What was wrong with Roy’s 3-5-2

[Michael]

Was it that we didnt have a Sami Hyppia and a Reina?

or

Is the system failed from the start?

Because on paper it looks great, and we have the perfect players for it right now!

2 quality Wingbacks
3 quality midfielders
3 quality centerbacks


If I could ask Rafa one question, this would be it!

[Rich]

I don't think Finnan would make an excellent RWB.

[Michael]

I don't think Finnan would make an excellent RWB.

You don’t? Are there many people that think like this?

Not to sound demanding but why??

For me he seems to have all the attributes needed?

[paulcooper4]

Was it that we didnt have a Sami Hyppia and a Reina?

or

Is the system failed from the start?

Because on paper it looks great, and we have the perfect players for it right now!

2 quality Wingbacks
3 quality midfielders
3 quality centerbacks


If I could ask Rafa one question, this would be it!

I hate that system with a passion. Yes its hard to beat, yes it means you have a lot of ball posession, but it stifles the final third. everything is concentrated to the midfield area. Obviously the better the player the better the system will look, but we had some pretty good players in evans`s side too.

You make a good point but personally I wouldnt choose 3 5 2 as long as i have a hole in my arse

[Red_Polo]

4 at the back is standard nowadays for good reason. Playing attack minded wingbacks usually causes you defensive problems unless the nature of your opposition makes it possible, whilst playing a flatter 5 would be defensive overkill and you'd struggle for width.

[Michael]

4 at the back is standard nowadays for good reason. Playing wingbacks usually causes you defensive problems unless the nature of your opposition makes it possible, whilst playing a flat 5 would be defensive overkill.

True

Last years Chelsea team, or the 1999 United team both with 2 out and out wingers would make mince meat of a 3-5-2.

I guess, on counter attack the 3 centerbacks could be over stretched.

[Bob]

4 at the back is standard nowadays for good reason. Playing attack minded wingbacks usually causes you defensive problems unless the nature of your opposition makes it possible, whilst playing a flatter 5 would be defensive overkill and you'd struggle for width.

Agree Polo, and though i can see Mike's point it's a non starter! You're placing too much emphasis on the wing backs ability to horse up and down the pitch for the full 90 minutes! Inevitably they get tired and then the opposition attack the flanks and create chances aplenty! It's too easy a system to circumnavigate, and i don't think you'll see another successful team with it.

There's a footballing philosophy that suggest 451 (like we've seen an emergence of recently) is the future. There is so much money in the game that 1-0 victories are lauded as professional mastery. **** that - 442 all the way Rafa

[Rich]

You don’t? Are there many people that think like this?

Not to sound demanding but why??

For me he seems to have all the attributes needed?

I don't think Finnan has the legs or footballing ability to make it at RWB. He IS an excellent RB though.

[Red_Polo]

Agree Polo, and though i can see Mike's point it's a non starter! You're placing too much emphasis on the wing backs ability to horse up and down the pitch for the full 90 minutes! Inevitably they get tired and then the opposition attack the flanks and create chances aplenty! It's too easy a system to circumnavigate, and i don't think you'll see another successful team with it.

There's a footballing philosophy that suggest 451 (like we've seen an emergence of recently) is the future. There is so much money in the game that 1-0 victories are lauded as professional mastery. **** that - 442 all the way Rafa

Yeah, I particularly like the 4-2-3-1 system. Gives the ball carriers freedom to do their thing. You do need three very technically gifted players behind the front man to pull it off though.

[Rich]

Yeah, I particularly like the 4-2-3-1 system. Gives the ball carriers freedom to do their thing. You do need three very technically gifted players behind the front man to pull it off though.

A bit like Barcelona then...

[Bob]

I don't think Finnan has the legs or footballing ability to make it at RWB. He IS an excellent RB though.

Its all about pacing, which you need in the game anyway, but he'd struggle to adapt to the role having been playing at RB/RM for his whole career.

[Anfield Mole]

3-5-2 is a formation that occasionaly has a purpose. Most of the time however, I think 4-4-2 is more effective. England won the World Cup playing 4-4-2, what more proof do you need?

[Bob]

Yeah, I particularly like the 4-2-3-1 system. Gives the ball carriers freedom to do their thing. You do need three very technically gifted players behind the front man to pull it off though.

FTR i like 4-1-2-1-2-1, but its not allowed apparently

4-1-2-3 is a system i'd like to see us play.

[Red_Polo]

4-1-2-3 is a system i'd like to see us play.

Never heard of it. Give us an example fantasy style line-up for it

[Rich]

While, I have no doubt Finnan is very fit, there are obviously some players that seem to have just a terrific engine (McManaman, Sissoko, et al.) To succeed as a Wing back you need one of those engines. Finnan doesn't have it.

I'm not in favour of a 3-5-2, I generally think that Rafa's selection shape is usually spot on, but if we had the pick of any players in the world, then I'd probably choose a 4-2-3-1 formation.