Tactical Flexibility & Game Management

[Tousled44]

I agree with a previous post on here regarding teams setting up offensively in one shape, and defensively in another (e.g. Barcelona 4-3-3 with the ball, 4-4-2 without the ball). 

- You could take it further with regards to player roles and positions in both phases, and even have multiple shapes depending on the phase of play. 

- It would be even better to be able to bring back the old tactical view of the pitch, and manually assign where you'd like the players to be positioned at various points in play (e.g. from an attacking corner, having 3 players ringed around the edge of the box like in real life, to enable a high press to stop the counter). 

 

Tactical Flexibility & More Player Autonomy:

 

Example: Barcelona v Man Utd - 10/4/19

- In possession, Barcelona had their usual 4-3-3 with Busquets, Arthur & Rakitic in midfield, and upfront Coutinho, Suarez & Messi. 

- Out of possession, Barcelona went 4-4-2 with Coutinho dropping into LM, and Rakitic moving to RM, Busquets stepping forward into CM with Arthur. 

- At various points in possession though, Barcelona also changed to a 3-5-2 shape, with Busquets dropping between Lenglet and Pique, the FB pushing forwards creating width, while Rakitic and Arthur were joined in MF by Coutinho, with Suarez and Messi up front.  With intelligent, tactically aware players like Pique, Busquets, Rakitic, Messi this fluidity was made to look easy. 

 

- Rather than the manager constantly changing shape, it may be worth having a player with high attributes for Decisions, Anticipation, Positioning (e.g. Busquets) to make the decision on when to change shape, so they are "reading the game" and applying sensible "game management" - e.g. Barca deciding to retain possession in the final 10 mins in a solid 4-4-2 shape and not play any risky balls. Provides more incentive to buy a lieutenant on the pitch that you can trust to make those decisions for you in real time, knowing when to attack and commit more players forward, and when to be sensible. 

 

[Jimmy Wong]

Reviewed so locked.