I don't think I got a good enough look at Hernandez yet, which is why I listed him as TBD rather than ranking him. He was also playing through an injury, right? KWS could definitely beat out Hernandez, the back line is up in the air yet.
Formation Speculation
- Thread starter sbrylski
- Start date
I don't think I got a good enough look at Hernandez yet, which is why I listed him as TBD rather than ranking him. He was also playing through an injury, right? KWS could definitely beat out Hernandez, the back line is up in the air yet.
Interesting takes. Looks like you might have trouble getting the ball to the forwards though in both options. I don't see ballouchy or velasquez as a forward. I think Mendoza will start, too, just need to figure out his partner. Love your game analysis !Ive just posted this in my blog.... any comments are welcome!!
I know this may seem a bit premature but its just something to think about from the first 2 pre season games we've seen.
Kreis is obviously a keen lover of the 4-4-2 diamond formation, specifically with the 2 central midfielders interchanging aswell as a deeper lying center midfielder. This seemed to be a good fit in the game vs St Mirren as they too did not play a wide formation, or for most of the game at least. This allowed our play to fit in with the possession game and created alot more space for our wing backs (almost) to push forward and form a much more solid line attacking wise, at the same time creating issues for the St Mirren defense.
This was not the case in the Brondby game though. Highlighted in the second half when the left winger for Brondby managed to stroll through the center of the pitch after Brovsky was lost upfield. I know this is only a minor issue however it was clear to see that defensively we were being put on the turn from their wide players most of the time. Although we had a strong partnership on the right with Facey & Brovsky we were left very bare as we had no midfielder to track the players running at the back line, aswell as the fact that when we did attempt to have someone wider (Tony Taylor) this meant that Mullins was stuck up top on his own.
On a brighter note however, the combination play of Mix with Velasquez and Villa in the first half was very joyful to watch and really highlighted the quality that Mix will bring to the team. Hopefully we can begin to see a more settled line up in future games, and maybe not 10 subs at half time, once that comes together i believe we will have a much greater idea about what the team will be in the opener on March 8th.
I've read most of the comments about the game on the forum and everyone seems to agree that this formation certainly is best suited for us, of course this is only a pointer from myself and that alone especially being that we are only 2 pre season games into the whole franchise! However id hope to see that Kreis can adapt our lineup to something more solid defensively in the upcoming matches just to help out our defense, something that im sure will be worked on as they are still working on defensive shape.
Personally i would like to see a 4-5-1 with a CM playing a little further forward, or a 4-2-3-1 which has been used by alot of the top european teams. Although having a quality string of strikers in the club i believe that maybe wouldnt be the best option. (The pictures below are just an idea of the formation, not particularly the players)
I'd love to know some of your ideas of the most suited line up with a favoured formation!
4-2-3-1
4-3-3
Ive just posted this in my blog.... any comments are welcome!!
I don't see us wavering from the 4-4-2 diamond very much. It's Kreis's bread and butter, our players have seemingly been selected for it, and through two games he looks committed to it. He's played a little 4-2-3-1, but I listed it as our "alternate" formation at best. We have to give the squad at least a few weeks/months to learn the system before Kreis would abandon what's worked for him for years.
Kyle Wilkie
Registered
Yeah the players were just an idea, preferably would play Velasquez further forward as he seems more of a threat with the ball running at defenders, bu ballouchy i wouldnt have there! just idea's of formations (Photos always help)
Yeah without doubt! although our back line hasnt exactly been a stand out so far. Ahh well thanks man!
Kyle Wilkie
Registered
Yeah i can see the use of the diamond and obviously with it being Kreis main tactic we wouldnt drop it from the start, i do think its good to have one or two tactics behind us incase of any change etc. Yeah thats one of the main points, i was just trying to get out a few ideas... but i totally agree! this season will all be about creating a solid basis for our future as a club and the way we play. What ive seen so far is very positive. early days though
asparkoflife
Registered
Mix needs to be further forward, I agree. Let this guy create. Even if it's more a box t box role, just not in the hole.
Without a doubt there are plenty of options from midfield to the forward line.
I feel JK will probably go with players who have the experience in the MLS for his starting eleven.
This could mean the likes of Poku starting on the bench to begin with.
From what you guys have said he will also go with a tried and trusted formation. Much easier to start that way and develop the team as the season goes on if required to.
I feel JK will probably go with players who have the experience in the MLS for his starting eleven.
This could mean the likes of Poku starting on the bench to begin with.
From what you guys have said he will also go with a tried and trusted formation. Much easier to start that way and develop the team as the season goes on if required to.
Have to say, as a complete newcomer to MLS, this thread is absolute quality in terms of getting to know the players etc. If this is the standard of analysis we can expect on here this season, we're looking good. Nice work everyone.
BlueWarrior
Registered
I know I have been an advocate for a 4-3-3 but based on this last game perhaps this would be the best formation to start off
-------------------Villa-------------------Shelton------------------------
--------------------------------Mix---------------------------------------
---Grabavoy--------------------------------------------------------Taylor-
-----------------------------Jacobson (or Poku)----------------------------
Wingert----------------------------------------------------------------Williams
-----------------Mendoza---------------------Facey----------------------------
-----------------------------Meara (when he comes back)---------------------
When lampy boy comes
-------------------Villa--------------------Shelton-------------------
-------------------------------Mix-------------------------------------
Grabavoy---------------------------------------------------------Taylor-
-----------------------------Lampard----------------------------------
-Wingert-----------------------------------------------------------Williams
-----------------Mendoza--------------------Facey-----------------------
-------------------------------Meara----------------------------------------
Bench: Saunders, John (hernandez), Brovsky, Jacobson, Calle, Mullins, Nemec
or
-------------------------Villla--------------------Shelton------------
----------------------------------Lampard----------------------------
------Taylor-----------------------------------------------------------Mix
----------------------------------Jacobson (or Poku)--------------------
-Wingert-----------------------------------------------------------Williams
-------------------Mendoza-------------------Facey----------------------
----------------------------------Meara------------------------------------
-------------------Villa-------------------Shelton------------------------
--------------------------------Mix---------------------------------------
---Grabavoy--------------------------------------------------------Taylor-
-----------------------------Jacobson (or Poku)----------------------------
Wingert----------------------------------------------------------------Williams
-----------------Mendoza---------------------Facey----------------------------
-----------------------------Meara (when he comes back)---------------------
When lampy boy comes
-------------------Villa--------------------Shelton-------------------
-------------------------------Mix-------------------------------------
Grabavoy---------------------------------------------------------Taylor-
-----------------------------Lampard----------------------------------
-Wingert-----------------------------------------------------------Williams
-----------------Mendoza--------------------Facey-----------------------
-------------------------------Meara----------------------------------------
Bench: Saunders, John (hernandez), Brovsky, Jacobson, Calle, Mullins, Nemec
or
-------------------------Villla--------------------Shelton------------
----------------------------------Lampard----------------------------
------Taylor-----------------------------------------------------------Mix
----------------------------------Jacobson (or Poku)--------------------
-Wingert-----------------------------------------------------------Williams
-------------------Mendoza-------------------Facey----------------------
----------------------------------Meara------------------------------------
Two games to go.
Risers:
With our center backs struggling to gel, the only one looking like a capable starter is Shay Facey. We better be seriously considering keeping him here on loan. Khiry Shelton saved us from embarrassment by notching a nice goal early in the second half and looked more than capable of getting playing time with the first team this year. Long term, he definitely has the potential to be the second best striker on the team and would pair just fine with Villa.
Fallers:
I've been rooting for Andres Mendoza, but he has not looked solid back there at all. I no longer have him penciled into a starting spot, with Facey and KWS ahead of him, and possibly Hernandez. I'm also downgrading Sebastian Velasquez slightly, as a scapegoat for a poor possession in the midfield last game. High work rate is nice, but he did not show the ability to captain a midfield attack against the Lions.
This is why everyone should be thrilled that Lampard is coming this summer. We're just not as good as we thought we would be. It's healthy for us to come back down to earth. Long term, Mix, Lampard and Grabavoy are the three guys you lead with heading into the playoffs. Let's see if Poku or Jacobson can steal the reigns of the 4th MF spot.
I wrote about this myself a little bit. I noticed in the second half that ballouchy and Jacobson operated as more of a double pivot. This helped settle things down a bit. I struggle to see the diamond work without that destroyer type MF. I think a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 might work best with our personnel.Ive just posted this in my blog.... any comments are welcome!!
I know this may seem a bit premature but its just something to think about from the first 2 pre season games we've seen.
Kreis is obviously a keen lover of the 4-4-2 diamond formation, specifically with the 2 central midfielders interchanging aswell as a deeper lying center midfielder. This seemed to be a good fit in the game vs St Mirren as they too did not play a wide formation, or for most of the game at least. This allowed our play to fit in with the possession game and created alot more space for our wing backs (almost) to push forward and form a much more solid line attacking wise, at the same time creating issues for the St Mirren defense.
This was not the case in the Brondby game though. Highlighted in the second half when the left winger for Brondby managed to stroll through the center of the pitch after Brovsky was lost upfield. I know this is only a minor issue however it was clear to see that defensively we were being put on the turn from their wide players most of the time. Although we had a strong partnership on the right with Facey & Brovsky we were left very bare as we had no midfielder to track the players running at the back line, aswell as the fact that when we did attempt to have someone wider (Tony Taylor) this meant that Mullins was stuck up top on his own.
On a brighter note however, the combination play of Mix with Velasquez and Villa in the first half was very joyful to watch and really highlighted the quality that Mix will bring to the team. Hopefully we can begin to see a more settled line up in future games, and maybe not 10 subs at half time, once that comes together i believe we will have a much greater idea about what the team will be in the opener on March 8th.
I've read most of the comments about the game on the forum and everyone seems to agree that this formation certainly is best suited for us, of course this is only a pointer from myself and that alone especially being that we are only 2 pre season games into the whole franchise! However id hope to see that Kreis can adapt our lineup to something more solid defensively in the upcoming matches just to help out our defense, something that im sure will be worked on as they are still working on defensive shape.
Personally i would like to see a 4-5-1 with a CM playing a little further forward, or a 4-2-3-1 which has been used by alot of the top european teams. Although having a quality string of strikers in the club i believe that maybe wouldnt be the best option. (The pictures below are just an idea of the formation, not particularly the players)
I'd love to know some of your ideas of the most suited line up with a favoured formation!
4-2-3-1
4-3-3
One game to go.
Risers:
I had Mix rated behind Grabavoy in my intial rankings, but I think this game really showed that he can dominate MLS teams and really take over a game. We finally got a decent look at Javier Calle, and he impressed me. One shot got away from him, but he showcased the great left foot we've heard about, and he looked quick and creative with good vision. I want to see him with the starters again for more minutes in our final preseason game, but he could earn the starting gig on the left side of a 4-2-3-1. I also liked what I saw from Tommy McNamara, or "BackNamara." He had a couple backheel flicks that showed excellent awareness and technical ability. He looked good enough to rotate in with Velasquez in the center attacking mid spot.
Fallers:
I don't think Pedro Alvarez (cut or veteran presence at the end of the bench) or Andrew Brandt (Wilmington) showed enough ability to be members of the team. I'm also downgrading Andrew Jacobson, because it appears we might switch from the 4-4-2 diamond to a 4-2-3-1 precisely because our CDM situation isn't good enough. I think he's be relegated to the bench for now. Finally, Patrick Mullins has played very uninspiring. I've been pulling for him, but he seems to have less life than Shelton and is not the imposing force that Nemec is.
I'd like to see us semi-treat the final preseason game as a real match. Our starters shouldn't go 90 minutes for the first time on opening day. Here's what I'd like to see against Columbus, with halftime subs listed on the right:
If Kreis is over the 4-4-2 Diamond, then I am too. Our squad fits better into what I was considering our alternate formation, at least until we get a capable CDM.
Let's sit Villa and give more than enough time to heal his groin. Instead, at striker, let Nemec get a full dose of playing time to make up for some of the time he missed. Taylor subs in at half, though I wouldn't mind seeing how he plays as a winger either.
Calle gets a full game at left wing to prove he deserves to start. I think he will. Velasquez in the middle, and McNamara gets tried out on the wing. I think Shelton and Taylor should also compete for this spot, so Shelton comes in at halftime. I don't want Ballouchy on the field.
Grabavoy and Mix are clear starters. Jacobson and Poku are reserves.
On defense, leave Brovsky on the bench and let Wingert and Williams play a full 90. For CB, let's pair them up and rotate them, as far as I'm concerned it still looks like an open competition for starting spots, but Facey will probably get one.
Code:
---------------------Nemec---------------------- Taylor
------------------------------------------------
----Calle----------Velasquez----------McNamara-- Shelton
------------------------------------------------
-----------Grabavoy------------Mix--------------
------------------------------------------------
---Wingert----Hernandez----Facey------Williams-- Mendoza, Watson-SiriboeIf Kreis is over the 4-4-2 Diamond, then I am too. Our squad fits better into what I was considering our alternate formation, at least until we get a capable CDM.
Let's sit Villa and give more than enough time to heal his groin. Instead, at striker, let Nemec get a full dose of playing time to make up for some of the time he missed. Taylor subs in at half, though I wouldn't mind seeing how he plays as a winger either.
Calle gets a full game at left wing to prove he deserves to start. I think he will. Velasquez in the middle, and McNamara gets tried out on the wing. I think Shelton and Taylor should also compete for this spot, so Shelton comes in at halftime. I don't want Ballouchy on the field.
Grabavoy and Mix are clear starters. Jacobson and Poku are reserves.
On defense, leave Brovsky on the bench and let Wingert and Williams play a full 90. For CB, let's pair them up and rotate them, as far as I'm concerned it still looks like an open competition for starting spots, but Facey will probably get one.
I like this, I just really wish we didn't have to lose an attacking player to make up for the back line.
The more I think about it, the more I agree. Mix at the CAM in a 4-2-3-1 would give a more solid midfield both offensively and defensively. And Velasquez is probably as good on the wing as in the middle, while Mac seems more fit for the middle only.
kun
Registered
This is my starting XI come Orlando:
---------------------------Saunders
-------Williams-----Facey-----Hernandez-----Wingert
---------------------------Jacobson
---------------------Poku--------Grabavoy
-------------------------------Mix
---------------------Nemec-------Villa
Starting XI by the end of the season:
-----------------------------Meara
-------Williams-----John-------Hernandez-----Wingert
------------------------------Poku
------------------Lampard------Grabavoy
-------------------------------Mix
---------------------Mullins-------Villa
(+DP3 somewhere)
---------------------------Saunders
-------Williams-----Facey-----Hernandez-----Wingert
---------------------------Jacobson
---------------------Poku--------Grabavoy
-------------------------------Mix
---------------------Nemec-------Villa
Starting XI by the end of the season:
-----------------------------Meara
-------Williams-----John-------Hernandez-----Wingert
------------------------------Poku
------------------Lampard------Grabavoy
-------------------------------Mix
---------------------Mullins-------Villa
(+DP3 somewhere)
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