Agreed, I think this season compared to the last two we have been much worse at stretching the pitch. Both Mahrez and Sterling wants to be closer to goal, and is ineffective in their respective wide positions most of the time. Walker as you say, tucks in mostly to deal with counters.No, I don't think you are putting too much thought into that. I often refer to the use of a virtual back three where the DM drops in between the CB's as being something Pep loves to do and that I happen to rather like. If Mendy and Cancelo were pulling up trees, you can see that being a great option and one that would allow the likes of Sterling and Mahrez to attack from more central positions and even enable Jesus and Sergio to play together more often.
With Zin and Kyle offering the option to invert the full backs and have proper wingers (particularly Sane), Pep should have a squad that offers him huge tactical flexibility.
Injuries and, perhaps, Cancelo having difficulties settling in have limited Pep's options.
Agreed, I think this season compared to the last two we have been much worse at stretching the pitch. Both Mahrez and Sterling wants to be closer to goal, and is ineffective in their respective wide positions most of the time. Walker as you say, tucks in mostly to deal with counters.
We have zero width at the moment
I agree its probably a factor, but the deeper they are the more vital the widht is. Precisely why I loved the formation sunday, because we could stretch them meanwhile still being able to get all our offensive playmakers into position where they can create things centrallyI wonder if that is down to how deep teams are sitting against us?
No worry, I'm here lol
That is interesting, I'm pretty sure it says in his book(Pep confidential) that the first thing he planned to do was use Martinez as one of the centre-backs. I didn't know he played CB under Bielsa, but when he attracted a lot if interest he was certainly touted as a midfielder.
Anyway, I do remember Alonso tucking in as part of a back 3 in the gane at the Etihad when Sergio scored a hattrick.
Is that a role he deployed Alonso often in?
And do you think its something he would be likely to deploy Rodri more often in. I really enjoyed our 3421 on sunday, and really thought it got the best out of our players currently available.
I even think that it was an advantage that not all players fitted exactly his style as this gave the play more tactical variety.
Kompany was a midfielder when we signed him!Rodri has the physical qualities and has also excellent foot play. I think he can be a great CB. I am interested to see if Pep tries it when Laporte is back and maybe Fernandinho will play as a DM.
Maybe in the summer we will need a new DM and not a CB :) . (I would bring CB anyway)
This is unlikely to happen. Rodri might play CB some but it's highly unlikely Dihno will play DM. Either they play CB together. He plays CV while Dihno is on the bench or Rodri and Gundogan are both injured and Dihno gets a makeshift gig at DM.Rodri has the physical qualities and has also excellent foot play. I think he can be a great CB. I am interested to see if Pep tries it when Laporte is back and maybe Fernandinho will play as a DM.
Maybe in the summer we will need a new DM and not a CB :) . (I would bring CB anyway)
I agree its probably a factor, but the deeper they are the more vital the widht is. Precisely why I loved the formation sunday, because we could stretch them meanwhile still being able to get all our offensive playmakers into position where they can create things centrally