I was messing about trying to think of the best formation to fit our good players, while limiting the cloggers. This is what I came up with:
Talking Points:
- With the departure of Lukaku and Sanchez, we're going to need as much firepower as possible. Playing Pogba high up, along with 2 high energy box-to-box midfielders, can make up for some of the goals we'll inevitably lose in the absence of other strikers.
- Martial, Rashford, and Greenwood all seem to operate better as wide strikers in the half-spaces rather than touchline hugging wingers or central strikers. This formation ensures that they play in those favourable positions. It also has the added bonus of shifting Rashford to the right but not as a winger; that way he can focus on what he does best: runs behind the defence instead of dribbles into cul-de-sacs. When Dan James plays, he can play his usual game on the left, with Pogba and one of the other midfielders providing a target in the box for crosses, along with the other striker.
- The midfield diamond is perfect for both Pogba and Matic, as they will have high work-rate midfielders who can cover for them while they try to cover passing lanes. If they can free Pogba to focus on attacking, and Matic to operate in a Carrick-like role, we'll be better for it. They can also cover the flanks for the wide strikers so they don't have to track back too much.
- The defensive line needs to be very high and brave, even in the absence of very quick defenders. Pogba and Matic due to their large frames don't have the acceleration and stamina for long-distance running, so we need to operate in a much smaller area defensively. Additionally, if we're to do a high press we need to be very compact as we're pressing; we can't press high only to run back into our half every time, we'll burn out. Bravery is required, to stand their ground against attackers instead of running back into a low block. If the opposition beat our high line and score, we take it on the chin.
- With 2 box to box mids, the intent must be very aggressive and attacking. They'll need to chip in with goals to help the 2 and a half strikers, so no hesitating to get into the box.
Any additional thoughts?