So far this season we’ve had: Vardy, Maddison, N’didi, Ricardo, Castagne, Soyuncu and Evans unavailable through injury for periods of time. These are all players that you could make an argument for being definite starters when fully fit. Certainly before this season started you would have all of these players inked in for a starting role. Only Castagne would have been an unknown.
To mitigate this Brendan changed the style to incorporate different players or, in some cases, very familiar players. Whether by design, or necessity, the plan has seen some success. I’m pretty sure that Brendan probably thought he was nursing the squad through these early games, but is now left with a style and selection dilemma in the coming weeks.
Mendy in particular has thrived in this new 3-4-3 system. It’s also seen a bit of a renaissance for players like Fuchs, Albrighton and Morgan. Others like Justin and Fofana may have thought they’d have seen a lot of bench time, but now look likely to make a case for retaining their places when others are available.
The style is familiar, but different. It’s counterattacking, but not like we saw in 2016. We have had less possession in the early games than we did last season. It’s just over 50% compared to 55%. The important thing, however, is that we’re creating more chances and look more incisive.
In 2016, however, we surrendered possession in order to draw teams in and then broke at speed. This was often started by Kante carrying the ball forwards or Drinkwater playing the long pass into space for Vardy. It’s more controlled now. There is much more patience and skill in the midfield area and we still look to control the play when in possession.
The good thing now is that we have the ability to play two ways: beat the press and break at speed (Vardy, Ünder and Barnes) for teams that attack or include the likes of Maddison and Praet for teams who like to sit deeper. I don’t see any reason, at present, to revert back to another style.
That leaves some interesting imponderables for the future. Where does N’didi fit in the new style? He’s a shoe in for 4-1-4-1 when he’s protecting the back four, but you could argue that the better passing of Mendy is required in a 3-4-3. Also do Fuchs and Justin retain a role when Soyuncu returns? He’s not looked entirely comfortable in a 3. Presumably this style would suit Ricardo and Castagne, but does that mean that Albrighton loses his spot? And Justin? Or do we just rotate and/or change formation to suit the opposition?
Interesting times ahead and it will be fascinating to see how BR plays it. All good problems to have though.
New style, injuries and N’didi
posted on 10/11/20
comment by Merseysidefox (U4842) re Fofana
"but then we realised he’s Maldini reincarnated."
What a wonderful comment - I love it!
(let's hope the knee issue is not serious and he's fit to play against Liverpool) UTF
posted on 10/11/20
comment by I remember Albert Cheeseborough"Super Sub... (U1481)
posted 1 hour, 18 minutes ago
comment by Merseysidefox (U4842) re Fofana
"but then we realised he’s Maldini reincarnated."
What a wonderful comment - I love it!
(let's hope the knee issue is not serious and he's fit to play against Liverpool) UTF
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It is.
Until you remember he said the same thing about Filip Benkovic
posted on 10/11/20
Two compliments on the trot. I’ve gone all embarrassed.
Thanks for the 8.5 Joby. Just gutted it wasn’t an 8.75 which is the score I’d give Fofana for his performance on Sunday.
posted on 10/11/20
Damn, you snuck in unveiling the fragility of my thin argument.
Anyway, who says Benkovic is t the new Maldini. We’ll never find out as he’s made of crisps and dry spaghetti.
posted on 10/11/20
A viable way, I can accept. As long as you're not using the definite article.
And if you're giving a rating of anything.5 then you're using the wrong denominator. Simple as that.
posted on 10/11/20
comment by The_Dungeon_Master (U4830)
posted 1 hour, 27 minutes ago
A viable way, I can accept. As long as you're not using the definite article.
And if you're giving a rating of anything.5 then you're using the wrong denominator. Simple as that.
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I may have to remove this comment.
Just waiting for a VAR review to confirm it's acceptable
posted on 11/11/20
comment by Jobyfox (U4183)
posted 14 hours, 18 minutes ago
comment by The_Dungeon_Master (U4830)
posted 1 hour, 27 minutes ago
A viable way, I can accept. As long as you're not using the definite article.
And if you're giving a rating of anything.5 then you're using the wrong denominator. Simple as that.
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I may have to remove this comment.
Just waiting for a VAR review to confirm it's acceptable
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Is this a subjective view Joby, or are you applying the objective rules of post removal?
posted on 11/11/20
For all those who are suffering from the lockdown and would like an uplift, I recommend you have a look at the (bottom of the) Championship table - for who can't be bothered to do this I'll give you a short cut - Forest 20th, Coventry 21st and Direby propping it up! 😂😂😂
posted on 11/11/20
comment by Nuneaton_fox (U7936)
posted 1 hour, 53 minutes ago
For all those who are suffering from the lockdown and would like an uplift, I recommend you have a look at the (bottom of the) Championship table - for who can't be bothered to do this I'll give you a short cut - Forest 20th, Coventry 21st and Direby propping it up! 😂😂😂
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Who?
posted on 11/11/20
Derby look like getting some serious investment soon. Actually felt a bit sick thinking they might actually find a way of sorting themselves out 🤢