Our midfield problems

[WhiteHart4Ever]

Guys,

Just a few thoughts on the problems we've experienced with our midfield the last couple of weeks. In this forum, there are now active threads about (how bad) Jenas (is), Huddlestone and how dependent we are on Lennon, in addition to recent discussions on Modric and O'Hara. This calls for one unified thread on our midfield problems.

Generally, our play is built around pretty straightforward principles. We have one attacking (Ekotto) and one defending (Corluka) fullback, one holding midfielder (Palacios) and one ball distributer (Huddlestone), one playmaker LM that drifts infield and into "the hole" (Modric/Kranjcar), one out-and-out winger whose job is to run at his full back and get the ball in the box, one link-up forward (Crouch/Keane) and one pure striker threatening the space behind the defence (Defoe).

This system is pretty balanced. Ekotto and Lennon provide the width, Kranjcar/Modric and Huddlestone provide the creativity, and Palacious provides the balance with a solid "defensive 3" behind him. In addition, teams are stretched because we have quick players in Lennon and Defoe, and we're able to push the team forward as we have one very quick defender (Bassong, Woodgate, King(?)) to take out the opponent's striker's run and a holding midfielder (Palacious) to break up counter attacks.

What has happened in recent weeks is that 1) Lennon has been missing 2) Palacious was rested.

On 1) Without Lennon, we miss three things: Pace, width and precise (!)balls from the flanks to the strikers. Redknapp's solution was to replace Lennon with Kranjcar/Modric, which meant we lost both pace and width and overcrowded the two playmaker's area between the midfield and the defence. When that didnt work, Redknapp brought on Hutton for Corluka, as he provides both width and pace. However, his final ball is so poor, that it mostly gives us more corners. We have not found a solution to this problem. Our system is reliant upon pace and delivery from both flanks, provided from one fullback and one winger. Bale has provided it on the left in Ekotto's absence, Hutton/Corluka/Modric/Kranjcar has not in Lennon's. When we compensate with Hutton and Bale, our system is unbalanced as they are simply not good enough in defence.

2) When Palacious is gone, there suddenly appears a huge ocean of space behind our midfield, that he previously was singlehandedly covering. Both our midfield and defence were completly suprised by this yesterday, and didnt have a clue what do you. Our system does not work without a strong, disciplined holding midfielder. We need to bring in cover (could be O'Hara) for this position.

The solution: Stick to the system

We have a balanced system we should stick with (as outlined above). That means that we:

1) We need to replace Lennon with a similar player. This was tried last night (Rose), but it didnt work out as we were too vulnerable in defence with Bale/Hutton and were ineffective going forward on the right. Bale replaces Ekotto, he is a similar player and should play with someone on the left he can combine with (Modric/Kranjcar). Thus, we need a traditional winger in front of Corluka on the right. There are three possible replacements for Lennon: Dos Santos, Bentley and Rose. For me, Dos Santos makes most sense, but I'm not opposed to Bentley either. The problem with him is that he drifts inwards. If none of these can replace him, we should look to bring in a direct understudy to Lennon.

2) We need cover for Wilson. The only one who can do the job at the moment is O'Hara, possibly Huddlestone. We need to buy an understudy for Wilson.

3) We need to play with Corluka, his defending is a crucial part of what has been a very strong defence this year.

4) We cannot play Modric, Kranjcar and Huddlestone (Jenas) in the same team. They are simply too similar in the way the run into the same space. Two of the three (four) can probably play in any combination, even though Modric was not convincing in CM last night.

Thanks for taking the time to read it, and COME ON YOU SPURS!!

 

[DJS]

Good post mate.

I think we could still possibly fit Krancjar, Modric and Jenas into the same team but it would have to be:

Right winger Jenas Modric Krancjar

The problem seems to be in that neither Krancjar or Modric have been that hot on the right.

It is still open to debate as to whether Modric would be effective in a midfield two as he's not really played there often enough to form an opinion.

I was hoping we'd sign another central dominating midfield player this January as when you take Palacios out of the equation neither Hudd or Jenas seem to be able to dominate a midfield.

I'd like to see us sign someone who can play alongside Palacios as first choice but also function effectively on his own if Palacios is unavailable.

Although O'Hara should have benefited from his stay at Pompey so maybe he should be given more opportunities.

 

[Alfieconnman]

Guys,

Just a few thoughts on the problems we've experienced with our midfield the last couple of weeks. In this forum, there are now active threads about (how bad) Jenas (is), Huddlestone and how dependent we are on Lennon, in addition to recent discussions on Modric and O'Hara. This calls for one unified thread on our midfield problems.

Generally, our play is built around pretty straightforward principles. We have one attacking (Ekotto) and one defending (Corluka) fullback, one holding midfielder (Palacios) and one ball distributer (Huddlestone), one playmaker LM that drifts infield and into "the hole" (Modric/Kranjcar), one out-and-out winger whose job is to run at his full back and get the ball in the box, one link-up forward (Crouch/Keane) and one pure striker threatening the space behind the defence (Defoe).

This system is pretty balanced. Ekotto and Lennon provide the width, Kranjcar/Modric and Huddlestone provide the creativity, and Palacious provides the balance with a solid "defensive 3" behind him. In addition, teams are stretched because we have quick players in Lennon and Defoe, and we're able to push the team forward as we have one very quick defender (Bassong, Woodgate, King(?)) to take out the opponent's striker's run and a holding midfielder (Palacious) to break up counter attacks.

What has happened in recent weeks is that 1) Lennon has been missing 2) Palacious was rested.

On 1) Without Lennon, we miss three things: Pace, width and precise (!)balls from the flanks to the strikers. Redknapp's solution was to replace Lennon with Kranjcar/Modric, which meant we lost both pace and width and overcrowded the two playmaker's area between the midfield and the defence. When that didnt work, Redknapp brought on Hutton for Corluka, as he provides both width and pace. However, his final ball is so poor, that it mostly gives us more corners. We have not found a solution to this problem. Our system is reliant upon pace and delivery from both flanks, provided from one fullback and one winger. Bale has provided it on the left in Ekotto's absence, Hutton/Corluka/Modric/Kranjcar has not in Lennon's. When we compensate with Hutton and Bale, our system is unbalanced as they are simply not good enough in defence.

2) When Palacious is gone, there suddenly appears a huge ocean of space behind our midfield, that he previously was singlehandedly covering. Both our midfield and defence were completly suprised by this yesterday, and didnt have a clue what do you. Our system does not work without a strong, disciplined holding midfielder. We need to bring in cover (could be O'Hara) for this position.

The solution: Stick to the system

We have a balanced system we should stick with (as outlined above). That means that we:

1) We need to replace Lennon with a similar player. This was tried last night (Rose), but it didnt work out as we were too vulnerable in defence with Bale/Hutton and were ineffective going forward on the right. Bale replaces Ekotto, he is a similar player and should play with someone on the left he can combine with (Modric/Kranjcar). Thus, we need a traditional winger in front of Corluka on the right. There are three possible replacements for Lennon: Dos Santos, Bentley and Rose. For me, Dos Santos makes most sense, but I'm not opposed to Bentley either. The problem with him is that he drifts inwards. If none of these can replace him, we should look to bring in a direct understudy to Lennon.

2) We need cover for Wilson. The only one who can do the job at the moment is O'Hara, possibly Huddlestone. We need to buy an understudy for Wilson.

3) We need to play with Corluka, his defending is a crucial part of what has been a very strong defence this year.

4) We cannot play Modric, Kranjcar and Huddlestone (Jenas) in the same team. They are simply too similar in the way the run into the same space. Two of the three (four) can probably play in any combination, even though Modric was not convincing in CM last night.

Thanks for taking the time to read it, and COME ON YOU SPURS!!

Good post (repped). In my view there is nothing much wrong with our first choice midfield but, as you say, problems emerge when either Lennon or Wilson are not available. One of the reasons for this is, in my view, not the alternative players available but the actual selections that Harry makes, as he never seems to try to substitute "like for like". This was very much in evidence yesterday. Kranky is a good player but is not a natural replacement for Lennon - he does not have sufficient pace and is happier in the centre or on the left. Surely Gio would have been a more obvious choice. Far worse however was replacing Wilson with Jenas. I have never quite worked out what type of midfielder Jenas is (although crap springs to mind) but defensive he most certainly is not. In the absence of Hudd the next best choice would be O'Hara
(who was on the bench). We do need back up for Wilson and if Harry has no confidence in Gio then we also need to import a pacy left winger as a deputy for Lennon.

 

[WhiteHart4Ever]

Good post (repped). In my view there is nothing much wrong with our first choice midfield but, as you say, problems emerge when either Lennon or Wilson are not available. One of the reasons for this is, in my view, not the alternative players available but the actual selections that Harry makes, as he never seems to try to substitute "like for like". This was very much in evidence yesterday. Kranky is a good player but is not a natural replacement for Lennon - he does not have sufficient pace and is happier in the centre or on the left. Surely Gio would have been a more obvious choice. Far worse however was replacing Wilson with Jenas. I have never quite worked out what type of midfielder Jenas is (although crap springs to mind) but defensive he most certainly is not. In the absence of Hudd the next best choice would be O'Hara
(who was on the bench). We do need back up for Wilson and if Harry has no confidence in Gio then we also need to import a pacy left winger as a deputy for Lennon.

Yep, the like-for-like is sort of my basic argument, as I feel we have a good, solid and well-balanced first 11. But to do that, you need to do what Chelsea (especially) under Mourinho did: Two similar players for each position that alternates. Next year we'll play in more competitions, and thus need that kind of squad.

At the moment, we're lacking cover for Wilson, Defoe (no direct replacement as Crouch, Keane, Pav are more about link-up and not pacy enough) and Lennon - who are arguably our most important players! In addition, we have players like Bentley, Gio, O'Hara, Pav who are good players but 3rd choice at best for their position. Either they're cover/rotated or they should be talented youngsters who can break into the team later on..

 

[WhiteHart4Ever]

Good post mate.

I think we could still possibly fit Krancjar, Modric and Jenas into the same team but it would have to be:

Right winger Jenas Modric Krancjar

The problem seems to be in that neither Krancjar or Modric have been that hot on the right.

It is still open to debate as to whether Modric would be effective in a midfield two as he's not really played there often enough to form an opinion.

I was hoping we'd sign another central dominating midfield player this January as when you take Palacios out of the equation neither Hudd or Jenas seem to be able to dominate a midfield.

I'd like to see us sign someone who can play alongside Palacios as first choice but also function effectively on his own if Palacios is unavailable.

Although O'Hara should have benefited from his stay at Pompey so maybe he should be given more opportunities.

It's more about type of player to me. Looking at his abilities, Modric certainly could replace Hudd (and has played in that role before and for Croatia), though Hudd provides a bit more height and strenght. Jenas does not replace Palacious, and he's not really creative enough to replace Huddlestone (Modric). O'Hara is to me an option in both roles, but from what I've seen at Portsmouth he's been more of an attacking, driving option than holding mid..

 

[NEVILLEB]

Good post

We need a CM in his late twenties who is a strong leader. He must also be a play-maker and be able to score at least 10 goals a season.

 

[Chimbo!]

I agree with you post entirely. We have accumulated points consistently with our 1st choice team because it is balanced. We have dropped points when that has been altered.

We have particularly suffered without Lennon because of the pace he offers. He laso gets the best out of Corluka attacking-wise. Moreover Corluka's defensive abilities support Dawson and Bassong because he has a cool head. He wins plenty of headers and I very rarely see him beaten by a winger.

I think our recent run has shown the frailties in our squad in midfield. We do not have replacements for Huddlestone, Palacios or Lennon. This has been the primary cause of our inbalance recently.

Perhaps we should play Bale at LM when Ekotto is fit because that will give us pace on one flank. Modric can the shift to the right. So we effectively invert our original balanced structure. At CM, however, if there are injuries then we have a problem. I think a CM along with a CB had to be our priority but looks as if this will not be solved until the summer.

 

[TwoSaintsComeMarching]

Iv just posted this in another thread:

I cant believe some people are still considering playing Modric and Krankcar on the flanks! We saw against Hull and Liverpool that it just doesnt work!

Against Fulham id like to see Modric back on the Left for god sake... Something like this is think would be our best lineup:

Gomes
Corluka Dawson Bassong Bale
Hutton Palacios Huddlestone Modric
Defoe Pav
​

We need to stop digressing from the system that has worked so well for us recently. That means keep Modric on the Left and stop trying to accomodate both him and Kranjcar into the team. Best system over best players please Harry!!

I put Hutton as RM as i think he is most capable of taking on Lennon's role - getting to the by line and cutting balls back into the box.

Pav and Defoe to start!

I agree with a lot of what youre saying, including the fact that Corluka needs to start (but only if there is a pacy winger infront of him). But i think youre unfairly disregarding Hutton. Our RM slot needs to be filled by a pacy winger who can provide width, as you have stated. For me Bentley has been useless and so isnt even an option. For me Hutton is the natural option.

 

[WhiteHart4Ever]

I agree with you post entirely. We have accumulated points consistently with our 1st choice team because it is balanced. We have dropped points when that has been altered.

We have particularly suffered without Lennon because of the pace he offers. He laso gets the best out of Corluka attacking-wise. Moreover Corluka's defensive abilities support Dawson and Bassong because he has a cool head. He wins plenty of headers and I very rarely see him beaten by a winger.

I think our recent run has shown the frailties in our squad in midfield. We do not have replacements for Huddlestone, Palacios or Lennon. This has been the primary cause of our inbalance recently.

Perhaps we should play Bale at LM when Ekotto is fit because that will give us pace on one flank. Modric can the shift to the right. So we effectively invert our original balanced structure. At CM, however, if there are injuries then we have a problem. I think a CM along with a CB had to be our priority but looks as if this will not be solved until the summer.

Been thinking that myself, Bale's got the pace and delivery of the final ball to play LW, and I'm still not confident about his defending. Also, Bassong can fill in at LB. The problem with this is that Modric/Kranjcar just don't seem as effective on the right..Hutton on RM is mentioned further down, but don't think his final ball is good enough.

 

[Dan Ashcroft]

Guys,

Just a few thoughts on the problems we've experienced with our midfield the last couple of weeks. In this forum, there are now active threads about (how bad) Jenas (is), Huddlestone and how dependent we are on Lennon, in addition to recent discussions on Modric and O'Hara. This calls for one unified thread on our midfield problems.

Generally, our play is built around pretty straightforward principles. We have one attacking (Ekotto) and one defending (Corluka) fullback, one holding midfielder (Palacios) and one ball distributer (Huddlestone), one playmaker LM that drifts infield and into "the hole" (Modric/Kranjcar), one out-and-out winger whose job is to run at his full back and get the ball in the box, one link-up forward (Crouch/Keane) and one pure striker threatening the space behind the defence (Defoe).

This system is pretty balanced. Ekotto and Lennon provide the width, Kranjcar/Modric and Huddlestone provide the creativity, and Palacious provides the balance with a solid "defensive 3" behind him. In addition, teams are stretched because we have quick players in Lennon and Defoe, and we're able to push the team forward as we have one very quick defender (Bassong, Woodgate, King(?)) to take out the opponent's striker's run and a holding midfielder (Palacious) to break up counter attacks.

What has happened in recent weeks is that 1) Lennon has been missing 2) Palacious was rested.

On 1) Without Lennon, we miss three things: Pace, width and precise (!)balls from the flanks to the strikers. Redknapp's solution was to replace Lennon with Kranjcar/Modric, which meant we lost both pace and width and overcrowded the two playmaker's area between the midfield and the defence. When that didnt work, Redknapp brought on Hutton for Corluka, as he provides both width and pace. However, his final ball is so poor, that it mostly gives us more corners. We have not found a solution to this problem. Our system is reliant upon pace and delivery from both flanks, provided from one fullback and one winger. Bale has provided it on the left in Ekotto's absence, Hutton/Corluka/Modric/Kranjcar has not in Lennon's. When we compensate with Hutton and Bale, our system is unbalanced as they are simply not good enough in defence.

2) When Palacious is gone, there suddenly appears a huge ocean of space behind our midfield, that he previously was singlehandedly covering. Both our midfield and defence were completly suprised by this yesterday, and didnt have a clue what do you. Our system does not work without a strong, disciplined holding midfielder. We need to bring in cover (could be O'Hara) for this position.

The solution: Stick to the system

We have a balanced system we should stick with (as outlined above). That means that we:

1) We need to replace Lennon with a similar player. This was tried last night (Rose), but it didnt work out as we were too vulnerable in defence with Bale/Hutton and were ineffective going forward on the right. Bale replaces Ekotto, he is a similar player and should play with someone on the left he can combine with (Modric/Kranjcar). Thus, we need a traditional winger in front of Corluka on the right. There are three possible replacements for Lennon: Dos Santos, Bentley and Rose. For me, Dos Santos makes most sense, but I'm not opposed to Bentley either. The problem with him is that he drifts inwards. If none of these can replace him, we should look to bring in a direct understudy to Lennon.

2) We need cover for Wilson. The only one who can do the job at the moment is O'Hara, possibly Huddlestone. We need to buy an understudy for Wilson.

3) We need to play with Corluka, his defending is a crucial part of what has been a very strong defence this year.

4) We cannot play Modric, Kranjcar and Huddlestone (Jenas) in the same team. They are simply too similar in the way the run into the same space. Two of the three (four) can probably play in any combination, even though Modric was not convincing in CM last night.

Thanks for taking the time to read it, and COME ON YOU SPURS!!

Really good post.

To me:

- We should replace Lennon when he's out with Gio. Someone who can beat a man, stretch defenders and create space for our ballplayer and playmaker.

- Kranjcar and Modric can't play in the same midfield unless we switch to 4-5-1, but at the moment we don't have a striker capable of playing that 1.

- I like the Bale-Hutton full-back pairing but again, I think we can only do that in a 4-5-1 too.

- We do desperately need cover for Palacios - lets hope that Sandro deal does happen before the window shuts.

 

[stevethfc]

Brilliant post, football is a simple game but we seem to be complicating it by changing our playing style since Lennon has been injured. Stick to the system that got us in this good position Harry, it really isnt rocket science.

 

[nicdic]

Decent post mate, but Palacios isn't a holding midfielder. Just because he tackles hard and well, doesn't make him defensive. He's a box to box midfielder. Palacios and Huddlestone work so well because each knows when to sit, and when to push forward. Just felt that needed to be said, otherwise, decent post.

 

[WhiteHart4Ever]

Really good post.

To me:

- We should replace Lennon when he's out with Gio. Someone who can beat a man, stretch defenders and create space for our ballplayer and playmaker.

- Kranjcar and Modric can't play in the same midfield unless we switch to 4-5-1, but at the moment we don't have a striker capable of playing that 1.

- I like the Bale-Hutton full-back pairing but again, I think we can only do that in a 4-5-1 too.

- We do desperately need cover for Palacios - lets hope that Sandro deal does happen before the window shuts.

Exactly, but why don't we? Does anyone know? Surely he's not impressing on the training ground and/or he's got an attitude problem. I mean, he's been on for, what, 30 mins or something in the prem this season? After all, Rose was chosen above him yesterday and while he looks good he's not THAT good.

 

[Dan Ashcroft]

Decent post mate, but Palacios isn't a holding midfielder. Just because he tackles hard and well, doesn't make him defensive. He's a box to box midfielder. Palacios and Huddlestone work so well because each knows when to sit, and when to push forward. Just felt that needed to be said, otherwise, decent post.

Agree. Palcios is a mobile DM - a destroyer or presser.

I'd ideally like to see us buy a proper ballplaying holding DM, to give Palacios more licence to grow into that Viera role.

Exactly, but why don't we? Does anyone know? Surely he's not impressing on the training ground and/or he's got an attitude problem. I mean, he's been on for, what, 30 mins or something in the prem this season? After all, Rose was chosen above him yesterday and while he looks good he's not THAT good.

I suspect Gio is still having problems with his ankle. It seems fairly intermittent, so is a bit like the King situation as to whether he'll be able to play on any given day.

 

[WhiteHart4Ever]

Decent post mate, but Palacios isn't a holding midfielder. Just because he tackles hard and well, doesn't make him defensive. He's a box to box midfielder. Palacios and Huddlestone work so well because each knows when to sit, and when to push forward. Just felt that needed to be said, otherwise, decent post.

I respectfully sort-of disagree Palacious is an excellent combination of the holding midfielder (Mikel/Makelele) and the bully (Gattuso/Essien). He is not a box-to-box midfielder (Lampard/Gerrard) (sorry for all the Chelsea players). He could be, but his job at Spurs is to patrol the DM area, break up opponents' play and leave the creative part primarily to others. And him missing was the main reason we were so exposed between midfield and defence yesterday..

However, call it what you want, and I agree on your observation about the Hudd/Palacios combo..

 

[Dan Ashcroft]

I respectfully sort-of disagree Palacious is an excellent combination of the holding midfielder (Mikel/Makelele) and the bully (Gattuso/Essien). He is not a box-to-box midfielder (Lampard/Gerrard) (sorry for all the Chelsea players). He could be, but his job at Spurs is to patrol the DM area, break up opponents' play and leave the creative part primarily to others. And him missing was the main reason we were so exposed between midfield and defence yesterday..

However, call it what you want, and I agree on your observation about the Hudd/Palacios combo..

There are 4 types of central midfielders in my opinion.

1.Static Defensive Midfield (Holding Player/Deep Lying Playmaker/Quarterback) -

He sits in front of the defence intercepts balls, tackles/intercepts cleanly, then looks to initiate attacks. Very rarely does he venture out of position or charge around like a headless chicken, but does well due to good positioning and tactical awareness. He helps the team keep its shape and usually dictates the tempo of the game. Think Carrick, Claude Makelélé (though less able on the ball), Alonso, Pirlo.

2.Non-Static Box-To-Box Defensive Midfielder (Destroyer/Presser) -

His starting position is in front of the back four but usually charges around breaking up play then looking to give a short pass to an offensive player or fullback. Must have a lot of energy and a very good tackling ability, plus a good acceleration so that they can react to danger quickly if out of position. Rarely does any attacking work but does press high often. Some DMs often break forward. Think Gattuso, Vieira, Roy Keane, Palacios.

3.Attacking Midfielder (Playmaker) -

He usually sits at the top of the midfield alongside the wingers. His job is to dictate tempo higher up the field and to provide those killer balls, often he has good dribbling and technique. It’s necessary that he has good decision-making and the ability to make space for himself. Usually wouldn't need to do any defensive duties but some often help out the DM in trouble (like Fabrigas does). Tends to start wide left in a lot of modern formations. Think Scholes, Modric, Riquelme, Kaka.

4.Box-To-Box Offensive Midfielders -

Usually sits a bit deeper than the traditional playmaker. His primary job is to provide forward momentum in the team by making driving runs forward with the ball or getting on the end of balls into the box. A lot of these players have good creative abilities and can spot a decent pass but can rough it up with the bruisers in the opposite teams. More for teams who don’t play 2 strikers. Think Gerrard, Lampard, Ballack.


Most teams in the EPL playing 4-4-2 play 1 and 2 (Palacios and Huddlestone are pretty much this though Huddlestone isn’t good enough defensively and doesn’t sit deep enough), or two 2s (like we have done since Carrick left until this season with Palacios, Jenas and Zok). Many teams also play a 3, but out on one of the wings, rather than in CM.

In a 4-5-1 you tend to be able to accommodate an additional 3 or 4 in place of your number 10 striker (e.g. Chelsea and Liverpool).

IMO we need a new 1 to help out Palacios with the defensive work – a more defensively solid Huddlestone; as well as a back-up 2. Modric and Kranjcar are great 3s and we play two upfront so don’t need a 4.

 

[spurs]

Excellent post. A much more enjoyable read than the typicall fickle bitching "player x is crap" thread.

While I completely agree with your tactical analysis. There are practical problem with wanting to play the same system every week - as soon as we have an injury, the whole system doesn't work. As we have seen as soon as AL, JD, TH are out.

To have cover in every position, we currently need a GK, a RB, possibly 2CBs, a CM (or 2), a RW and a poacher. Which is a lot of players for a club which has one of the "strongest squads in the league". And it is difficult obtaining quality players to be back-up. By the time we have assembled the squad, Harry may be retiring.

While the system you outlined has been working very well all season, it raises problems as how to adapt it when we are missing a player or 2.

 

[StartingPrice]

Good post & +1

Thought that Aitch would have been 'better' starting with Modders and Hutton on Weds., though the provisio is 'cos I just don't think he should have played Modders on the right at all. Jenas would probably have been a better option, and cartinaly O'Hara in the middle IF he wanted to give Palacios a rest.

The only way I could see him accomodating THudd, Modders and Kranks in the same team would be if he played a 4-5-1 - not sure it would work, just an alternative to the, clearly, failed attempt to accomodate them (indeed, I would suggest that it is the effort to accomodate Kranks and Modders that is the problem - Croatia do it, but only as a 4-5-1).

The obvious alternative would have been Dos Santos. I would prefer to think that he is injured, still, rather than just not trustworthy (in 'Arry's eyes).

Think 'Arry has done a good job working on Bale's defensive game, adn he somehow just don't seem as effective in an attacking sense when starting on the wing rather than as full-back, so that's a no-no i my book.

But, yeah, pretty much agree with you.

p.s. Ignore NicDic, he's a mentalist:wink::grin:

 

[WhiteHart4Ever]

There are 4 types of central midfielders in my opinion.

1.Static Defensive Midfield (Holding Player/Deep Lying Playmaker/Quarterback) -

He sits in front of the defence intercepts balls, tackles/intercepts cleanly, then looks to initiate attacks. Very rarely does he venture out of position or charge around like a headless chicken, but does well due to good positioning and tactical awareness. He helps the team keep its shape and usually dictates the tempo of the game. Think Carrick, Claude Makelélé (though less able on the ball), Alonso, Pirlo.

2.Non-Static Box-To-Box Defensive Midfielder (Destroyer/Presser) -

His starting position is in front of the back four but usually charges around breaking up play then looking to give a short pass to an offensive player or fullback. Must have a lot of energy and a very good tackling ability, plus a good acceleration so that they can react to danger quickly if out of position. Rarely does any attacking work but does press high often. Some DMs often break forward. Think Gattuso, Vieira, Roy Keane, Palacios.

3.Attacking Midfielder (Playmaker) -

He usually sits at the top of the midfield alongside the wingers. His job is to dictate tempo higher up the field and to provide those killer balls, often he has good dribbling and technique. It’s necessary that he has good decision-making and the ability to make space for himself. Usually wouldn't need to do any defensive duties but some often help out the DM in trouble (like Fabrigas does). Tends to start wide left in a lot of modern formations. Think Scholes, Modric, Riquelme, Kaka.

4.Box-To-Box Offensive Midfielders -

Usually sits a bit deeper than the traditional playmaker. His primary job is to provide forward momentum in the team by making driving runs forward with the ball or getting on the end of balls into the box. A lot of these players have good creative abilities and can spot a decent pass but can rough it up with the bruisers in the opposite teams. More for teams who don’t play 2 strikers. Think Gerrard, Lampard, Ballack.


Most teams in the EPL playing 4-4-2 play 1 and 2 (Palacios and Huddlestone are pretty much this though Huddlestone isn’t good enough defensively and doesn’t sit deep enough), or two 2s (like we have done since Carrick left until this season with Palacios, Jenas and Zok). Many teams also play a 3, but out on one of the wings, rather than in CM.

In a 4-5-1 you tend to be able to accommodate an additional 3 or 4 in place of your number 10 striker (e.g. Chelsea and Liverpool).

IMO we need a new 1 to help out Palacios with the defensive work – a more defensively solid Huddlestone; as well as a back-up 2. Modric and Kranjcar are great 3s and we play two upfront so don’t need a 4.

Well put, Dan, I agree completely on the CM classifications.

Excellent post. A much more enjoyable read than the typicall fickle bitching "player x is crap" thread.

While I completely agree with your tactical analysis. There are practical problem with wanting to play the same system every week - as soon as we have an injury, the whole system doesn't work. As we have seen as soon as AL, JD, TH are out.

To have cover in every position, we currently need a GK, a RB, possibly 2CBs, a CM (or 2), a RW and a poacher. Which is a lot of players for a club which has one of the "strongest squads in the league". And it is difficult obtaining quality players to be back-up. By the time we have assembled the squad, Harry may be retiring.

While the system you outlined has been working very well all season, it raises problems as how to adapt it when we are missing a player or 2.

But the point is that we should look to have a squad that can take an injury or two without having to change the way we play. We have one of the most talented group of players in our squad, but as long as we dont have players ready to slot in whenever there's an injury (or we're rotating, changing things around a bit), then what's the use of a strong squad?

We certainly need alternatives to Palacious, Defoe and (particularly) Lennon. If players like Bentley and Gio are not suppose to replace these players when need be, we might as well get rid of them...

This is typical of teams like Ars*nal, Man U and Chelsea. They play their football, players adapt to the system - not the other way around!

 

[spurs]

Well if we don't have the required backup players, we need to either 1) buy new ones, 2) coach the current players to fill in in certain roles or 3) change the system to make it fit the players who are available.