Which of our player's fit Amorim's style/tactics particularly well or poorly?

Surely everybody knows the wingback position is the most physically demanding position. Don't think a single person would overlook that it's so obvious.

It's why we all doubt the players currently at the club have the ability to do the role outside of maybe Dalot and Mazaraoui.
I guess I phrased that poorly - I think people are not properly realising the extent to which this is fundamental to the system, to the point where I don't think it even makes sense for United to hire Amorim for footballing reasons. Unless there are concrete plans in place to reinforce those positions in January, I suppose.
 
Good Fits:

Lindelöf – While his contract is up in the summer, I genuinely think he’d be an excellent choice for the right centre-back role if Amorim sticks to his favoured 3-4-2-1 setup. Lindelöf is underrated both defensively and in possession. His passing range is strong, and he’s capable of carrying the ball through midfield effectively, adding composure and progression from the back.

Amad – If we’re leaning toward inside forwards rather than touchline-hugging wingers, we’ll need players comfortable in tight spaces. Amad is skilled in this area, with close control and an ability to beat defenders, similar to Trincão. His technical ability would be invaluable in creating space and maintaining fluidity in the final third.

Højlund – There’s a lot of talk around Gyökeres, but from watching Amorim’s style, Højlund seems the ideal striker for the role. He combines the energy to run channels with the physicality to battle centre-backs, offering an outlet for longer balls and the dynamism to exploit defensive gaps.

Mount – His effectiveness in the inside forward role under Tuchel was notable. Like Amad, Mount excels in tight spaces and is always looking to receive on the half-turn. He also makes intelligent runs in behind and, although we haven’t seen it consistently yet, brings a goal threat we saw frequently at Chelsea.

Ugarte – Researching Amorim’s system, it’s clear that centre backs are the primary ball-dictators. This suits Ugarte’s game perfectly, allowing him to focus more on facilitating play rather than directing it, emphasising his defensive capabilities while letting others manage distribution.

Mainoo – With his technical skill set, Mainoo seems like he’d thrive under almost any manager. His composure and technique allow him to adapt seamlessly, making him a versatile and reliable option.

Bruno – Similar to Mount, Bruno could fit well as an inside forward. As our most creative player, his presence in the final third would cause consistent danger. Against West Ham, he created multiple scoring opportunities and could be even more effective in this system, where he'd be given the licence to play higher up.

Bad Fits:

Zirkzee – While he’s good at dropping back to link play, Amorim seems to favour strikers who stretch the field vertically, with inside forwards exploiting pockets of space. Zirkzee’s style doesn’t align perfectly with that approach.

Mazraoui – He doesn’t naturally suit the wing-back role, in my opinion. Time would tell, but he might struggle to fit Amorim’s system.

Uncertain Fits:

Rashford – This could go either way. Rashford has always thrived when partnered with an overlapping player, like Shaw in the past, which allowed him to cut inside. If he plays as an inside forward, he might benefit similarly. However, Amorim’s system would require consistent close control and quick, sharp play in central areas. Rashford’s decision-making and first touch can sometimes falter in these situations, which could affect his fit here. However, if we're going back to the striker role, like Højlund, Rashford brings strong channel-running ability and can effectively stretch defences with his pace. My concern, however, lies with his physicality and hold-up play. When tasked with the demands of a target man role, Rashford might struggle to consistently win duels and maintain possession under pressure. While he excels in space, leading the line in a physical capacity could limit his effectiveness in Amorim's system.

Antony – I struggle to see him securing a spot in any of the front three positions, but he could potentially be effective as a left wing-back. He has the stamina and work rate to cover the full length of the pitch, and although we haven’t seen much of him on the left, he likely has the technique to deliver quality crosses from that side.

On reflection, it looks like we already have a solid foundation to transition into a 3-4-2-1 system. Moving forward, Amorim would likely aim to upgrade at wing-back, as well as strengthen the midfield and centre-back positions, but the core setup is promising.

Hojlund/Rashford
Bruno/Mount Amad/Garnacho
Antony/Shaw Mainoo/Eriksen Ugarte/Casemiro Dalot/Mazaroui
Martinez/Shaw De Ligt/Maguire Yoro/Lindelof
Onana/Balyindir​
Agree with a lot of this with a few exceptions.

Lindelöf I would be a bit concerned about his recovery pace and channel defending in particular. It sounds like one of the primary vulnerabilities in Amorims setup is losing possession in the final third and being hit on the counter in the channels, so if he is playing right center back I think many teams could target this area. Yoro would on paper be an excellent fit for this role, so maybe Lindelöf could be a decent backup option until his contract is up and we can replace him.

You didn't mention Martinez. I actually worry about him in this system for the same reasons as Lindelöf. We have conceded a number of chances (and goals?) already this season because he struggled to defend the left sided channel by himself. Since the wingbacks will be pushing high and wide to stretch the opposition as the team progress up the field, there is a big potential vulnerability here I think. This is further exacerbated by Amorims tendency - as I understand it - to use converted wingers in the left wingback role and allow them a bigger role in attack. If that spot became Garnachos for instance, I think a lot of teams in the Premier League would be licking their lips at the potential for creating chances down this side.

Imagine someone like Saka in all this space up against Martinez....I wonder if the dreaded cut back concessions we saw on numerous occasions last season could be making an unwelcome return soon? I keep hearing rumours about United continuing their interest in Branthwaite, who is among other things supposed to be a really strong channel defender on that side. So maybe there is a reason for that.

In a more overall tactical sense, I think your reflections on Rashford apply more broadly to the current squad unfortunately. Rashford, Bruno, Garnacho, Højlund...in my opinion they're all very hit and miss with their passing, close control and movement in tight spaces. As far as I understand and like you said as well, Amorim's system is mainly geared to create chances through the middle in the final third by quick passing and positional interchange through the space created through the wingbacks holding width. I'm not sure our squad is very well suited to this approach at the moment.

If we end up losing the ball a lot in the final third, there are many teams in the league that really could punish the suboptimal speed and channel defending in our backline on both sides potentially. Since neither Ugarte or Mainoo are very fast either, we could end up being very reliant on our counterpressing working to a T. It could also risk continuing this 'yoyo impact' of constantly transitioning from attack to defense and back again, which I think has contributed significantly to our issues with both in-game fatigue and injuries last season.

Obviously all of this assumes he transports his approach at Sporting 1:1 to United. He sounds to me like a savvy tactical manager, so maybe he compromises a bit in the beginning until we can plug some more holes in the transfer market. I suppose it's also possible that he can find a way to avoid losing the ball so much or manages to implement a really solid press in a way that Ten Hag failed to do.
 
My guess is that the back three, when all fit, picks itself with. Yoro, De Ligt and Martínez. The midfield two is likely to be Ugarte and Mainoo, which makes sense and is our best pairing. But I think it gets tricky up front.

The two AMs potentially have Bruno, Amad, Mount, Rashford, and Garnacho competing for two places. With Hojlund up front. I can see an argument for one of those to be converted to a wing back, but not sure who. Maybe Bruno will play that right flank, as he has the engine for it.

That said, I think it’s likely that Bruno will play as one of the two AMs, which suits him down to the ground, and my money on the second AM would be Amad, because of how well he takes care of the ball. I can see Mount covering positions at AM and CM.

Rashford and Garnacho I think compete for places at AM and CF, but I doubt we’ll see both start. Zirkzee feels like the odd man out to me, but it’s early days for him.

I haven’t seen enough of his teams to judge whether he looks for direct players at AM or players who are more technical and take care of the ball. In some crazy world somewhere, Antony emerges as a quality LWB and Bruno as a RWB, with Ugarte and Mainoo in the middle, Mount and Amad in front of them, and Hojlund up front. I think it comes down to what he expects from his wingbacks. Are they pure wing backs or more wide midfielders? Playing Mazroui and Dalot there feels too defensive and not offering enough threat going forwards.

This will be a fun and interesting experiment.

I definitely think his system is tailor made for Martinez at LCB, and Ugarte at CM. Those feel like the only two certainties to me.
Nailed it

Some people here talking about wingers don’t understand his system! With width instead coming from wingbacks and our previous wingers playing in a central two behind the striker

I’m all in on this one.

We’ve played 4231 to death and it’s come up short. I never understood why previously a more rigid 433 wasn’t tried by Ole. Our obsession with a 10 has been baffling…especially when we’ve lacked control in most games.

I just hope he sticks to what he knows and has had success with. It would be crazy to come and and stick to a failed 4231
 
Bruno I think he'll use as a vital player but on paper is the obvious one that doesn't fit in naturally. I think he'll likely use him deeper or sometimes as a right forward but probably as CM mostly.

Benefit:
  • Yoro - young and new to the Prem. Easier to adapt as part of back 3 than just a CB partnership
  • Martinez - issues as a back 4 that have been more noticeable after his promising early start
  • Ugarte - obvious, he excelled under Amorim in the first place
  • Rashford, Garnacho, Amad, Mount - all players who are far more suited to playing as the wide attacking players in a 3-4-3 than the wide players in a 4-2-3-1 where they have more defensive responsibility. You get the extra natural cover in this system.
Problems:
  • Bruno - 343 doesn't have a #10. Either he plays as a wide attacker in the front 3, or drops deeper as a CM
  • LWB - all of ours are dead, so same issue as a normal LB in a 4 at the back system
  • De ligt - not convinced it'll be a big issue and I think he'll be fine as the center CB, but he's not comfortable as a RCB in a 3.
The rest are mostly neutral, on paper. Amorim will help everyone if he just coaches normally though and doesn't put in idiotic systems. I'd imagine we see something like:
  • GK - onana, altay
  • RCB - Yoro, Lindelof
  • CB - De Ligt, Maguire
  • LCB - Martinez, Evans, (Shaw fill in)
  • RWB - Dalot, Mazraoui
  • CM (def) - Ugarte, Casemiro
  • CM (playmaker) - Bruno, Mainoo, Eriksen
  • LWB - Shaw, Malacia, (dalot fill in)
  • RW - Amad, Mount?, Antony, (Bruno/Garnacho fill?)
  • LW - Rashford, Garnacho
  • CF - Hojlund, Zirkzee
He doesn’t play with wingbacks AND wingers

The wingers you’ve shown above would play as 2x number 10s behind the striker.

The width comes almost exclusively from the wingbacks with striker running the channels as well
 
I think the thing that perhaps fits well is the Bruno conundrum.

We have struggled to find the right balance with him in a midfield 3 and I’ve always thought when we’ve been up against it we should take him out of the equation and pick a solid defence and midfield foundation and consider him as more of a forward player.

In Amorim’s system he can play as one of the two 10s and we have the insurance of a back 3 and double pivot.

The loser may be someone like Garnacho. Perhaps the other “10” will be given licence to drift wide left in which case Rashford and Garnacho can compete for that spot.

We also need better wing-back options, particularly on the problematic left side.

Edit: I think we will see Amass. And if he is ready he could be a big hit in this system
 
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Why is there no chance Rashford/Garnacho don't play an important role?
Because they are the only players with pace and ability to beat a defender. Don't get me wrong, they might not be key players for the system but you can't gave a team without any attacker that can actually run fast. Amad is great on the ball but doesn't make things happen.
Maybe next season we see some chances but now the new manager will need to adjust to our options and I still expect us to play the same attack, maybe slightly different midfield setup.
 
I guess I phrased that poorly - I think people are not properly realising the extent to which this is fundamental to the system, to the point where I don't think it even makes sense for United to hire Amorim for footballing reasons. Unless there are concrete plans in place to reinforce those positions in January, I suppose.
Mazraoui and Dalot is fine for the right. I think he will bring in Amass and potentially look at a loan in January. There were links with Alfonso Davies on a free, which I’ll admit seem optimistic.

I don’t think you compromise on the manager because you’re because there’s a position or two you need to fill. This is of course assuming he wants to play the same system.
 
Ten Haag to spunk our budget this summer on the likes of De Ligt (too immobile)

I keep reading this, he has been one of our better defenders this season. Immobile? I have seen him take on quick players this season and win the duels.
 
Nailed it

Some people here talking about wingers don’t understand his system! With width instead coming from wingbacks and our previous wingers playing in a central two behind the striker

I’m all in on this one.

We’ve played 4231 to death and it’s come up short. I never understood why previously a more rigid 433 wasn’t tried by Ole. Our obsession with a 10 has been baffling…especially when we’ve lacked control in most games.

I just hope he sticks to what he knows and has had success with. It would be crazy to come and and stick to a failed 4231

Because of Bruno.. he cannot play as #8 in 4-3-3 and only #10 is suitable for him..

Also, i don't know why people are still thinking Rashford being an important role.. considering his attitude, conscious of pass/shooting timing and cannot keep consistent depends on age, he is not a reliable player as a key role..
 
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I'm surprised so many people feel like De Ligt would suit a 343 when it's well documented that he struggles in 3 man defences. He doesn't play regularly for Holland cause he's nowhere near as comfortable as the other CB's in that formation.

Or he doesn't play for Holland because they have Van Dijk, Van Der Wen, De Vrij, Nathan Ake as alternatives? In fact, I can't really think of a time when he's been asked to play in a back 3.
 
Think Hojlund will suit his style. Also the wingers may benefit, particular amad as he likes his young players. Ugarte will be a player than benefits a lot and as played under him before. The main position that will benefit though is the defence. 3 CB having extra protection.
 
Strugglers
  • Zirkzee may struggle because as far as I know Amorim wants a channel running goal scoring striker, not an interlinking player.
  • Mazroui as I'm unsure if he can play as quick as a wingback
  • Same with Malacia who seemed a very defensive fullback
  • Mount may struggle because I don't think he is that creative for a CAM & as far as I know Amorim's tactics tend to be breaking down the press than necessarily pressing so much themselves - still if that's untrue I don't think Mount can play enough line cutting balls to someone like Hojlund
  • Rashford & Garnacho wingers may struggle playing centrally alongside Hojlund but may benefit in being more direct and closer to the goal themselves.
  • Shaw may either struggle or benefit playing wingback but it's a gamble that is most likely looking like a loss due to his medical history.
Beneficiaries
Hojlund should be able to play Gyokeres way​
Amad has been called these pseudo RM/AM player & that tactically is something Amorim tends to use​
Bruno Fernandes I think will be used both higher up the pitch as a CAM/winger aswell as deeper down in a double pivot to dictate our play by playing more conservatory than necessarily quick. I can see Mainoo & Bruno for example rotating positions aswell as playing together alongside Ugarte. He is a very energetic player that is creative and is defensively underrated.​
Antony might be better because again if he doesn't have to beat his defender from so far out wide, playing more centrally will lead him to more instinctive shots on goals through the centre. I've also heard that he is a passers benefited by a possesion based system. :confused:
Onana seems like a goalkeeper amorim can use alongside all of our CB's that should benefit playing if we play 3 at the back. I have a slight feeling Maguire covered by De Ligt & Martinez may be great but Yoro is a talent and needs time.​
Mainoo should provide enough defensive cover alongside Ugarte & 3 CB's so I think the need for Casemiro is probably gone.​
Dalot should be able to play wingback well.​
If Amass is good as people Say he is then I can see him break through the next couple of months under amorim.​
Good analysis this. Just to add my thoughts. I don't see Zirkzee being used as a central striker for exactly the reason you state, but I do think there is room for him in one of the other front three positions. Hojlund as a channel running striker is exactly what he is looking for though.

I think Mazrouai is much more likely to find a home in the back 3 than as a wing back, but he's definitely going to struggle.

I have no idea what to expect of Rashford/Garnacho playing more centrally. You'd expect Rashford to feel more comfortable there but I've always liked Garnacho when he comes inside and tries to link the play with central players.

I'm very curious if Amad can be used as the right wing back. Does he have the physicality for it? I agree he fits the profile of player that Amorim typically uses in this system, with the wing backs providing the pace/width to the attack. I think he's also a temporary solution at left wing back whilst we wait for Shaw.
 
Or he doesn't play for Holland because they have Van Dijk, Van Der Wen, De Vrij, Nathan Ake as alternatives? In fact, I can't really think of a time when he's been asked to play in a back 3.

He did under Frank de Boer, I will never forget the howler he had against the Czech Republic. Didnt he play in a back 3 while at Juve as well?
 
We’ll just have to wait and see, too many times I’ve seen people try and predict who the manager will and won’t like and it turns out the way people assume.

LVG was supposed to prefer RVP over Rooney, Bruno was supposed to be benched when ETH got appointed. There’s no point trying to guess :lol:
True but sad part is also how there's a case to be made their refusal was loosely linked to their eventual failures. One was my captain always plays and another was United must always play direct cos traditions and stuff
 
He did under Frank de Boer, I will never forget the howler he had against the Czech Republic. Didnt he play in a back 3 while at Juve as well?
He generally played in a back 4 next to Bonucci from what I remember, and yes the Do Boer team was a complete disaster
 
I keep reading this, he has been one of our better defenders this season. Immobile? I have seen him take on quick players this season and win the duels.
He’s been one of the better ones because the likes of Dalot and Martinez have been atrocious. But he gets done on the turn quite a lot. He’s not the most agile. Kompany went into Bayern knowing full well he was gonna be pushing their defensive line up to basically the halfway line and De Ligt was deemed not suitable for such a system and sold. This despite Bayern not really having any great centre backs.
 
Mazraoui and Dalot is fine for the right. I think he will bring in Amass and potentially look at a loan in January. There were links with Alfonso Davies on a free, which I’ll admit seem optimistic.

I don’t think you compromise on the manager because you’re because there’s a position or two you need to fill. This is of course assuming he wants to play the same system.
Dalot I agree with. Mazraoui I don't think is athletic enough to get up and down all match - and he seems more comfortable in central areas. Think he'd be better at RCB until Yoro gets fit personally.

I guess my point is that I think you are underestimating the extent to which the wingbacks are fundamental to how Amorim sets up a team. But hey, maybe he has plans to adjust to a back 4 - though I would be surprised as he's been pretty inflexible during his entire time in Portugal and has very deliberately shaped his squad accordingly.
 
He’s been one of the better ones because the likes of Dalot and Martinez have been atrocious. But he gets done on the turn quite a lot. He’s not the most agile. Kompany went into Bayern knowing full well he was gonna be pushing their defensive line up to basically the halfway line and De Ligt was deemed not suitable for such a system and sold. This despite Bayern not really having any great centre backs.

Actually, they needed to sell to get players in, Kompany didn't say he is getting rid of him because of the high line. They have Kim who is worse than De Ligt.

De Ligt has also played in high lines for Ajax.
 
This is a tough one, but this is my take, based on what I have seen and read. Amorin is playing a 3-4-3 or actually it is more of a 3-4-2-1 with attack minded wingbacks and two attacking midfielders behind a striker, who makes deep runs in- and outside. The tactics are based on fast forward play and flooding certain areas with players. It is actually very similar to what the danish national team has been trying to do in the Nations League campaign, but Sporting has been at it since Amorin took over, and it looks fluent and effective.

Who will play?

Keeper: Onana is a given. As a ball playing sweeper/keeper, he will be the extra player in the build up in phase one. Perfect fit for the system.

The three at the back: Yoro on the right for tempo and physicality. De Light in the middle for build up, positional awareness and defending crosses. Martinez left. His passing ability is crucial in this sort of system, as he can pass both long and short. His grid is also asked for. Subs: Luke Shaw, should he ever get fit, could be a possibility left as well and Harry could be BU to De Light if we keep him. I see no place for Lindelof in the system. I would keep Evans as cover for another year. He has done really good since he has been back and knows his role in the team.

The Wingbacks: Amorin likes to play wingers here instead of fullbacks, which leaves Shaw out of the equation for me. Malacia is so far away right now that no one can truly know where he stands. A loan would probably do him good. Harry Amass ? - I think that Dalot and Mazraoui will fight it out for the right WB, and I see Mazraoui as the better fit. It is close though. On the left we have a problem. I actually think we will see Garnacho there, or maybe even Anthony. Amorin wants someone, who will seek to get forward as fast as possible and be able to run up and down the line for days. Right now these two are the best options for that, but we will need to be active on the market here. I´ll go with Mazraoui and Garnacho.

The Pivot 6/8: Amorin plays a ball winning 6, who stays center and plays short passes. In Lissabon it is Hjulmand, but Hjulmands predecessor was Ugarte. Ugarte is a perfect fit, so he will play. If Casemiro stays, he will be the first alternative. The 8 role could very well go to Mainoo. He is supposed to intercept the opponents play and pass between the lines. This task is made for a technical player with a good passing range. Eriksen is the better passer, but I think that Kobbie will play most games here.

The two attacking midfielders: Bruno, Mount, Rashford, Amad, Zirkzee, Eriksen. There are lots of possibilities here, but looking at Sporting this season, the obvious solution is playing our two best creators in behind the striker, and those are Bruno and Eriksen. Why? The Amorin system depends on a mobile and fast 9, running deep on the inside and outside, and this needs creators who can play a weighted through ball. Bruno and Eriksen are elite at that and both good finishers themselves. It is the exact role, that Eriksen plays for Denmark. Any of the other four can play here as well with Bruno or Eriksen.

Striker: Gyökeres and Rasmus are very similar players in style, so this is a given. The system provides Højlund with exact the kind of tasks that he loves, making fast runs, so there will be no excuses for not scoring. Zirkzee is no BU in this system, where I see Rashford as the second option.
My two cents.
 
I guess I phrased that poorly - I think people are not properly realising the extent to which this is fundamental to the system, to the point where I don't think it even makes sense for United to hire Amorim for footballing reasons. Unless there are concrete plans in place to reinforce those positions in January, I suppose.

I think you're underestimating other people's football knowledge. Everybody knows wingback are essential when playing 3 at the back. It's common knowledge.

What makes you think people don't know this but you do?
 
Dalot I agree with. Mazraoui I don't think is athletic enough to get up and down all match - and he seems more comfortable in central areas. Think he'd be better at RCB until Yoro gets fit personally.

I guess my point is that I think you are underestimating the extent to which the wingbacks are fundamental to how Amorim sets up a team. But hey, maybe he has plans to adjust to a back 4 - though I would be surprised as he's been pretty inflexible during his entire time in Portugal and has very deliberately shaped his squad accordingly.
It’s pretty common for a new manager to need time to find the right players. Look at how many full backs Pep had to burn through in his first couple of years. Whether Mazraoui is capable or not, you can’t make your manager decision on that.
 
Because of Bruno.. he cannot play as #8 in 4-3-3 and only #10 is suitable for him..

Also, i don't know why people are still thinking Rashford being an important role.. considering his attitude, conscious of pass/shooting timing and cannot keep consistent depends on age, he is not a reliable player as a key role..
Yeah. I agree. And whilst I’m not anti Bruno, surely at some point in the last x years he’s been here we might have tried a run of games without him to solidify the midfield.

Still maintain it was bizarre for ETH, Ole not to even try a more solid 433. At least give it a chance. Obsessing about a 10, in the 4231 for multiple years was apparently career suicide

Assuming Amorim plays his typical system, I think he might excel
 
Good Fits:

Lindelöf – While his contract is up in the summer, I genuinely think he’d be an excellent choice for the right centre-back role if Amorim sticks to his favoured 3-4-2-1 setup. Lindelöf is underrated both defensively and in possession. His passing range is strong, and he’s capable of carrying the ball through midfield effectively, adding composure and progression from the back.
Sorry to go off topic here but I’m not sure where did this observation came from. He is a really poor defender. You don’t have to look far back, just check last Europa league game. Should be sold long time ago.
 
Or he doesn't play for Holland because they have Van Dijk, Van Der Wen, De Vrij, Nathan Ake as alternatives? In fact, I can't really think of a time when he's been asked to play in a back 3.
Personally I prefer De Ligt over Van Der Wen and Ake, but as I've said it's been well documented De Ligt isn't comfortable playing in a 3 man defence. That could be why they're ahead of him.

Hopefully he surprises us and plays well if 343 becomes the norm for us. I definitely rate the guy and view him as our best defender anyway
 
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I think you're underestimating other people's football knowledge. Everybody knows wingback are essential when playing 3 at the back. It's common knowledge.

What makes you think people don't know this but you do?
I mean I live in Lisbon and have watched Sporting on a regular basis - I'd wager more than the vast majority of people contributing to this thread?

It feels somewhat premature to discuss what players might or might not be a good fit when the foundations upon which the team would be built just don't exist. Amorim is a tremendous coach and a huge upgrade over EtH for my money - but unless there are concrete plans in place to get him the specific types of players he needs quickly I'd be skeptical you'll improve dramatically in the short term (unless I'm dramatically underestimating how toxic EtH was making the place).
 
Ugarte. Bruno. Garnacho. Yoro & Martinez. Probably De Ligt too. Maz and Dalot should be fine in wingback roles. Both like to get forwards.

Rashford is going to hate running and pressing. Zirkzee and Hojlund will need to adjust. Evans, lindelof and Maguire are fecked.
 
Ugarte. Bruno. Garnacho. Yoro & Martinez. Probably De Ligt too. Maz and Dalot should be fine in wingback roles. Both like to get forwards.

Rashford is going to hate running and pressing. Zirkzee and Hojlund will need to adjust. Evans, lindelof and Maguire are fecked.


So basically alot of players will suit the system. The ones fecked, we need to get rid of them anyway.

I actually think Hojlund is going to be vital for us over Zirkzee because he does everything that Gyokeres does, runs the channels, combines with our CAMs and will make dangerous runs, add to that he can finish.

I actually feel that Zirkzee may not suit that ST position, Rashford might be 2nd choice as he can run channels too, which is how Amorim plays.
 
I see alot of defensive team selections on here. I was under the impression that he deploys wingers as wing backs.

I think we could look like this:

Onana
Yoro De Ligt Licha
Dalot Ugarte Mainoo Garnacho
Amad Bruno
Hojlund
I'd quite like to see this.
 
I mean I live in Lisbon and have watched Sporting on a regular basis - I'd wager more than the vast majority of people contributing to this thread?

It feels somewhat premature to discuss what players might or might not be a good fit when the foundations upon which the team would be built just don't exist. Amorim is a tremendous coach and a huge upgrade over EtH for my money - but unless there are concrete plans in place to get him the specific types of players he needs quickly I'd be skeptical you'll improve dramatically in the short term (unless I'm dramatically underestimating how toxic EtH was making the place).

I don’t think you have to live is Lisbon to know wingbacks are crucial when playing three at the back.

Have a look at the forum. There's widespread discussion about who can play the wingback role or who we need to buy to do it.
 
Actually, they needed to sell to get players in, Kompany didn't say he is getting rid of him because of the high line. They have Kim who is worse than De Ligt.

De Ligt has also played in high lines for Ajax.
They sold DeLigt and signed Hiroki Ito…
That says it all really.

Kim might not be as good technically as de ligt and neither is Upemecano but they’re both quicker and agile and are more suited to the high line.

Playing in a high line for Ajax in the Dutch league is very different to doing so in the Premier league.
 
They sold DeLigt and signed Hiroki Ito…
That says it all really.

Kim might not be as good technically as de ligt and neither is Upemecano but they’re both quicker and agile and are more suited to the high line.

Playing in a high line for Ajax in the Dutch league is very different to doing so in the Premier league.

Actually, they wanted Tah to replace De Ligt... not Hiroki.

Yeah they are very well suited to the high line, its going really well for them defensively, getting exposed left right centre.

Playing a high line in the CL for Ajax is the same as playing for Bayern in a high line.
 
I'm surprised so many people feel like De Ligt would suit a 343 when it's well documented that he struggles in 3 man defences. He doesn't play regularly for Holland cause he's nowhere near as comfortable as the other CB's in that formation.
My understanding is that he struggles when playing as one of the wider centrebacks. Playing as the central defender should suit his strengths a lot more, but VDV has that spot on lock for Holland so until he retires or declines significantly De Ligt has had to make do with being played wider.

However long term I suspect we wouldn't be able to play both De Ligt and Martinez at the same time due to their lack of speed. One of them will probably be fine, but one of them will end up dropped for a faster defender. If Shaw could actually stay fit I suspect he might have been ahead of Martinez right from the start.
 
He does like wingers as wing backs so I could see this being an option in some games.
I don't really think Garnacho suits the more centralized positioning that Amorim asks for from his forward players so hopefully he can adapt to WB.
 
It has really fascinated me to see practically every lineup run through back 3's that are some combination of Martinez, De Ligt, Maguire and Yoro with no mention of Evans.

In order to play a back 3 well you need an organiser back there who has superior reading of the play and the ability to instruct others effortlessly whilst remaining optimally positioned and dynamic themselves. We have only one CB here who fits that description and it is none of the above in the first paragraph. They are players to be led by others to execute their roles in peace, not thinking defenders with sharp wit and greater levels of pre cognition. Yoro is far too young for the central role, so he's on the right, regardless.

But yeah, this back 3 where the blind lead the blind doesn't look good. We need a shepherd in there and there's only one of those at the club right now.
Actually this is a very good point. I guess people are looking longer-term at those three defenders, but right now Evans might be the best option. Perhaps he and De Ligt will rotate at first, and hopefully De Ligt will show he can do that role well.
 
I don’t think you have to live is Lisbon to know wingbacks are crucial when playing three at the back.

Have a look at the forum. There's widespread discussion about who can play the wingback role or who we need to buy to do it.
Well there is a brochure that you get when you move here...

But point taken - I wasn't trying to be condescending or anything and can only apologise if I came across that way.
 
Great fits:
  • Martinez and Yoro as the wider, ball playing defenders. Both should flourish in that sort of system where they can push up into midfield with the ball, or build moves with incisive passes.
  • Ugarte and Mainoo as the central midfield pairing - Ugarte as the destroyer in a role he has perviously excelled in and Mainoo as the box to box, ball carrying 8 who can push forward into a more attacking midfield role when appropriate.
Good fits:
  • Onana as the sweeper keeper behind a high line, closer to the role he did well in for Inter. There may be a handful of rash errors but the benefits should outweigh those.
  • De Ligt as the slower but bigger central defender holding position at the back. He should be well suited to the role Coates performed at Sporting, with the pace of his two wider partners getting him out of trouble when needed. His passing is decent as well.
  • Hojlund in the Gyokeres role. On paper this should suit him far better than the role Ten Hag has used him in. Running into the channels for long balls from deep, or playing off the shoulder and being fed via two more central attacking midfielders should see him getting plenty of chances to get on the ball in space.
After that it's hard to know how players will do. Bruno as the attacking midfielder behind the 9 should be ok, with Zirkzee, Mount, Amad or Eriksen all offering good depth behind him in that role. Mount might be used as back up to Mainoo in the 8/10 role as well. Then Rashford and Garnacho for the more direct, second striker style option behind the striker could work or might not. I suspect Garnacho and Antony will both be tried at LWB while Mazraoui and Dalot offer a more conservative wingback option on the other side.

On first glance, it feels like a squad that doesn't need major open heart surgery to adapt to this tactic. But we don't know how well such a style will work in the Prem, or how well certain players will buy into it. It's going to be fascinating to see how he implements it and how long it takes before we see if it's going to work or not.