VDV....how best should we utilise him?

[yusrisafri]

He's an enigma, this VDV.

Play him on the right, and he does fcuk all there.

Play him behind Adebayor, and he scores, as evidenced today, but his lack of running will isolate Adebayor if Defoe isnt playing as well.

By playing him behind a 2-man strikeforce, that would mean having to shift Modric to the right, which will nullify his creative ability in CM.

It's tough, I love him for his ability to score goals, but he seems to be the odd man out.

SIgh....VDV. Cant live with him, cant live without him.

 

[Narnill]

The same way we always have. It solely depends on the opposition.

Personally, I would start him off Adebayor against Newcastle.

This thread is as if it's a bad problem to have - it's a great problem.

 

[BigRed]

Yeah, whatever we're doing with him at the moment seems to work just fine

 

[dn013]

Personally I think we should ask QPR if we can trade VdV for Taarabt, can't believe we sold the best player in the world...

 

[ravo]

He is best suited behind a sole striker in a 4-4-1-1, or in the middle of an attacking three in a 4-2-3-1. However, we have a great problem, as there's a little bloke called Modric.

So, my vote would be to play a 4-2-3-1, with VdV on the right. That way, one of Sandro or Parker can cover him when he needs to trudge back down the pitch.

Now I think about it, he would also be very good behind two strikers in a diamond, but that would mean moving Bale back to LB and dropping BAE, and there is no way we should do that.

 

[ItsBoris]

I think we will be fine playing VDV on the right if we have 2 holding midfielders (Sandro and Parker). I think that's why a lot of us want 4-2-3-1. With that holding 2 one of them can help defensively on the right side. We were exposed today with VDV on the right primarily because we didn't have the necessary cover in the middle.

The idea is that the holding 2 break up counter attacks and the front 4 are creative and interchanging, we haven't really seen that yet because against Wigan, VDV was playing in the hole and Modric as a right winger.

 

[Harry_Snatch]

I'd play him behind 2 strikers in a diamond but thats not an option for HR.
2 goals in 2 games suggests that the role behind Adebayor, further up field is using his goal scoring ability's best.

 

[tobi]

Play him centrally as a No. 10 or in a midfield three with Luka and Sandro/Parker.

 

[THOWIG]

I don't think Harry would consider playing a 433 sadly so I think he might need to look at him playing behind the two strikers, which would mean Bale playing more centrally or even at left back.

He's not a problem, but he must never be picked to play on the right side of midfield in a 442 ever again.

 

[whitelightwhiteheat]

Freidel

Walker Kaboul King BAE

Parker Sandro

Modric VDV Bale

Adebayor

Simples. Modric, VDV and Bale can all interchange positions and be flexible with their movement.

VDV on the right side of midfield doesn't work, it compromises our shape and discipline too much. 4-2-3-1 is the future for us, there's no two ways about it. Our players just fit into that shape so well.

The only issue is Modric, how will he fare on the right of the 3?

Impact subs: Lennon and Defoe? Not bad. Not bad at all.

In January we could do with upgrading Pav for someone who can challenge Adebayor for the lone striker role, or step in if/when he gets injured.
​

 

[beats1]

VDV did well tracking back in yesterdays match up until he felt his thigh iirc

 

[DJS]

Libero.

 

[gilzeantheking]

I think we will be fine playing VDV on the right if we have 2 holding midfielders (Sandro and Parker). I think that's why a lot of us want 4-2-3-1. With that holding 2 one of them can help defensively on the right side. We were exposed today with VDV on the right primarily because we didn't have the necessary cover in the middle.

The idea is that the holding 2 break up counter attacks and the front 4 are creative and interchanging, we haven't really seen that yet because against Wigan, VDV was playing in the hole and Modric as a right winger.

This.

It is a problem, but not a bad problem to have.

 

[Dan Ashcroft]

In the hole behind Ade, with Bale and Modric also getting forward more (like the first half against Wigan).

We struggled at times against a poor Arsenal team because Modric and Parker were outnumbered, and Ade and Defoe were both isolated. Rafa could solve both problems if we stop trying to accomodate Defoe.

 

[Dan Ashcroft]

Freidel

Walker Kaboul King BAE

Parker Sandro

Modric VDV Bale

Adebayor​

That's it - our strongest side (till Gallas returns anyway).

 

[am_yisrael_chai]

The biggest issue with VdV is his lack of fitness, you can't build your style of play around a player who can only last 60 minutes. Also I disagree with those who advocate a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 to accommodate him, in both of those systems the front 4 or 3 need to have 2 essential qualities I think he lacks 1) pace and 2) a willingness to press the opposition's defence. Look at any of the teams who play those systems and you'll see my point - Barca, Madrid, Manure, Citeh, Chelski. Name me one player from those teams' front 3 or 4 who is as slow as VdV and is as lax with respect to pressing.

I love watching VdV but I struggle to see how we accommodate in any formation that will see us move to the next level.

 

[sunnydelight786]

In the hole behind Ade, with Bale and Modric also getting forward more (like the first half against Wigan).

We struggled at times against a poor Arsenal team because Modric and Parker were outnumbered, and Ade and Defoe were both isolated. Rafa could solve both problems if we stop trying to accomodate Defoe.

+1

 

[alamo]

Slight topic digression but I missed the game unfortunately and am literally watching the highlights just now.

And I absolutely fucking love the passion that burst out of VDV after his goal.

What a wonderful signing he has been.

 

[Spurs1960]

The way we do.

 

[$hoguN]

VDV has to play as a number 10 behind a lone front man or in a midfield 3, they are his best positions.