So the 3-5-2

[Ash_G]

I wonder when everyone is fit will it be Young + Valencia as the wingbacks or Shaw + Rafael

Thing is, as impressive as Young has been there, neither he nor Valencia have had any true tests yet from a defensive view point. We know Shaw and Rafael can do it and at least with them compared to Valencia then I don't think you lose anything significant attackignly and actually when they're fully fit I think they're more willing to push on than Valencia is. I reckon at the moment it would be Shaw and Young just cause of Rafael's injury.

It's the speed of thought that creates incisive counter attacks, not how fast people can run. Well, it is to an extent, but as i say, none of our attackers are particularly slow. We put some great moves together last year against Leverkusen and that was without Ronaldo and Nani.

True but being able to carry the ball at pace is a definite asset to any team imo, particularly on the counter. Even if you don't start with it I think it's an option you'd want and if Nani goes then there really isn't anyone who can provide it as things stand at the moment.

 

[ChrisG11]

Thing is, as impressive as Young has been there, neither he nor Valencia have had any true tests yet from a defensive view point. We know Shaw and Rafael can do it and at least with them compared to Valencia then I don't think you lose anything significant attackignly and actually when they're fully fit I think they're more willing to push on than Valencia is. I reckon at the moment it would be Shaw and Young just cause of Rafael's injury.




True but being able to carry the ball at pace is a definite asset to any team imo, particularly on the counter. Even if you don't start with it I think it's an option you'd want and if Nani goes then there really isn't anyone who can provide it as things stand at the moment.

Of course it's an asset you'd want. It's not an asset that's essential for the system to work though, which is what my point is.

 

[ChrisG11]

Your missing the point with this pace issue though. Ronaldo offered something else in that front 3, while at this point all of Mata, RVP and Rooney are quite one-paced. Not exactly slow, but they will not carry the ball like Ronaldo used to do for us. You don't need all of your players to be particulary quick and willing to make runs, but if you have no-one who does this kind of stuff, then it might be an issue. I still think we might be better with Welbeck out there. Januzaj will also be useful IMO.

I wouldn't say Rooney is one paced at all. I agree, the optimum line up would be to have a Ronaldo type alongside van Persie/Rooney and Rooney/Mata behind the front two. However, people are basing their opinions on whether the system will work or not on The Netherlands World Cup run. It's completely different because van Gaal never implemented his philosophy in the dutch side and they were geared up for winning the tournament first and foremost, which he admitted. Their game plan was to counter attack which placed a lot of responsibility on Robben to drive into the space and cause problems, as that is the most effective way to utilise him, being their best player. For United, we are going to enjoy a lot more possession so whilst we may not have a Robben to carry the ball up the field on the counter; That won't be our main source of attack and having players like Rooney, van Persie and Mata further up the field to capitalise when gaps do appear will be beneficial.

 

[FromTheBench]

Rooney has lost bit of his extreme acceleration since his Rooney - Tevez - Ronaldo days.

I think it's more about lacking a athletic ball carrying outlet though in that front 3 rather than just downright pace.

We'd have to control games for them to be most effective or just catch out opposition with longish balls like Roma 2nd goal.

 

[Ash_G]

Of course it's an asset you'd want. It's not an asset that's essential for the system to work though, which is what my point is.

I think if we don't have it, it could prove decisive over the season. Plenty of better passing teams i.e. Arsenal/Barca have suffered from it to various degrees over the past few years. If teams start flooding the middle against us then a lack of players able to create space out of nowhere or open things outwide could make things very difficult for us. We can play the system without it but we might struggle to get the results we want over the season as a whole as things stand at the moment unless LVG is able to turn around Valencia/Nani/Welbeck in terms of attacking with the ball at pace.

 

[ChrisG11]

I think if we don't have it, it could prove decisive over the season. Plenty of better passing teams i.e. Arsenal/Barca have suffered from it to various degrees over the past few years. If teams start flooding the middle against us then a lack of players able to create space out of nowhere or open things outwide could make things very difficult for us. We can play the system without it but we might struggle to get the results we want over the season as a whole as things stand at the moment unless LVG is able to turn around Valencia/Nani/Welbeck in terms of attacking with the ball at pace.

It's been evident that we've needed a winger/forward like that for a while though, that's nothing to do with playing 3-5-2. There's been a few occasions during pre-season where well disciplined defences, particularly the italian sides, have been opened up by patient possession and opportunistic progression. Of course, it's just pre-season; but if all teams need to do is flood the middle then you'd wonder if van Gaal is a tactical genius at all.

 

[Ash_G]

It's been evident that we've needed a winger/forward like that for a while though, that's nothing to do with playing 3-5-2. There's been a few occasions during pre-season where well disciplined defences, particularly the italian sides, have been opened up by patient possession and opportunistic progression. Of course, it's just pre-season; but if all teams need to do is flood the middle then you'd wonder if van Gaal is a tactical genius at all.

It's true but when you have two wingers and two overlapping fullbacks it lessens that burden and I'm not saying that it's a problem with 352 but with our squad as which will reduce the effectiveness of that formation. Plenty of managers can get blindsided by how they want to play. Wenger/Guardiola are also superb tactically but doesn't mean their teams haven't lacked a plan b before. That's what makes the Bayern squad so great the fact that they can mix it up if they want too and that's something we should look to do. It's good that we've changed the system away from being reliant on the players who weren't performing i.e. Valencia etc and it should help get more out of RVP/Rooney but it doesn't mean that the system isn't fallible. I'm sure LVG knows this though as his Dutch team wouldn't have done anywhere near what they did without Robben who provided exactly the threat I'm describing.

 

[ChrisG11]

It's true but when you have two wingers and two overlapping fullbacks it lessens that burden and I'm not saying that it's a problem with 352 but with our squad as which will reduce the effectiveness of that formation. Plenty of managers can get blindsided by how they want to play. Wenger/Guardiola are also superb tactically but doesn't mean their teams haven't lacked a plan b before. That's what makes the Bayern squad so great the fact that they can mix it up if they want too and that's something we should look to do. It's good that we've changed the system away from being reliant on the players who weren't performing i.e. Valencia etc and it should help get more out of RVP/Rooney but it doesn't mean that the system isn't fallible. I'm sure LVG knows this though as his Dutch team wouldn't have done anywhere near what they did without Robben who provided exactly the threat I'm describing.

This is the exact point i'm making though, if they didn't have Robben they wouldn't have played that way. They did, so they sat deeper, ready to counter and gave Robben more space and freedom to get the best out of him.

The key part of van Gaal's strategy so to speak that i think people misinterpret is the importance of moving the ball fast when in transition, because that's when the opposition is not organised. People then make a direct assumption to counter attacking, as if the opponents moves will always break down in the final third. Yes, they will sometimes, and Holland sat deeper in the World Cup to use these transitions most effectively, as they had Robben with time and space to run at where he is most dangerous. With United, we're always looking to press high up the field, and most of the time we will be winning the ball back in the opponents half, which won't need a player to carry the ball from one box to another. A good example is Welbeck's goal where Mata won the ball high up, committed a player and Welbeck capitalised.

In possession, if teams are flooding the middle then all the space will be on the flanks. When we move the ball quickly across the field, gaps will appear and we'll get more space with the wingbacks to create opportunities, it's not as if our main aim is to get the ball down the centre of the field. Our goal vs Madrid is a perfect example of moving the ball quickly, opening the opposition up with men behind the ball and utilising the space on the opposite flank to the work the ball back inside.

I understand why players would want a Robben type, who wouldn't? They're probably the most exciting type of player around. What i can't understand though is the notion that it's a necessity to this formation, when not once in pre-season has the system we're playign suggested that we need one.

 

[Crashoutcassius]

This is the exact point i'm making though, if they didn't have Robben they wouldn't have played that way. They did, so they sat deeper, ready to counter and gave Robben more space and freedom to get the best out of him.

The key part of van Gaal's strategy so to speak that i think people misinterpret is the importance of moving the ball fast when in transition, because that's when the opposition is not organised. People then make a direct assumption to counter attacking, as if the opponents moves will always break down in the final third. Yes, they will sometimes, and Holland sat deeper in the World Cup to use these transitions most effectively, as they had Robben with time and space to run at where he is most dangerous. With United, we're always looking to press high up the field, and most of the time we will be winning the ball back in the opponents half, which won't need a player to carry the ball from one box to another. A good example is Welbeck's goal where Mata won the ball high up, committed a player and Welbeck capitalised.

In possession, if teams are flooding the middle then all the space will be on the flanks. When we move the ball quickly across the field, gaps will appear and we'll get more space with the wingbacks to create opportunities, it's not as if our main aim is to get the ball down the centre of the field. Our goal vs Madrid is a perfect example of moving the ball quickly, opening the opposition up with men behind the ball and utilising the space on the opposite flank to the work the ball back inside.

I understand why players would want a Robben type, who wouldn't? They're probably the most exciting type of player around. What i can't understand though is the notion that it's a necessity to this formation, when not once in pre-season has the system we're playign suggested that we need one.

I think its general desire to have some pace in a counter attacking team. Liverpool used it to great effect last season, winning the ball high up the pitch and punishing teams with pure pace over and over again. It's very fashionable topic right now

 

[Nuts]

Yep. Alexis Sánchez would've been useful for that. I'd say that's more of a flaw with the squad composition than a flaw with the system though. I'm sure we'll see Januzaj play up front and offer a lot of those qualities though and playing up front in this system could easily get the best out of him. Playing on the right side of a "front two" in this 352 is essentially playing on the right side of a three-man attack, you just have a higher starting position and more freedom/responsibility to roam. Perfect for Januzaj. For me, the system allows our best players to play at one time in their best positions and it minimises the flaws of our weakest players.

• Mata is now in a position where he can score and create at will and he's no longer that (small) defensive liability out wide. Rooney's got a clearly defined role up front which will quite possibly see him have his best ever scoring season and in doing so he would become the all-time top goalscorer for us before he even turns 30. Van Persie's now got plenty of support in central areas and more creativity behind him than he's had since joining the club so providing he stays fit he'll easily get 25+ goals again. It's worth noting that he actually had a better scoring rate in all competitions last season than in his first, he was just injured too often.

• Valencia and Young's defensive contribution has always been a level above your typical winger and they do provide support for the midfield and retain the ball reasonably well, but the problem in the last two seasons' was that was all they were doing and that wasn't enough. As a wingback that is enough. They still of course need to provide some attacking threat but there's now a lot less responsibility on them being our main creators (which often was the case with Valencia no matter how poor he was playing). Their main role is to provide defensive cover, support the midfield in retaining the ball and provide a consistent source of width. That's one of our biggest issues solved.

• Our midfield two was often overrun and overburdened to the extent that they weren't able to get forward often enough to influence the play in the final third but they were also outnumbered by the opposition when on the counter. With another centre back behind them they'll have more licence to get forward and support the attack, safe in the knowledge that there's sufficient cover in the centre when they do. Without a designated defensive midfielder we really need that bit of added assurance at the back because our centre backs were exposed far too easily in the last couple of years and with a young backline you're asking for trouble there.

• Jones, Smalling and Evans are all ready to play consistently in their best positions and flourish and this is the only possible way for that to happen. Yes we have injuries at the back but one of the three replacing one when he gets injured and then being moved back out to right back post-injury or going back to the bench is doing nothing for their development. All three are good enough for us as long-term starters IMO so I'd love to see them firmly establish themselves this season. It also removes any possibility of Smalling/Jones playing anywhere other than centre back which is great news all round. This will be the season Jones really becomes the leader in the defence and gets plaudits from around the country, I reckon. It'll definitely give Evans and Jones the licence to go on marauding runs forward more often too which should see Evans get more recognition as a ball-playing defender as he's found creating something in the opposition third in the highlights. Van Gaal does seem to love his left-footers though and Blackett has shown more composure and better distribution than any of our defenders in pre-season.

Stonking post. Hope you're right about Jones - has a big chance to grasp the mettle here and could be like a new signing if he does.

 

[Ole's_toe_poke]

With Jones one would hope that LVG stops Jones from injuring himself by making silly challenges.

 

[ChrisG11]

I think its general desire to have some pace in a counter attacking team. Liverpool used it to great effect last season, winning the ball high up the pitch and punishing teams with pure pace over and over again. It's very fashionable topic right now

Of course it is. However, we are not going to be a counter attacking team, which is what people are struggling to grasp. You win the ball high up the pitch, you don't need a lot of players who can run really really fast with a football. You need players with intelligent movement and incisive passing to take advantage of the opponents disorganisation. Do we have that between Rooney, van Persie and Mata? I'd say so.

 

[gooDevil]

Real definitely seemed to be out of place at times trying to deal with our formation.

I love how the back 3 matches up with a lone striker when we have the ball, allowing one of them to run up the side into space and still leaving 2 CBs to deal with any danger on a counter if he's caught up there.

 

[Ash_G]

This is the exact point i'm making though, if they didn't have Robben they wouldn't have played that way. They did, so they sat deeper, ready to counter and gave Robben more space and freedom to get the best out of him.

The key part of van Gaal's strategy so to speak that i think people misinterpret is the importance of moving the ball fast when in transition, because that's when the opposition is not organised. People then make a direct assumption to counter attacking, as if the opponents moves will always break down in the final third. Yes, they will sometimes, and Holland sat deeper in the World Cup to use these transitions most effectively, as they had Robben with time and space to run at where he is most dangerous. With United, we're always looking to press high up the field, and most of the time we will be winning the ball back in the opponents half, which won't need a player to carry the ball from one box to another. A good example is Welbeck's goal where Mata won the ball high up, committed a player and Welbeck capitalised.

In possession, if teams are flooding the middle then all the space will be on the flanks. When we move the ball quickly across the field, gaps will appear and we'll get more space with the wingbacks to create opportunities, it's not as if our main aim is to get the ball down the centre of the field. Our goal vs Madrid is a perfect example of moving the ball quickly, opening the opposition up with men behind the ball and utilising the space on the opposite flank to the work the ball back inside.

I understand why players would want a Robben type, who wouldn't? They're probably the most exciting type of player around. What i can't understand though is the notion that it's a necessity to this formation, when not once in pre-season has the system we're playign suggested that we need one.

Well pre-season is rarely a true reflection of anything. Personally for me however good we are drilled by LVG at fast ball movement there are other teams out there with players better equipped than us to play such a style who have recognized the need to have players who can also carry the ball/utilize the wide areas to good effect. I'm not saying it's impossible for us to succeed or anything but that it's a current weakness in our team in the same way that a team who primarily players through the wings might have problems if they lacked good central passers as we have in the past. Not having that versatility makes us an easier team to set up against imo, I'm not saying we can be stopped easily but more easily that without that option.

 

[Rykker_4united]

I think its more of a 1-3-2-1-2...

white text

 

[Litch]

Well pre-season is rarely a true reflection of anything. Personally for me however good we are drilled by LVG at fast ball movement there are other teams out there with players better equipped than us to play such a style who have recognized the need to have players who can also carry the ball/utilize the wide areas to good effect. I'm not saying it's impossible for us to succeed or anything but that it's a current weakness in our team in the same way that a team who primarily players through the wings might have problems if they lacked good central passers as we have in the past. Not having that versatility makes us an easier team to set up against imo, I'm not saying we can be stopped easily but more easily that without that option.

I kind of agree. Also, the squad is going to look thin under this system. We need to be mindful of what we get rid of if they are not replaced. We have to remember some of those players in the starting 11 on tour have really poor injury records. For example Smalling and Jones often get injured even when they weren't playing. Young, Valencia, Raf, RVP (not on tour I know) and Fletch have shocking injury records.

Sometimes it easy to forget how physically demanding the Prem is....The young lads playing on tour are creating a bit of an illusion of the squads depth!!! Good players but no way ready for the PL.

 

[NoPace]

I've been surprised by how wide the strikers are and how high up the pitch Mata is. When the other team has the ball it's basically a 3-4-3 with the striker slightly withdrawn, looking like this:

----LWF----------------RWF---
--------------CAM--------------
-----------CM-------------------
LWB----------DM-----------RWB
-------LCB----CB-----RCB-----

 

[Rykker_4united]

I've been surprised by how wide the strikers are and how high up the pitch Mata is. When the other team has the ball it's basically a 3-4-3 with the striker slightly withdrawn, looking like this:

----LWF----------------RWF---
--------------CAM--------------
-----------CM-------------------
LWB----------DM-----------RWB
-------LCB----CB-----RCB-----

it looks especially with that when rooney isn't on. When Zaha/Nani have played up front it has been that way. The best example was the second half of the Inter game (?) where our front 3 was LW (Zaha) False 9 (kagawa) and RW (Nani)

 

[Gladiator]

I actually mean the word around almost literally. In the sense, that we could go through the likes of mata and herrera even more. Despite so many positives they seemingly see the ball far far lesser than our wingbacks.

I think that's part design and part circumstance. I say part design because LVG likes to have a lot of ball circulation (a feature of positional play) in his system and part circumstance in that teams tend to squeeze the middle so more spaces are found through the wingbacks. The key for Herrera/Mata for me is how they get on the ball in our transition game

 

[Kag]

We have conceded one goal from open play in five games and even that was an anomaly. This formation is working so far from a defensive standpoint.

 

[ChrisG11]

Well pre-season is rarely a true reflection of anything. Personally for me however good we are drilled by LVG at fast ball movement there are other teams out there with players better equipped than us to play such a style who have recognized the need to have players who can also carry the ball/utilize the wide areas to good effect. I'm not saying it's impossible for us to succeed or anything but that it's a current weakness in our team in the same way that a team who primarily players through the wings might have problems if they lacked good central passers as we have in the past. Not having that versatility makes us an easier team to set up against imo, I'm not saying we can be stopped easily but more easily that without that option.

Of course, we'd be better with this type of player, as i've acknowledged. Rome wasn't built in a day though. The main debate is whether this formation will work with the players we have currently and in my opinion for the reasons i've suggested, i think it will; and that in the short term these "weaknesses" won't be an issue. There's definitely room for improvement, we've not got the best team in the league for starters. We can't expect it to happen at once though and we can focus on further improving the squad next season when (hopefully) we'll be in the CL challenging for the biggest honours again.

 

[Ole90+3]

The most concerning thing for me about this formation is the idea that Januzaj won't fit into it.

I really can't see where he could be utilised. I don't think he has the mentality to play as wing-back, and isn't developed enough to play as no.10 ahead of Mata or Kagawa.

I think, or like to think, that Van Gaal will practice with 4-3-3 in a couple of fixtures where we expect the opposition to sit back and invite pressure.

It seems that Van Gaal's long term view is to be experienced in both these formations to keep the opposition guessing and for variation which will come in especially useful in Europe.

In the games where we play 4-3-3, I think Adnan can come in and show his talent, but I'd hate for such a great talent to be restricted to just the one formation, especially not the one that we plan on using the most.

This season is absolutely key for Januzaj's development and it is essential that he gets plenty of game time.

Where do people think he can fit into the 3-5-2 system? Maybe the 2nd MF i.e. Herrera-Januzaj, and then Mata and the 2 strikers ahead of them. Or Maybe the 2nd striker?

 

[ChrisG11]

There's no concern whatsoever, Januzaj will do a fantastic job at #10, he could also do well having a free role as the second striker. One of his best games last season was the 4-0 win vs Norwich when he was central.

 

[bishblaize]

The most concerning thing for me about this formation is the idea that Januzaj won't fit into it.

I really can't see where he could be utilised. I don't think he has the mentality to play as wing-back, and isn't developed enough to play as no.10 ahead of Mata or Kagawa.

I think, or like to think, that Van Gaal will practice with 4-3-3 in a couple of fixtures where we expect the opposition to sit back and invite pressure.

It seems that Van Gaal's long term view is to be experienced in both these formations to keep the opposition guessing and for variation which will come in especially useful in Europe.

In the games where we play 4-3-3, I think Adnan can come in and show his talent, but I'd hate for such a great talent to be restricted to just the one formation, especially not the one that we plan on using the most.

This season is absolutely key for Januzaj's development and it is essential that he gets plenty of game time.

Where do people think he can fit into the 3-5-2 system? Maybe the 2nd MF i.e. Herrera-Januzaj, and then Mata and the 2 strikers ahead of them. Or Maybe the 2nd striker?

I think in the mid to long term we'll move to a 4-3-3 and Januzaj will take his place on one side of the attacking trident. In the short term I think we'll sell Kagawa and play him as backup number 10, occasionally playing him as a striker or wingback in games where its all one way traffic. However I doubt he'll beat last season's appearance figures unless we sell quite a few before the window closes.

 

[RedSky]

He'll be an impact sub for big games and rotated for the home games against the struggling teams. He'll get plenty of games this season and will continue to develop. I think he played too much last season anyway and burned out in January, so it's probably best to keep rotating him to keep him sharp.

 

[Borys]

There's no concern whatsoever, Januzaj will do a fantastic job at #10, he could also do well having a free role as the second striker. One of his best games last season was the 4-0 win vs Norwich when he was central.

That is correct, I remember this game and I think he was great, running at defenders from the deep. He will thrive in this system.

 

[Crashoutcassius]

I think Januzaj is a very obvious choice as back up for Rooney? For Holland Robben had license and RVP stayed central, I'd imagine Januzaj would just slot in like Robben did, in a free role, trying to isolate defenders

 

[bm_5]

I honestly see Adnan slotting in as the n. 10. He's much more of a passer and creative player than Rooney, but not as much of a finisher as Wayne and Mata. Don't see him playing the wingback role in this formation. Nani is the one I can't see a position for.

 

[charlenefan]

I see Januzaj eventually being the Robben in our 3-5-2 if we persist long enough with it

 

[Stack]

The important thing with Adnan is his ability. He is reasonably quick, he is a heads up player and so can read play well. He has very good ball control, especially under pressure and can pass with either foot. He has a great work ethic. I dont see why he cant fit in to LVG's way of playing. He has all the right attributes to play in a LVG team. I dont understand why some think he might struggle.

 

[ryan_forlan]

Let's just buy a winger and a utility full back and stick to a 4-2-3-1
Please!!!!!

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

I'm not sure we have enough defenders to rotate under 3-5-2.

 

[C'est Moi Cantona]

I'm not sure we have enough defenders to rotate under 3-5-2.

We don't, would far rather see us using LvG favored system, rather than us having to compromise because we don't have the players to play it properly, this because we are just fannying around once again in the transfer market.

 

[Mozza]

I'm not sure we have enough defenders to rotate under 3-5-2.

We wont need to, 38 league games and two cups to play for, I doubt we'll break 50 games over the season

 

[Everest Red]

Let's just buy a winger and a utility full back and stick to a 4-2-3-1
Please!!!!!

Meh. RVP, Mata and Rooney will occupy wider spaces and as necessary and one CD will push up to support midfielders. This formation should work well, at least in principle.

 

[Gopher Brown]

I have slight long-term concerns over the 3-5-2.

At the moment, we have some players who obviously don't have a place in this formation - Nani, Zaha, and if Mata plays, Januzaj and Kagawa. And we have serious shortages at centre-back. I'm not the boss, but it just seems that this set-up won't allow us to put as many of our best players on the pitch as we would like to.

Long-term though, if the manager persists with this for 3 years and buys players accordingly, what happens when the next manager comes along and wants to revert to the more commonly used formations? If we buy dedicated wing-backs and have 5/6 good centrebacks the balance of the squad for playing 4-3-3 would be off.

But then, maybe it's just new and it's fear of the unknown that is speaking here.

 

[Sied]

I have slight long-term concerns over the 3-5-2.

At the moment, we have some players who obviously don't have a place in this formation - Nani, Zaha, and if Mata plays, Januzaj and Kagawa. And we have serious shortages at centre-back. I'm not the boss, but it just seems that this set-up won't allow us to put as many of our best players on the pitch as we would like to.

Long-term though, if the manager persists with this for 3 years and buys players accordingly, what happens when the next manager comes along and wants to revert to the more commonly used formations? If we buy dedicated wing-backs and have 5/6 good centrebacks the balance of the squad for playing 4-3-3 would be off.

But then, maybe it's just new and it's fear of the unknown that is speaking here.

It completely allows us to play our best players imo. 3-5-2 seems to benefit every single position except for our center back situation.
It allows Rooney and RVP to play up top. Mata or Kagawa to play in the hole. Our wingers are more reliable defensively than creative offensively. Midfield 2 obviously stays the same. We bring in 1 or 2 center backs and it benefits every position imo.

I doubt LVG plans on building the team around this long term, but it's a great immediate solution. Plus he can bring players in to take us back to a more orthodox formation quite easily imo.

 

[Hoof the ball]

I have a question regarding the 3-4-1-2.

How do we deal with the high press and the man marking on our three centre backs when the GK attempts to play out from the back?

Great win against the Scousers but was anyone worried that our distribution could be majorly affected by pushing right up, causing the keeper to look for the Wing backs on the diagonal pass, which is a lower percentage ball?

 

[Stack]

I have a question regarding the 3-4-1-2.

How do we deal with the high press and the man marking on our three centre backs when the GK attempts to play out from the back?

Great win against the Scousers but was anyone worried that our distribution could be majorly affected by pushing right up, causing the keeper to look for the Wing backs on the diagonal pass, which is a lower percentage ball?

Off the ball movement

 

[Hoof the ball]

Off the ball movement

So, from the keeper to either the DM, WBL and WBR via off the ball movement.

If GK plays to DM (bypassing defensive line) that's a risky central pass to a congested area.

If GK plays to WB, it's a tougher pass but to a less congested area, which may result in lower successful completion rate.

All I'm saying is, if you watch the game against Liverpool, our first half was largely due to their high pressure against the three Cb's. There's no doubt that this kind of high press can be exploited by more direct football, but it certainly did hinder our playing from the back