For the ones asking about Wolfsburg"s formation here is the one against ManU, which they mostly played through the season:
<a class="postlink" href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/champions-league/2009-2010/manchester-united-vfl-wolfsburg-343869.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/ ... 43869.html</a>
Misimovic was AMF and Josue DMF constantly. Hasebe was playing as CMF or DMF also while Gentner was playing wide roles as CMF, AMF, ML/R and sometimes even as a second striker. They basically played without a winger. Ziani was only natural winger there and he rarely had the chance to start.
Their midfield was awfully slow as both CB-s. Fullbacks were great and had good pace. Since I watch bundesliga regularly, I must say that almost they had a good team, they got a luck to win it. Their main strength was set pieces and counter attacks. When they used to score first they would win, and they had luck to score first in many matches in that season, while Bayern was playing really poorly.Grafite-Dzeko-Misimovic was the formula to success.Individuality. Misimovic had around 20 assists(broke the German record) and around 7-10 goals, mostly from set pieces or counter attacks. His balls were really superb. Grafite and Dzeko - well score 54 goals(broke the record also). Magath(coach at that season) is one of the best coaches out there when it comes to physical training. Dzeko and Grafite were so strong and fast that they could basically hold one defender on their backs and run past the other one. They were superb in keeping the possesion, 1 on 1 and movement of the ball.I think Dzeko was stronger and faster in that time then he is now. So most of the Wolfsburg actions were starting from long balls or through balls going to Grafite/Dzeko (Lets say Dzeko), then:
1) Dzeko gets it at the center,keeps the ball, waits and then gives it back and it gets around the middle. Then they slowly built the play and mostly ending it with long ball again(at penalty area mostly) or waiting for fullbacks to come and make a cross. Dzeko played a big role here because he compensated the lack of pace and creativity in the midfield, holding the ball well and creating more space to others
2) Dzeko gets the ball on the wing or at the center runs to the side, makes a quick cross and centers the ball to Grafite, pass it to the midfield or make a full run to the box. Yes, he actually was fast if that is your question. He was always moving and changing positions with Grafite and was often playing on the side.
3)Gets the ball and with some quick passes with Misimovic and Grafite makes a goal scoring chance. This was the importance of the team play and good movement of the ball.
Both Grafite and Dzeko had roles like this and I often seen them having more touches with the ball then Hasebe or Gentner. (Imagine 2 Tevez in line-up)I also watched some games where some midfield players didn't touch the ball for 10 minutes or more.
Next season, when Grafite was out of form and Misimovic was completelly closed every game, their play crushed. Specially when they didnt find the luck of scoring the first.
Now, as I saw Dzeko playing in both matches I can say that his role changed crucially. He had more touches in one game at WFL then in both these games together. Tevez has that role now. Dzeko likes to be a part of the game and likes the ball. He wants to put his efforts for the team and contributes by both assists and goals. I hope it doesn't become the barrier if he is pushed too hard from the play.How long will he tolerate when teammates are not passing to him at all. Against Wolves he basically had no crosses and lost balls, but had quite few balls at all. Against Villa, it can be seen that he was frustrated at some occasions because he tried to go solo 2-3 times. Although he is the team player, I am afraid that this and lack of confidence will make him play for him self, not the team. After all, he must concede goals and must prove his price. He is afraid of not succeeding. Bent had 3 touches and scored a goal, and that's what it counts after all. No one will remember that Hart had more touches then him, just like no one will Remember those couple of moves by Dzeko against Wolves if he doesn't score in next 2-3 games.
