Summer Mercato 2011

[Siregar]

I disagre as I think we have many tools to play 4-2-3-1, maybe requiring 1 or 2 players to really make it a strong system for us to use. The way I'd like to see the system implemented is with a back 4 with two offensive fullbacks who are capable of overalapping the two wide attacking players. Abate is already one and it looks very likely we'll get a LB.

In midfield, we need to holding midfielders, both capable ball players and both solid in the tackle. Van Bommel and Ambrosini are two examples, and potentially we could even use Pirlo as a ball playing deep midfielder. Then there's Gattuso who is a good destroyer and can press opponents well. Personally, I'd like to see a new face for one of these roles, but we do have players for the roles.

The 3 men higher up should be balanced as offensive weapons, but players capable tracking back to perform defensive duties. Boateng is a great player for the system as he can play in wide areas or can be a central player in the three (never mind we're after Ganso who is perfect for the central role). He's also capable of dropping deep to make a 3 man midfield. Pirlo can also play as a creator in the middle or on the left, cutting in (with a fullback overlapping). Flamini is another well suited to playing a solid role in wide areas, although may lack the quality to fulfill his attacking duties. If we say we need a balanced midfielder who can attack or defend on one wing, we need a wide forward for the other wing. We are in no way short in this position with Robinho and Cassano, with also Pato more than capable as well. Add in some variation with more natural widemen like Urby, and you've got a pretty balanced system with possibilities of variation.

Up front we need attackers of various qualities, whether it be a target man (Ibra), a player to stretch opponents with his movement (Pato) or a poacher (Pippo and Pato). We're in no way short in this aspect.

I'd argue we need maybe 2-3 players to really make the most of the system. One holding midfielder, Ganso and probably another wide option.

4-2-3-1 need fresh DMs especially if the formation uses strikers as forward-wingers. We can't use both 34-35 years old DM combo. We will be attacked easily. In addition our forward-wing are weak at defensive duty. We can't hope Cassano to track back. Pato is better than Cassano but still very weak while Robinho is hardworker and likes to track back but he can't track back all time. He is just too forward minded. We only have Flamini there as fresh DM. We need at least one great DM or should be two DMs. For forward wing we don't have backup. I won't play Cassano as winger except a quality DM like Silva plays in the two DMs. Pirlo is not a winger. If we play him on leftside, it will be than a 3 midfield formation (4-3-2-1 or 4-3-3, not 4-2-3-1). As for fullback, we need very strong one defensively. Contraoe type of player won't be enough.

Plus as has been said, it will takes pretty long time to adapt to new system since many players have to be introduced to the formation.