2020/21 Season: Could We See A Change In Playing Style?

[Strawberry Avenger]

We didn’t play the same game every week, far from it, although the approach was predominantly counterattacking. The Derby match after lockdown was a good example of Sabri tactically outwitting his opponent by varying our approach several times during the 90. If our players hadn’t squandered several good chances we would have comfortably won.
Employing a low block defence to entice the other team forward so that spaces can be exploited on the counter means risking losing possession rather than attempting to keep the ball. When we had it we often quickly attacked opponents with long passes and by rapidly carrying the ball forward. Such an approach meant putting the ball at risk rather than playing safe and attempting to keep it.

Yes Sabricadabra, I'm glad you posted this because that is exactly how i see at well.

Sabri do want to keep a low compact defensive structure and I don't believe that that will change next season. But when that is said we did manage to vary how and when we did press the opposition. The Derby game is a great example. In that game we did at times press very high up the pitch which rattled Derby to some extent but it also opened up space between our lines which I believe a better team could and would have exploited. When that is said I remember at the time I watch the game that I thought that it was Da Costa that started the high press and the rest had to follow so I'm not entirely sure that Sabri has instructed this. Either way it work very well.

As I have written in this thread before, I believe our biggest issue last season when forming the low compact defensive block was that we in some games became passive in ou press which opened up space and resulted in the opposition being able to create too many dangerous situations. Hopefully this will not be the case this season with the added players (especially in the midfield area). Fixing this issue could easily result in 5-10 less goals conceded and would most likely give us an addition 8-10 points. Scoring more goals is not the only way of securing success.

Be interested to know how you think the proposed change in shape to 352 will help this? Particularly given the failings when we tried it last year.

I'm actually not too fussed about what we call the formation we play. The important part for me is which players we have on the pitch and what responsibility they have. 

If we are adding 1 CB and want to have back 3 then I believe you need one of the CB to be a proper ball player who are able to pass the ball both short and long. Furthermore I believe that at least one of the CB should have good pace and hence be able to sweep to add a bit of security.

Moving the 2 FB up into midfield requires that you have the players able to handle the more advanced responsibility. I believe both Ribeiro and Cash are capable of doing that but I doubt that Jenkinson, Darikwa and Blackett are ideal suited to handling a midfield role. Mayne Bong is but I don't know too much about him. With are really strong CH on the right hand side with useful pace maybe Lolley could play on the right side of midfield instead of Cash in this formation.

The next question would be if you are going to have 2 or 3 more midfielders hence either a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-3 or 3-4-1-2. Getting hold of Colback and Fred have strengthened our midfield option. I guess Watson will move on but it looks like Silva will stay which I believe is a good thing. All in all we have the flexibility in midfield to handle all the scenarios above.

We have also strengthened the attacking options and we currently have Grabban, Taylor, Da Costa, Freeman, Ameobi, Mighten, Johnson with both Lolley and Silva also able to play further up the field as well. These players would either cover 2 or 3 attacking roles depending on the formation.

The two times we played a back 3 last season were a result of us missing important players so I wouldn't pay too much attention to what happened then. If we are to play with 3 at the back it is really important that we are able to move the FB further up the pitch and not end up playing with a back 5. 

My ideal set up with a back 3 would be:

                 Samba

      Figs     Worrall   Blackett

Lolley   Fred    Colback   Ribeiro

    Ameobi   Grabban  Freeman

Or maybe:

                 Samba


      Figs     Worrall   Blackett

Lolley   Fred    Colback   Ribeiro

               Freeman

           Taylor   Grabban  

Two interesting team selections.  The midfield to striking area seems stronger as a result of recruitment.  Or through the centre, rather.

Wingback to wide areas. *circumspect look. Lolley isn't fully fit. Rib had a chance further forward and didn't convince?

Feel that we need to bring in another winger.  CH and a 'target' man to increase the 'mix.'

Not entirely convinced.  And that could be...due....to...  Recruitment seems in complete so far.

But it seems Forest are recruiting to give The Coach more options as per your theories on playing style options.

We do have Sow, Yates and Adomah to add to that. Maybe Brennan. Mighten. And one or two other Academy lads.

SA.