by aCe' » Sun Jul 22, 2012 1:25 am
I'm not convinced its the best way forward for us. On the one hand, we seem to lack the personnel to make the formation work. I hear talk about shifting Suarez to the flank, using Gerrard in a more reserved role...etc etc and all I can think of is why ?
I know Swansea played good football last season and did well in keeping possession against most sides but ultimately, their goal return was poor. In fact, only 4 sides scored less goals in the league than they did and 2 of the sides got relegated. Now I know Swansea exceeded expectations and were one of the highlights of the league but imo they played the formation that suited them best and largely got results because of that. The assumption that many seem to have of 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 being the only formations that allow you to play a possession game is a naive one imo. For starters, the top 2 sides in the country largely play a 4-4-2 direct style and it has proven to be effective. The top sides that usually play 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 usually rely on top quality players higher up the pitch who can score and create to take some of the pressure off the lone striker. The question is, do we have the players to do that ?
Looking at out forwards and wide players, I have to say we are looking even thinner in that department today than we did last year. With Suarez, Borini & Carroll all being players better suited to central roles, it leaves us with only Downing, Bellamy and Cole as genuine options for the wide berths. Of the 3 central options, Suarez gets the nod every day of the week. Borini, while being a good forward, isn't someone I can see playing the wide role consistently. His best attribute is his movement INSIDE the box and I can see him cheaply giving away possession time and again if flocked to the flank. Bellamy can realistically start 20 or so games a season at this age and Cole/Downing are yet to prove they can make an impact at the club.
Like I said earlier, the 4-3-3 being suggested relies heavily on the wide 2 contributing both goals and assists. Where will they come from ? We sold Maxi and Kuyt. For all the criticism both got in their time at the club, the both consistently provided goals when played. As far as Im concerned, Kuyt and Maxi would have been our 2 best options down the flanks this season as thing stand if they had stayed. They didnt, so we need to adjust.
If we are to play the 4-3-3, and at the moment I see no reason why we should, then we need to bring in players who would allow us to do so. I hear we are linked to Allen and Dempsey. Both good players who would probably improve our squad. But then again, would Dempsey be a good wide player in a 4-3-3 ? I cant see it. All his best performances came when he played a more central role for Fulham. Regardless, for 5 or so million he would be a good improvement for the squad and his versatility would probably mean that he can come in and plug a number of different gaps when needed. For me, he's a replacement for Maxi/Kuyt. No more, no less. Similar story with Allen. Probably an improvement on Henderson and Adam. Is he a 15mill player ? Not for me. I'd much rather take the money and spend it on a decent wide player. We already have Spearing, Lucas, Shelvey, Aquilani, Adam, Henderson and Gerrard fighting for the 3 midfield spots. Adding an 8th man to the list shouldnt be high on the priority list especially when you consider the fact that we lack wide players. Overall, I cant really understand what we seem to be doing in the transfer market and I dont know id its a good thing or not. On the one hand, it might suggest that we are looking at adopting a different style than that played by Swansea, one more suited to the players we have (maybe a diamond 4-4-2). On the other hand, it might be us shooting ourselves yet again on the foot in the market by not addressing our obvious shortcomings.
Either way, with not much left until our competitive matches begin, things should become clearer sooner rather than later.