2 defensive midfielders

[Comrade Buka]

Is there a particular reason we "must" play with 2 defensive midfielders, rather than 1? Are our center backs really in need of another two defensively minded players to help them at all times?

Is 4-3-3/4-5-1 not a plausible option for us?

 

[scenecreamer]

In a double pivot both DMs take turns holding while the other goes forward, rather than one being assigned he job of sitting deep at all times.

I don't see a problem with it.

 

[Comrade Buka]

In a double pivot both DMs take turns holding while the other goes forward, rather than one being assigned he job of sitting deep at all times.

I don't see a problem with it.

Yes, but how effective are Barry/Rodwell/Garcia going forward? There is also the point of having Yaya being able to go forward, which is an option with the above formation. Personally I think playing Yaya as a holding player is a waste of his talents, not to mention that it doesn't play to his strengths.

 

[Akira]

Our wingers, supposedly, are playmakers/attackers and not natural wingers. If we have to rely on our playmakers to constantly track back, they wouldn't be at their best, and they often will vacate their flanks.

Having a holding midfielder ensures the midfielder can cover a winger or full back when either moves forward.

With our plethora of attackers, having an extra holding midfielder just gives them that extra freedom.

 

[scenecreamer]

I was just about to post what Young said. That's a solid point.

Also, we want a fluid formation. So we need players who can transition from one role to another. Nigel, for all his skill, couldn't do this. I think Garcia has already scored more goals the NDJ did during his entire time at the club.

 

[Bluebee2]

As a fullback moves forward the DM covers for them, that's why England managers love Gareth Barry, he moves across and let's the left back join the attack, there's a lot more to it than a screen for the centre backs. We won the league playing that way so there's not much wrong.

 

[cibaman]

In a double pivot both DMs take turns holding while the other goes forward, rather than one being assigned he job of sitting deep at all times.

I don't see a problem with it.

Yes, but how effective are Barry/Rodwell/Garcia going forward? There is also the point of having Yaya being able to go forward, which is an option with the above formation. Personally I think playing Yaya as a holding player is a waste of his talents, not to mention that it doesn't play to his strengths.

Yaya played further forward throughout his first season. He was usually anonymous in the first half, increasingly dangerous in the second half as the game opened up. Pushing him forward too early deprives him of the space he needs to work in.

Its ok to play him forward against teams like Real Madrid because they push men forward and leave space. But those games are the exception.

He also played further forward on saturday. I thought he had a good game, his passing was very tidy. But he didnt make a single attacking run with the ball.

 

[Stoned Rose]

All of those options are absolutely fine depending on the opposition and the result needed.

Having such a squad allows the use of many formations and systems.

 

[Deleted member 14625]

We can certainly afford to play one DM against 15-20th placed teams at home.

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

Does Roberto stop his trousers falling down by the use of belt, braces or both. I fancy for a lot of the matches, even the home ones against 15-20th, he won't enter the technical area without both. If he's gonna set to with the likes of Moyes, BaconFace, Lambert, and the woefully underemployed 4th officials, he won't want the distraction of his kecks round his ankles when he delivers the knockout!