We might need to rethink our defensive calculus as a whole, depending on the type of football Ratcliffe wants, and strategize accordingly (given the debilitatingly expensive nature of our recruitment-related shortcomings in recent years).
Let's say, for example, that new co-ownership (in conjunction with Berrada and, presumably Ashworth) direct the Head Coach to implement high-possession and high-press principles at First Team level. Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are obvious reference point for that model, and both of them have shown an inclination for a backline that is almost entirely comprised of centerbacks, of late — when you consider the profiles of the likes of Stones, Aké, White or Kiwior. That does not appear to be a coincidence.
We might be advised to similarly recruit centerbacks for the fullback positions, or at least wide defenders who are versatile and more defensively rigorous than run-of-the-mill fullbacks, with a whole bunch of characteristics under the microscope...
- Pace and inuition to operate in high lines, as you mentioned. Particularly explosiveness in recovery when you do get beat.
- The technical werewithal, press-resistance and patience to play in schemes that are predicated on intricate build-ups, especially in confined spaces.
- The mentality to impose yourselves on the opposition and be the proactive force in any given contest.
- Counter-pressing expertise to stifle a lot of problems in the bud (instead of always reacting to them).
- Adaptability and uncommon tactical nous, if these fullbacks are further tasked with operating in midfield areas.
And so forth. Isolating the leftback position, those consideration might lead you to a Piero Hincapié, to cite one potential target, rather than someone who is more of an archetypal vertically oriented wingback.
The margins for sustained, title-contending excellence in the Premier League are so fine, and the leaders of the pack have built up such an advantage, that we will have be optimized in everything we do: in terms of thoroughness of talent evaluation, due-diligence of prospective targets, recruitment-related negotiations, training sessions, the players' own will to improve themselves, the Head Coach's ability to get the best out of the players, in-game management, disciplined recovery, the mentality to always aim for an even higher level.
P.S. Of course, attack is the first deterrant and the most advanced line of defense, so the counter-pressing and workrate of the forwards should always be a consideration (thankfully Højlund and Garnacho seem to be moldable and willing workers, maybe they will prove to trusted solutions). And midfield continues to be a massive, massive concern — probably
the biggest issue with the current team; if the fulcrum and buffer-zone of your team is substandard, you are unlikely to go very far.
