Alexander Ring to NYCFC

Thanks for the deep dive.

I would argue that TMac definitely isn't the type of CM that would work next to Pirlo. One would think Mix is, but... let's not rehash that.

I still think it can work with two defensively-minded CMs with ability to go forward, rather than two offensively-minded CMs trying to remember to track back.
Pirlo gets caught alone too easily for me without a dedicated defender with him. When they split the CBs wide, its too easy to mark him out of the build up if he is the only one in the middle. I see what you are saying, that one CM could just act as CDM in the build up, but it never seemed to work out that way last year. Midfield only became somewhat functional after Iraola was standing next to Pirlo as the ball came out from GK. (then stopped working again, when they tried to make iraola a 3rd CB)
 
So after reading this thread the consensus on Ring is that he'd be a good player IF we sign another player to play in the midfield?

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So after reading this thread the consensus on Ring is that he'd be a good player IF we sign another player to play in the midfield?

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Not sure there is a consensus, but I am excited for him as a CM, doesn't solve our CDM spot for me. At this time.
 
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Pirlo played as a lone 6 for Juventus on a real field - not a Mickey Mouse sized field. The difference is that he didn't have Tommy McNamara and Mix Diskerud playing next to him - two mediocre athletes with poor defensive instincts.
 
Pirlo gets caught alone too easily for me without a dedicated defender with him. When they split the CBs wide, its too easy to mark him out of the build up if he is the only one in the middle. I see what you are saying, that one CM could just act as CDM in the build up, but it never seemed to work out that way last year. Midfield only became somewhat functional after Iraola was standing next to Pirlo as the ball came out from GK. (then stopped working again, when they tried to make iraola a 3rd CB)

I'm more inclined to think our CMs were just bad at the system, not that the system itself is bad.
 
How do you get Pirlo to play defense?

"Get Vidal or Marchisio to do it?"

Exactly. I don't see why that is so stunning to everyone. With the offseason departures and cap space available, target players that can complement our midfield general.
 
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Pirlo gets caught alone too easily for me without a dedicated defender with him. When they split the CBs wide, its too easy to mark him out of the build up if he is the only one in the middle. I see what you are saying, that one CM could just act as CDM in the build up, but it never seemed to work out that way last year. Midfield only became somewhat functional after Iraola was standing next to Pirlo as the ball came out from GK. (then stopped working again, when they tried to make iraola a 3rd CB)

First off sorry for bringing up Mix I shouldn't have done that.

I think what's being left out of the discussion is the effect Lampard had in creating the need for the Pirlo/Iraola pairing. Lampard always stayed further froward where I assume PV wanted him for his offense and to cover up the fact that he was far past his box to box days. If you are dependent on only 2 players to unlock each other you need guys that understand tactical movement on the level of Iraola and Pirlo. If you add two full box to box guys around Pirlo giving him more options maybe the tactical movement doesn't need to be so intricate.
 
First off sorry for bringing up Mix I shouldn't have done that.

I think what's being left out of the discussion is the effect Lampard had in creating the need for the Pirlo/Iraola pairing. Lampard always stayed further froward where I assume PV wanted him for his offense and to cover up the fact that he was far past his box to box days. If you are dependent on only 2 players to unlock each other you need guys that understand tactical movement on the level of Iraola and Pirlo. If you add two full box to box guys around Pirlo giving him more options maybe the tactical movement doesn't need to be so intricate.

Fantastic post. Pair someone with Pirlo that can get up and down the field without hurting themselves and you don't need a dedicated CDM. That's the idea.

And why go get a DP CDM if Pirlo is gone after this year? Find complimentary pieces that interchangeable.
 
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Fantastic post. Pair someone with Pirlo that can get up and down the field without hurting themselves and you don't need a dedicated CDM. That's the idea.
My mild obsession with having someone who is generally behind Pirlo centers on two scenarios.
  • There will be times where the ball is lost either by our more advanced midfielders or by our forwards/wingers. If it is lost by the midfielders and the other team pushes it forward quickly, now you have Pirlo defending alone in the open field, which is not good. If it is lost further down the pitch, it is less likely to be a problem because hopefully the other midfielders can break up the play, but you still have the risk that the opponent is able to quickly play the ball forward and cut out our more advance midfielders with a good, incisive pass or two. This again leaves us in a situation where Pirlo is the lone man back.

  • Inevitably there are times when Pirlo dallies on the ball and gets dispossessed. Often he gets fouled, often he does the clever shoulder shake and wriggles free, but sometimes he loses it. If there isn't generally a midfielder behind him, there is no protection for the backline. That may only happen once or twice a match, but it is super high risk if he's the deepest man.