It’s weird though that yesterday he did quite a lot of stepping out of the centre. There were a few times we did get caught out and he was out of position but only because he went to engage. I would have expected him to be more of a sweeper but then all 3 of the CB’s seemed to be playing quite aggressively going after the ball straight away which I must admit I quite liked even if a couple of times it caused small issues.
However that’s the benefit of 3 CB‘s, should always be two to cover you. He is an absolute class act though and I wouldn’t mind seeing this 3 at the back more often. Lindelof has been great so far, Maybe Harry can find some sort of form again. Jones, Bailly, Matic, Shaw as back up.
Imo, stepping up is not his strength. When he is in the centre, it is ok I guess,, but both him and Maguire tend to push too far out on the flanks. When that happens they are too easily overplayed and then there is a big gap behind. It has not been a big problem with Varane, maybe because he hasn’t really played any matches for us against bigger teams, but it has been a big problem with Maguire. We have three CBs with different strengths and weaknesses. Playing 3 at the back brings out the best of them and they get covered for their weaknesses. The price is paid somewhere else, that we don’t have players enough in midfield or don’t have any wingers. However I think this worked well and would like us to continue like this.
Solid defence with five capable defenders.
Hard working midfield.
Extreme talent up front.
Since we don’t seem to have a plan or strategy anyway, have been leaking goals, and having difficulties scoring ourselves, why not play like this for some time?
I prefer Varane in the centre of the three CBs and not Maguire.