Fixing the Right/Left Imbalance

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Jan 17, 2012
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Assuming we don't buy another RW.

I think this has been a major problem for us. We are too left side dependent, so much so that the pitch gets over crowded with our own players there leaving a lack of space to use and expose. Teams know this too, so they also heavily defend our left side of the attack.

I was hoping we would fix this by buying a top quality RW and a quality RCM. Someone like a Bernardo Silva who can play off the wing and in the middle, along with a quick goal scoring option from the right. That coupled up with a RB who can get up and down the pitch makes that side of the pitch a lot more dangerous. So far I think we've only done 1.5 of that (AWB should be an improvement at RB, and James could be a good quick RW option).

Can we also fix the last half of the problem by moving Pogba to RCM? I floated this idea last season, but the arguement against it was that Pogba was in great form and you should play your best players in their favoured position. I don't think Pogba would be any less effective at RCM. In fact, he's a great crosser, and I think it opens up more passing options for him from there. Anyone else agree?
 

roonster09

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Pogba played as RCM in the preseason games. Also lack of proper right sided player is a big concern, like you said there is too much dependency on left side to deliver. Any player who are capable of playing on right side, their play and movement doesn't look natural. It's way too forced. Even Chong who is left footed looks better as LW. In the preseason games only player who looked very comfortable playing as RW is Greenwood.

Also Ole said he doesn't want his wingers/wing forwards to hug the touch line, it's something full back should do and wants his attackers to play centrally.
 

Eddy_JukeZ

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Aug 21, 2012
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Yeah we definitely lack an attacker from the right.

All of our attacking options perform better on the left too.

I hope we sign someone there, but we don't seem to targeting an attacker(unless Lukaku is sold).
 

VeevaVee

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James and Martial have been switching flanks haven't they? Whether either are good enough I don't know, but it's surely better than what we've had for years now. A big RW signing would be great though.
 

romufc

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Apr 30, 2019
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There is 2 factors here, our right side has been weak from RB to RW.

RB is sorted and straight away we have seen a change, more ball going to the right because AWB has a good touch and comfortable on the ball.

Pobga is playing a different role, he is allowed to roam but still play a no.6.

The problem I see is our 10. Lingard always goes towards the left, someone who can operate the inside right channel.
 

Hal9000

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May 24, 2010
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Think it's obvious we would of been in and got Sancho if we got CL football. I think the plan now is to try and get by with what we got and then go back for him next season.

If anything if Lukaku goes, we will go for someone then who can play on the right.