Great fits:
On first glance, it feels like a squad that doesn't need major open heart surgery to adapt to this tactic. But we don't know how well such a style will work in the Prem, or how well certain players will buy into it. It's going to be fascinating to see how he implements it and how long it takes before we see if it's going to work or not.
- Martinez and Yoro as the wider, ball playing defenders. Both should flourish in that sort of system where they can push up into midfield with the ball, or build moves with incisive passes.
- Ugarte and Mainoo as the central midfield pairing - Ugarte as the destroyer in a role he has perviously excelled in and Mainoo as the box to box, ball carrying 8 who can push forward into a more attacking midfield role when appropriate.
- Onana as the sweeper keeper behind a high line, closer to the role he did well in for Inter. There may be a handful of rash errors but the benefits should outweigh those.
- De Ligt as the slower but bigger central defender holding position at the back. He should be well suited to the role Coates performed at Sporting, with the pace of his two wider partners getting him out of trouble when needed. His passing is decent as well.
- Hojlund in the Gyokeres role. On paper this should suit him far better than the role Ten Hag has used him in. Running into the channels for long balls from deep, or playing off the shoulder and being fed via two more central attacking midfielders should see him getting plenty of chances to get on the ball in space.
On first glance, it feels like a squad that doesn't need major open heart surgery to adapt to this tactic. But we don't know how well such a style will work in the Prem, or how well certain players will buy into it. It's going to be fascinating to see how he implements it and how long it takes before we see if it's going to work or not.
