four where it's pretty simplistic with the right coaching and able players. As it is, Smalling, Jones and Evans were impressive in their positional play, save for LA exploiting space down Evans' side in the early stages. When one of the three pressed the opposition and came out of defence, Fletcher did well to momentarily fill in also. We could well be playing with two number #8's next season if we sign Vidal however, so the three defenders might have to sit back more and be more cautious.
The main concern is the wingbacks for me. You could see how uncomfortable Shaw was in that role right from the off and playing high up the pitch didn't suit his natural game whereby his defensive work is more impressive than the attacking outlet he would provide. It's his first game, so not much should be read into it and his attacking game will improve, but it takes emphasis away from his solid defensive game and expects too much from him offensively. However, in the long run the right side looks more of a weakness. Valencia was again inept going forward and looked out of his depth, but he should do better there with more time on the ball in the final third. You'd think Rafael would displace Valencia, but being deployed as a fullback might be more befitting of his ability. He will certainly be a better attacking outlet than Valencia though.
The midfield looked good. Very compact, good pressing and it's such a huge relief to have someone like Herrera who can play at such a high pace whether it's running with the ball, linking with teammates or darting into space. He was exceptional and will be hugely important for this system to work. Fletcher anchored quite well, but as I said, we will likely sign another midfielder, so it's getting the balance right. Good energy, good tactical discipline and good interplay at times. Probably the most encouraging signs ahead of the defence and attack funnily enough.
Onto the attack. Personally I think this system really requires a pacy forward - Welbeck in our case - who can stretch play and supplement movement, otherwise the attack is far too static. It's a system where all three of van Persie, Mata and Rooney would be deployed in their correct positions, but it isn't the conundrum to playing all three at once and quite frankly I don't think there is one. If LVG really does plan to use this formation frequently, Welbeck is essential out of our current options and then it's a toss-up between van Persie and Rooney.
In summary, the centre backs will improve and develop a better understanding of their role with more game time. However, the wingbacks could be a potential weakness. The midfield looks very positive with Herrera and Mata and the forward line still doesn't solve the van Persie/Rooney conundrum. It will be interesting to see how it pans out.
This is an excellent post and I agree with everything you said. I have exactly the same worries.
As far as transfers are concerned, it doesn’t change anything. We need a defensive minded midfielder and centre back.
Also, if we are to play this formation on regular basis then I think it’s time for Kagawa and Hernandez to go.
Sorry for the length of this post but I've been away for a few days and I could only gather some quotes on my phone.
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