I completely agree with Mancio that '4-4-2 with really fast wingers' is definitely not an option. A flat 4-4-2 (or traditional British 4-4-2) suits very few of our players, surely the system that suits our players is the diamond that Mancio has alluded to, or the 4-2-3-1 that most top teams around the world seem to be using. Something like this:
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I realise that Tevez was brilliant as our lone striker in the second half of last season, winning matches on his own. However I think we cannot rely on Tevez to be our focal point of the attack all of the time. Rightly so of course, take away his freedom to roam and you lose a lot of his potential. We will be more threatening with Dzeko as a focal point, and ideally Balotelli to run in behind the defenders with his pace. Silva naturally drifts inside and dictates the game as he has done so well all season. The two central midfielders speak for themselves in this system (as much as I rate Barry and his performances this season, and as much as I believe Milner will be an excellent player for us).
Now if Silva does drift inside and Balotelli is pushing high up the pitch, there is no width supplied by our midfielders, how on earth will we cope?! We will get our width from the same place as Barcelona get theirs-the fullbacks. Kolarov is a superb attacking full back and will improve defensively, remember Evra getting torn apart by Tricky Trevor Sinclair on his debut? Dani Alves or Van der Wiel would be a great addition on the right hand to play a similar role.
Of course, there is no such thing as a 'first 11' any more. In big matches we will probably revert to 'three defensive midfielders.' Ferguson over the road hasn't played the same team in succession for something like a million games. Football is very much a squad game, but I think the 4-2-3-1 is what Mancini is working towards. If Tevez goes in summer then perhaps Silva will take his position, and Johnson will step up to the plate to become more of a regular. Or perhaps Yaya will retain his advanced position and Milner or Barry will come into the side.
That's my take on it anyway. We've been unfortunate that Mancini hasn't had any games where he's been able to field Silva, Dzeko, Tevez, and Balotelli. I for one however back Mancini to the hilt, and when we get those 4 on the pitch, there won't be many sides who can match that attacking force.
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I realise that Tevez was brilliant as our lone striker in the second half of last season, winning matches on his own. However I think we cannot rely on Tevez to be our focal point of the attack all of the time. Rightly so of course, take away his freedom to roam and you lose a lot of his potential. We will be more threatening with Dzeko as a focal point, and ideally Balotelli to run in behind the defenders with his pace. Silva naturally drifts inside and dictates the game as he has done so well all season. The two central midfielders speak for themselves in this system (as much as I rate Barry and his performances this season, and as much as I believe Milner will be an excellent player for us).
Now if Silva does drift inside and Balotelli is pushing high up the pitch, there is no width supplied by our midfielders, how on earth will we cope?! We will get our width from the same place as Barcelona get theirs-the fullbacks. Kolarov is a superb attacking full back and will improve defensively, remember Evra getting torn apart by Tricky Trevor Sinclair on his debut? Dani Alves or Van der Wiel would be a great addition on the right hand to play a similar role.
Of course, there is no such thing as a 'first 11' any more. In big matches we will probably revert to 'three defensive midfielders.' Ferguson over the road hasn't played the same team in succession for something like a million games. Football is very much a squad game, but I think the 4-2-3-1 is what Mancini is working towards. If Tevez goes in summer then perhaps Silva will take his position, and Johnson will step up to the plate to become more of a regular. Or perhaps Yaya will retain his advanced position and Milner or Barry will come into the side.
That's my take on it anyway. We've been unfortunate that Mancini hasn't had any games where he's been able to field Silva, Dzeko, Tevez, and Balotelli. I for one however back Mancini to the hilt, and when we get those 4 on the pitch, there won't be many sides who can match that attacking force.