There was me expecting fireworks from Costa I hope this isn’t going to be another season where we need an in form Pablo or we look void of creativity
Last night I thought (well, assumed, tbh) we were playing 4-1-4-1. Was a bit puzzled by the positioning of Roofe & Pablo, but put it down to a Bielsa variation of some sort. Today I noticed that Ristac had suggested we'd played 3-3-1-3. Never occurred to me, but couldn't remember enough about the match to see if it fitted or not. Probably did. If only I'd thought of it earlier. Wasn't as bad as last season's start where I expected 3-3-1-3, & it took me a few matches to realise it was 4-1-4-1. Tonight however, was the first time I realised that we played 3-3-1-3. Took me a few minutes to realise. Watching the match (on LUTV), I had an epiphany. Well, I think I did. Going by what I watched, I don't think we need another CB. There, I said it. Now before I get crucified, let me first state that this is not based on individual performances. This is based on whether we go 3-3-1-3 or not. If we do, as I realised tonight, Phillips is our new CB! Or at least can be. With 3-3-1-3, we don't need a dual-role DM, the role that Philips made his own. The question must then be - will he play as a CB in future, or as a regular DM? It's perhaps a little early to surmise, but seeing him at CB tonight, my thought was that the decision has been made. We've got a number of players that can do a good job as DM. Phillips' value was in being able to excel in the dual role that no longer exists. Bielsa has now trained him as a CB for over a year now. He hasn't let him down. That's why I think he's our new CB, in a back 3. Then again, conspiracy theorists might agree with me in part & then declare that this is proof that Phillips is being sold! Wouldn't be Leeds United if someone didn't come to that conclusion.
