Steven Gerrard "We played a diamond,bossed midfield & controlled the game. #MUFC's defence won't have had a harder game than v our strikers" Not the first time we have seen the diamond. Allows us to get numbers through the middle where we are still a bit thin or in need of work. Allows our full backs to get forward and most importantly, allows us to have two up top. Other managers have used the diamond before, most notably Ancelloti when he was at Milan and Chelsea. Thoughts on the formation? Better way forward than 3-5-2? Something we should stick with more?
I'm very surprised and impressed to see Sterling at the top of the diamond today and two weeks ago, who has played the position very well and drifted wide when needed to support the attack. We look a lot more steadier defensively with it too.
The diamond only worked today because Man Utd have one of the worst midfields in the league. A good tactic by Rodgers but not the general solution.
Ok, why though..... details astro! I like the diamond a lot and think we currently have players better suited for it with Sterling the only real winger we have, well, we have Moses but.....
I disagree! I feel the diamond is extremely effective against almost all teams if done properly. Its hard to execute unless you have the exact players you need. We could play it with Enrique back and Johnson/Flanno on top form. You also need a fast, defensive midfielder like Lucas. The CBs have to be alert and move to the side, so that DM drops into a CB role. This gives 3 at the back when the fullbacks go bombing forward. A creative 10 is needed at the top of the diamond which we have in Coutinho but I'd say we need a more mobile, younger Gerrard replacement. The only problem I see with it is that one of SASAS has to sit on the bench.
The diamond leaves too much space in the middle which a team capable of keeping possession and passing will exploit. It made no difference against Hoofball Utd.
Our backs and where Gerrard and Hendo were did not speak in that game, there was a lot of confusion and little communication with it you could tell but when done right, think it could be very effective. I like the 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, but think the diamond is very useful when done right as well.
How wide do you have the four in the middle? 4 in the middle leaving too much space?? If they do it wrong possibly but if they shift correctly they are blocking the central of the pitch if anything. Would you prefer if it was more of a 4-3-1-2? ---------X----------- --X------X------X-----
In general we need to be more compact that a diamond. Today the width helped because Man Utd go long or down the wings. 4312 or 4231 is fine for us generally.
Positives: Our diamond does allow for subtle changes as game progresses, as we don't play it with traditional wingers anyway. Therefore we can get it narrower, wider or flatter, according to the threat faced or opportunity. Also, the players are spread wider, the two forwards spread further, and this allows for a more expansive game and calmer ball possession. Negatives: Can be overrun and exposed in the middle by a strong midfield. The opposition defence can isolate and make ineffective your CAM. Cannot spring into counterattack as effectively.
Most formations work, but only if you have the right players and they are practiced in playing that way.
Its good to have a Plan A, B and C.. As we've seen with United, he (Moyes) doesn't really have a plan B. He's got some bloody good players too and they should be adaptable but in order to be adaptable, you need a manager with a plan, I'm happy for the most part Rodgers does have options, its hard for teams to play against us if they don't know how we're going to line up... Long may that diversity, fluidity, flexibility continue!
In short... 3-5-2 is not the way at all unless on a very special occasions. 4-1-2-1-2 is ok, sometimes 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 are better... what rodgers did v southamption is pick a team to exploit the opposition and he did the same today. frankly sterling is weak on the pass at the top of the diamond but he put his shift in and then coutinho could come in.
