As we have a small squad and have to make do, i wonder if it would be worth trialing players out in every single position in training sessions, just so that they have knowledge of how to play there, should they need to fill in. The dutch have done this for years (they invented it, hence totaalvoetbal), if you look at Ajax, the majority of their players can play in most outfield positions, hence people like Vermalaen, Vertonghen being comfortable on the ball in the opponents half despite being CB's etc. Also helps in attacking, because people would be able to slot seamlessly into another position, so if Ramsey found himself furthest forward, he'd know what run to make to help out the guy supplying the ball. I admit, i've been drinking, and this'll seem like a bad idea tomorrow, but at the moment, this could solve a lot of personnel (or lack thereof) issues.
Good thread I've often thought Vermaelen could make a good DM. I think he'll struggle to get a chance to play there now we've signed Flamini though. Sagna can play CB, Monreal can play LW and our attacking mids often switch positons. Maybe we could try Fabiasnki out at CF ?
---------------------------Cazorla----------------------- Ozil------------Zelalem------------Walcott------Flamini ----------------------------Giroud------------------------- -----------------Gazidis-------------Monreal------------ Gibbs------------------------------------------Szszesny ------------------------Bendtner------------------------
Merte has been thrown up front in desperation on occasion, so maybe it wouldn't harm to expose him to that position more often in training. As you've pointed out, the squad is thin so players filling in at certain positions might well be needed at some point. We know Sagna can play CB, and that Flamini can supposedly operate in the FB positions, and much of the midfield can be swapped about. There's some flexibility there already, which is good.
Ramsey seemed to fill in as an emergency CB against Aston Villa. I think it's something that they should definitely be thinking about, we've gone into the season with an incredibly talented but all be it a tight knit group of players, it reminds me a bit of the teams Guardiola had at Barcelona, people would often say they had a lack of depth but they showed that if you can keep your players fit and you have the right versatility, then you can compete. Obviously I'm not saying we're as good as Barcelona, but more of a Barcelona lite.
I think Jenkinson can play CB as well, I'm sure when we signed him from Charlton he was cited as being able to play CB.
Yeah, that too, and right wing/midfield. Maybe this is exactly what Wenger is counting on, versatility.
Actually i was reading up on Ajax's 1971/72 season God, my answer shows how boring i am. (Retracts truth) Yes, i was listening to 5Live
Total football is about players temporarily taking other players positions as the play switches between phases, so as to avoid unnecessary running, and speed up transition and counterattacking. It was never about players lining up in unfamiliar positions at the start of a game, or in case of injury to another player. It means that if Gibbs is caught up the field, then Cazorla, Koscielney or Wilshere takes his spot at left back until they get a chance to swap back. Virtually every top team nowadays does this to a greater or lesser extent. It originally was restricted to the full back, midfielder and winger on each flank. In the 70s players tended to match up exactly in a man to man (particularly in the 4-4-2), playing total football was very confusing for them. Nowadays nearly everyone plays more of a zonal system so Total Football is less effective, it is more about trying to isolate or overload areas, and pull players off station. I think that is why cini65 is taking the piss.
There should be good interchange with the team now. Theo can play central if Giroud works the channels, Cazorla can interchange with Ozil, Ozil with Ramsey, Sagna can cover at CB. There's potential to move things around. And I'm a bit advocate of playing Chesney up top! He's a big lad, but he's quick!! Check out the Henry Leeds goal (hairs on the back of the neck moment) and see how fast Chesney gets there to celebrate with Henry - rapid!!
All we need now is a Cruyff,Neeskens etc. I must say I was privileged to see the Dutch team of the 70's.It's a travesty they never won the world cup
Having read up on them so much, i have to agree. I think all football teams should aspire to be like them.
