4-2-3-1

[The_weatherman]

I think there are occasions when a change of tactic is a good idea but I think we need to have a first choice XI who fit our system and then say another 7/8 players who can slip in and out as direct replacements of good quality. Then we can think about whether we want some specialist players like Pennant.

For me Kuyt has started to show that he can be a valuable member of the reserve list in a number of positions, as you say, which is good. He needs to show that his recent form is his true level but I'm becoming more inclined to keep him over say Crouch.

I think we are roughly on same page here.

[DomL]

Its a good formation but with us it still needs alot of work are three in the middle of the attack need to be alot tighter as a group while drifting in and out but i think that will come from having quicker as i feel our two wide players are covering for the lack of pace and guile within our full backs.

Also playing skrtel and Agger it will only benifit our team, with thoughs two we would be higher up the pitch in terms of the front four putting pressure on the back line and allowing us to gain more control of the ball and with better passers and footballer in our side it will work very well.

It also allows us to have focul points when on the break but they need to be quicker players and running from three angles centre right and left, yesterday we only had two centre and left with babel, it doesnt give alot of options just having two the third makes all the difference like at ManU.

The two in the middle of midfield dont really have to be dissaplined but they need pace with the ball and off as well a good way of keeping the play moving.

Personally i would have gerrard and Masch as the two with gerrard playing in a slightly more advanced role to Masch with a quicker player in front o him in the hole.

Or Lucas could take gerrard role when in need of a rest or cup games.

Gerrard for all his brilliance just hasnt got that fine touch or pass that is needed for the hole role, allthough he does do a good job that role can be done better.

[El Jefecito]

The "new" system has been talked about recently, I wonder how much does Rafa need to change in terms of playing personel to get the most out of this system. I have recently found myself defending Kuyt, I think he suits the system well as long as he is playing alongside Torres and/or Babel, so there will be some pace in the attack.

Today the strongest lineup would be I think:

Reina

Finnan
Carra
Agger
Aurelio

Mascher
Alonso

Babel
Gerrard
Kuyt

Torres

I think we have both central defence and central midfield covered but I reckon our first priority this summer should be a full back (right one with pace), a winger who can offer a decent goal threat and a good striker.

Don't think we need to add much more to the squad this summer if it means we could spend big in those positions.

Dare I say it, but wouldn't Alves, Simao and Heinze round out that team?

[CAD]

We need to play with two strikers. Always and forever.

[Neil Young]

We need to play with two strikers. Always and forever.

Why?

Man United seem to play pretty well with no "out-and-out" strikers.

[CAD]

Why?

Man United seem to play pretty well with no "out-and-out" strikers.

Yeah - but they have wingers and can switch into something that looks an awful lot like a 4-3-3 in a wiffy.

[Neil Young]

Yeah - but they have wingers and can switch into something that looks an awful lot like a 4-3-3 in a wiffy.

So if we got a good winger or two we could do without 2 strikers?



I think it's all a bit of a misnomer really. Because Gerrard was seen as a central midfielder when he plays as one of the 3 in a 4-2-3-1 he's still an attacking midfielder. Yet when Bergkamp played there or Rooney (or Kuyt) plays there, he's a support or second striker.

Similarly when Giggs plays on the left of a 3 he's a winger, etc. ad nauseam.

[lfc1394]

It's a shame Luis went as I think he'd be perfect as one of the either side 3.

[dww]

So if we got a good winger or two we could do without 2 strikers?



I think it's all a bit of a misnomer really. Because Gerrard was seen as a central midfielder when he plays as one of the 3 in a 4-2-3-1 he's still an attacking midfielder. Yet when Bergkamp played there or Rooney (or Kuyt) plays there, he's a support or second striker.

Similarly when Giggs plays on the left of a 3 he's a winger, etc. ad nauseam.

But when we tried to establish a better nomenclature for player positions we ended up with the much loved 'forward lying defensive midfield harasser' for Momo.

In general I tend to prefer to think of a front four and getting the correct balance of players within it. Ideally with flexible players who can play multiple roles (in the style of both United and Arsenal - we seemed to move towards this type of thinking with the purchases of Babel and Benayoun and the use of Voronin and Kuyt at times this season).

[Neil Young]

But when we tried to establish a better nomenclature for player positions we ended up with the much loved 'forward lying defensive midfield harasser' for Momo.

In general I tend to prefer to think of a front four and getting the correct balance of players within it. Ideally with flexible players who can play multiple roles (in the style of both United and Arsenal - we seemed to move towards this type of thinking with the purchases of Babel and Benayoun and the use of Voronin and Kuyt at times this season).

Four defenders...two of whom offer an attacking threat during general play.

Two central midfielders.

Four attackers.

Hang on, that's 4-2-4.

[dww]

Four defenders...two of whom offer an attacking threat during general play.

Two central midfielders.

Four attackers.

Hang on, that's 4-2-4.

At this rate by the start of next season we will start advocating a return to the WM formation

[Neil Young]

At this rate by the start of next season we will start advocating a return to the WM formation

----------------------Reina----------------------

-----------Arbeloa-------------Insua-------------

------Mascherano---Carragher-----Agger---------

Kuyt------Gerrard----Towers-----Babel-----Castro

[Guest]

----------------------Reina----------------------

-----------Arbeloa-------------Insua-------------

------Mascherano---Carragher-----Agger---------

Kuyt------Gerrard----Towers-----Babel-----Castro

[dww]

It is good to see Fidel is still playing despite retiring from his role at national level.

[Rich]

I think NY is referring to Raul Castro

:viva: