8 | Mateo Kovacic - 2023/24

[Ptolemy's Hairdo]

Secret weapon for the run in.

 

[Xhavenjoe]

So much more solid when we play a MF line up with...

Kova, Rodri
Foden, KDB, Bernardo

Rather than...

Rodri
Foden, KDB, Alvarez, Bernardo

No Alvarez today.
What about Doku or Grealish?
I hope Kovacic has done enough to start, in Pep's mind.

 

[WallyA]

Got to play him more in the run in. He makes our strongest XI at the moment. Him and Rodri in midfield completely prevent people cutting through us which against the strongest teams will be crucial.

So much more solid when we play a MF line up with...

Kova, Rodri
Foden, KDB, Bernardo

Rather than...

Rodri
Foden, KDB, Alvarez, Bernardo

Rodri has far too much to cope with and gets isolated when he's the only central midfielder. 1 CM to 4 Attacking midfielders just makes us look unbalanced and vulnerable. We just haven't seen this a lot because of injuries.

As you have set this up it is slightly misleading, Pep has ALWAYS paired Rodri with a midfield partner these last 2 years.

In your current drawing, you put nobody next to Rodri with KDB and Alvarez ahead, but you know that person is John Stones.

My current understanding of what Pep does is this:

1) Is the opposition going to play deep in a back 5? Or Generally Sit Back?

Then play a 4231 with double wide fullbacks (Walker and Gvardiol), and overload the centre with 5 midfielders for ball superiority and control.

A back 5 means the opposition is no threat as a press, we don't need the comfort of a 3rd CB, and instead it is worth it to push more ahead.

This super forward thinking formation is smart against these teams that give us 70%+ possession.

Our formation almost becomes a 2251 in possession.

2) Is the opposition going to actually try and play and press us?

This time Pep see's the risk in only having 4 players in the back (2 CB + 2 DM) and instead would prefer to have an extra defender to help the build up from the back, this is the famous 3241.

This is the dilemna, as Kovacic now loses his role as Rodri is the DM and joined by John Stones from CB. The fullbacks no longer go wide, but stay back and the wingers stay wide instead.

And Pep doesn't see Kovacic as an option in the attack (rightfully so), as Kovacic is purely useful as a deeper ball progressor and passer.

Which comes to the real question, should we abandon set up 2) and be brave and play 1) always?

Can Pep play all 3 of Stones, Rodri and Kovacic together when all fit? All 3 are clearly important in our best set up.

We won last season by asking Stones to step into midfield, but Kovacic is now there, which does he choose?

Maybe he tells Stones to back to a regular CB role, or pushes him into midfield anyways. It's a dilemna.

 

[Keeper!]

This guy keeps fit in the run in and we have a ,much better chance to win all three titles.

He works superbly with Rodri and is a class player.

 

[bluesmith]

It's simple, we are a better team when he plays.

 

[Akira]

Always feel we are a better team with him in it. Excellent performance.

 

[come-on-barney]

Class player, and he ran that midfield today, taking some of the workload off Rodri. Rodri must breathe a sigh of relief when he sees Kova alongside him.

 

[Phil1]

Funny how quick players go from flop to brilliant in the space of a couple of games.

He’s always been class and was a steal for what we played.
As ever it just takes some a bit longer to catch up.

 

[freshie]

 

[Ric]

He was excellent yesterday. I think he has to start the upcoming games against Arsenal and Madrid.