3-5-2

The key is being adaptable/flexible with the squad at disposal, maintaining core principles but not sticking rigidly to one (restrictive) system and predictable pattern.

Adaptability is a concept the predecessor could never comprehend.

Yeah Frank has said he will cut his cloth accordingly...I like 3 at the back...when suited

comment by Sheriff JW Pepper (U1007)
posted 0 seconds ago
Yeah Frank has said he will cut his cloth accordingly...I like 3 at the back...when suited
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cut cloth...suited

see what I did there...

The problem we have is that Rudiger is the only reliable out and out defender we have. Zouma is proving himself erratic and the others are ball playing centre backs and much better suited to a back 3 and the security it brings. Cristensen always looks defensively sound in a back 3 but nervous in a two. Tomori needs more games before I start raving. But we looked more solid while Rudiger was on in the first half on Saturday.

I like our midfield in general but it will look much better with Kante and the return of RLC. I hope Abraham and Mount continue their great form and that the return of CHO gives us even greater forward presence.

comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 31 minutes ago
The problem we have is that Rudiger is the only reliable out and out defender we have. Zouma is proving himself erratic and the others are ball playing centre backs and much better suited to a back 3 and the security it brings. Cristensen always looks defensively sound in a back 3 but nervous in a two. Tomori needs more games before I start raving. But we looked more solid while Rudiger was on in the first half on Saturday.

I like our midfield in general but it will look much better with Kante and the return of RLC. I hope Abraham and Mount continue their great form and that the return of CHO gives us even greater forward presence.
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Think the combination of rudiger plus playing a back 3 made us alot more defensively sound. After half time we didn't look the same at the back at all

I'm really hoping AC can step up now. 23 now and had several senior appearances. In a back 3/5 with Tomori next to him, he should take the back line control and dictate playing out from the back but so far has flattered to deceive.

comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 30 minutes ago
I'm really hoping AC can step up now. 23 now and had several senior appearances. In a back 3/5 with Tomori next to him, he should take the back line control and dictate playing out from the back but so far has flattered to deceive.


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The problem is that he is what is called a "classy player" - which usually means he can't defend!!!
But he is perfect for a back 3.

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Comment Deleted by Site Moderator

I think everyone recognizes that Rudiger is by far our best central defender. In time, I suspect Tomori will be his main defensive partner - although I have to say that I thought Christensen had a good game on Saturday. Perhaps a back 3 allows him more time to cover the other defenders.

Once everyone is fit I think we have a decent team - assuming Reece James and CHO are able to establish themselves in the team as Mount and Abraham have already done.

The real question i have though is regarding RLC. I see a place for him in the side if we play a 4-3-3, but not in a 3-4-3. We could set up like this:

4-3-3:
-----------------------------Kepa-----------------------
James------------Rudiger-----Tomori------Emerson
-------------------Kante--------Jorginho---------------
----CHO-----------------RLC---------------Mount------
-------------------------Abraham-------------------------

3-4-3:
-----------------------------Kepa-----------------------
-------------Rudiger---Christensen---Tomori------
James------------Kante--------Jorginho------Emerson
--------CHO---------------------------------Mount------
-------------------------Abraham-------------------------

I would love RLC to be able to play alongside Kante in a slightly deeper role, and drive box to box in the same way that Essien used to do. But I don't think he's that kind of player. Right now I think he is probably 2nd choice to Mount in that number 10 role - and let's face it, if Pulisic comes good RLC may struggle to establish himself in the team even when we're playing 4-3-3 as Mount could play centrally.

It would be a good problem to have of course - everyone fit!