Yep. And if we had a much younger and faster CDM that formation looks even more dangerous. Would be narrow but that’s fine imo
Ive seen alot of fans talk about the need for the fullbacks to get forward -
However, I actually think defensive fullbacks that hold their channels will allow Pogba & Bruno to be more free on the attack.
In the diamond you mentioned we will be able to attack in a 235 :
Lindelof- Maguire
AWB- Matic - Shaw
This makes us basically have 3 stop gap defensive midfielders when attacking in front of our back 2 in case of a counter attack. AWB covers the right channel, Matic the centre and Shaw on the left. Each one drops in to defence as the opposition attack progresses to form a 532 on defence (the complete opposite of 235) -
AWB-Lindelof-Matic-Maguire-Shaw
Bruno- Pogba
Greenwood -VDB - Rashford
When we have to defend, Greenwood and Rashford widen up to receive the ball and VDB plays inbetween them with the quick touches, backheels and runs from the balls that Bruno and Pogba play from deep.
In my opinion if you use City's defense and midfield set up with Liverpools front line then this is very similar to what you would get.
City - (inverted fullbacks,CDM dropping deep,De Bryune and Silva/Foden playing as attacking minded CM/CAM)
Liverpool- (false 9/CAM player inbetween 2 inverted forwards).
Mix it and it looks like a diamond.