Liverpool's transfer business in their post-Klopp rebuild suggests they might move to a back three system. Analysis of Jacquet adds an intriguing dimension.
3412 has some positives. The biggest: Alex & Hugo playing CF at the same time creates a huge problem for opponents. In attack, Hugo could be truly unleashed, dropping into midfield (box 4) or interchanging w Florian & opponents will really struggle because they have to mark Alex. In defense, it protects the center, enabling central pressing traps galore.
The biggest concern is the wingbacks. The wingbacks need to be special players with James Milner-level endurance, pacy, carry an attacking threat & smart (risk/reward) in split-second decisions about when to press. Milos has the endurance but that's about it. Conor & Jeremie are a better fit for the role but fitness is a concern. We'd definitely have to buy a LWB.
The outside CBs have to be a fit as well. They have to have the pace to cover the space behind the wingbacks & strong in possession & technical skills bc of a greater reliance on them to progress via passing or carries. Jacquet looks tailor-made for outside RCB - pace & a midfielder-level technical toolbox for carrying, passing to move us forward. I'm not sure Virg at 35 is suited for the outside LCB but he'd be great in the center of 3 CBs. We'd need to sign a LCB.
Who knows what Hughes is thinking but a back 3 feels like a rigid/fragile system bc of its reliance on specialists ... remove 1 piece bc of injury and it's hard to adapt. I'd bet we stick with 4231, counting on Hugo being able to play on the left when Alex is at CF + Florian developing into his defensive responsibilities at the 10.
Thanks for that again, Andrew. Looking at Amorims recent, uhm, successes just up the M62, is there any real possibility of using a back 3? We're already using a variation of it with a withdrawn fullback but there doesn't seem to be much success with 3 CBs in the PL in recent years
I don’t think it’s that likely, it would involve the suits forcing a formation on Slot (assuming he stays in charge; he may not) that he hasn’t used before. It was just an interesting link among many of the signings and targets.
3412 has some positives. The biggest: Alex & Hugo playing CF at the same time creates a huge problem for opponents. In attack, Hugo could be truly unleashed, dropping into midfield (box 4) or interchanging w Florian & opponents will really struggle because they have to mark Alex. In defense, it protects the center, enabling central pressing traps galore.
The biggest concern is the wingbacks. The wingbacks need to be special players with James Milner-level endurance, pacy, carry an attacking threat & smart (risk/reward) in split-second decisions about when to press. Milos has the endurance but that's about it. Conor & Jeremie are a better fit for the role but fitness is a concern. We'd definitely have to buy a LWB.
The outside CBs have to be a fit as well. They have to have the pace to cover the space behind the wingbacks & strong in possession & technical skills bc of a greater reliance on them to progress via passing or carries. Jacquet looks tailor-made for outside RCB - pace & a midfielder-level technical toolbox for carrying, passing to move us forward. I'm not sure Virg at 35 is suited for the outside LCB but he'd be great in the center of 3 CBs. We'd need to sign a LCB.
Who knows what Hughes is thinking but a back 3 feels like a rigid/fragile system bc of its reliance on specialists ... remove 1 piece bc of injury and it's hard to adapt. I'd bet we stick with 4231, counting on Hugo being able to play on the left when Alex is at CF + Florian developing into his defensive responsibilities at the 10.
Thanks for that again, Andrew. Looking at Amorims recent, uhm, successes just up the M62, is there any real possibility of using a back 3? We're already using a variation of it with a withdrawn fullback but there doesn't seem to be much success with 3 CBs in the PL in recent years
I don’t think it’s that likely, it would involve the suits forcing a formation on Slot (assuming he stays in charge; he may not) that he hasn’t used before. It was just an interesting link among many of the signings and targets.
I thought it was just curious considering the links with Alonso being made. Though much of that could just be invention to fill spaces too.