27-07-2018, 02:54 PM
(27-07-2018, 02:25 PM)GaribaldiRED Wrote: Thanks for the explanation SA!
I think you got my meaning. Discussing formation is always a bit difficult because it tends to shift during a match. I believe we are set up to play 4-2-3-1 when we are in "stable" defensive formation. If we manage to "steal" the ball while the opposition is in an attacking formation we have the opportunity to counter and in that instance we can suddenly go from 4-2-3-1 to 3-2-4-1 or even 2-2-5-1. If we lose the ball in this full attacking formation we will instantly try to win it back by crowding out the opposition player with the ball and block all (forward) passing alleys. In this vulnerable situation our DCMs will have to be quick in sniffing out the danger and block any attempt by the opposition to counter in the areas where there is now much open space. If we are not able to win the ball back within the first few seconds we will try to get back to our normal and stable defensive formation as soon as possible. My point being that we don't tend to attack in an 4-2-3-1 formation.
If both DCMs need to stay back while we are attacking or if one should be allowed to join the attack depends on how big of a risk you want to take. Here the opposition's formation and tactical plan combined with their skill level is of course very important. I will always favor a solid DCM that can act as an efficient deep lying playmaker as well.
Hope that made sense :)
Perfect sense. It reveals more about what Aitor is actually trying to do.
This 'crowding' out (swarming over the opposition) when they have the ball is interesting. Forest are very good, at least against Scunny, at getting the ball back and keeping possession (I noticed in most of the other games bar Oldham where Forest didn't do as well in this until the Portuguese lads came on?) Some lovely keep ball and tight inter-locking passing (in triangles?) Forest seemed very fluid at this formation going backwards and forwards shifting from one to the other. I'm sure it will get better with Colback back in alongside Watson.
(Though, I do now understand why you're keen on Vuk' as an expansive deep lying playmaker?) ...to knit defense and attack so much more.
I did note in one game last season, Colback was given license to go forward and join the attack (but then we didn't have the Portuguese lads...) but now it seems the Portuguese contingent to handle that and alot of the play seems to go through the wings as noted by other match reports on this forum. Which would back up what you're saying with the wing back role being utilised to help the wingers... (Call me old fashioned, but I do like wing play. Though we do have players to go through the centre now?)
You get this swarm effect going forwards, as fullbacks join in the attack with the wingers and a swarming effect to get the ball back. It seems to be a contains strategy and can hold a lot of possession. But the role of DCMs to back them up is crucial. As you say, a lot can depend on the quality of the opposition. eg. Whether Colback stays back and covers his fullback or goes forward and helps the attack?
I'll be interesting to see how all this works out against Bournemouth who will provide a very stern test of our new Red Army.
SA.
