Mix was playing next to Pirlo prior to this game so the conversation now has to include Lamps.
Formation Speculation
- Thread starter sbrylski
- Start date
Mix was barely playing and barely making an impact before Frank got healthy, and was kicked around as trade bait for a while.
That's actually not correct nor close to correct. He started the Portland, Toronto, and Orlando matches. He did not start the Redbull Wedding and that was the match out of the four that we got trashed. So he started games that we went 1-2-0. And against Orlando he was subbed out with 5 minutes left when we were leading 2-1.
And pray tell when he was kicked around as trade bait??? Other than a select few on the boards that hate him, he hasn't been in the news as trade bait.
Not to get nitpicky, and I think I understand the point you're trying to make here, but I wouldn't consider Harrison and TMac as "forwards". Wingers yes, but if we were to alter formations to 2 up top, neither of them would be up there, whereas Shelton, Mendoza, Mullins, and Taylor are options.
I agree he's more of a wing, but in a 2 forward set, Harrison is a Michael Owen or Romario type forward. Not a target guy, but one that will beat you on the dribble and has pace.
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I reviewed a couple game reports from the Philly match and we really played more like a 4-2-3-1 with Lampard almost playing like a supporting striker:
Any complaints with this lineup? I pretty much have none. The midfield is pretty old, but they seemed alright last week, and we have Bravo, Lopez, and Mix on the bench if we ever want more legs.
Does the lineup change at all when playing on the road and on a larger field? How well does that midfield hold up running in the heat on a large field?
Also, has Iraola surpassed Bravo on the depth chart at CDM?
I'm not sure on this in PV's point of view, but I think I prefer Iraola there over Bravo.
I think Saturday showed us a lot about what this game looks like when you have lots of skill on the ball. Iraola delivers more of that than Bravo. Jack more than Khiry. Mata more than Martinez.
And not just skill on the ball but positional awareness. There were more passing lanes and more intricate passes all around.
It was also an n of 1. Philly's defensive choices might have affected this. I don't think I'll feel certain of this until we see how the lineup does against a pressing NJ (and/or a larger field).
But for now, I liked this lineup a lot, including Iraola in for Bravo.
For the sake of his USMNT career he should probably go to Germany. He'd get called back to the national team faster than you can say Jurgen hates the MLS.
The skill is a tremendous asset when working with such a small field. I will be interested to see how the lineup plays against a faster more physical team. Aka can we survive the RBNJ/ORL thug ball approach? Although after reviewing all the cheap shots from the red bull wedding I would hope the league sends a ref with instructions to call a tight game this time around.
It was definitely a base 4-2-3-1 which is so much better at YS and with this team in general. Frank definitely played high and it worked on a smaller field, but I'd worry on a bigger field...maybe with Bravo back that would work better. It just opens is up with fullbacks that like to get forward. Definitely an offensive set up and PV tried to go the other way towards the end, but it didn't go as good as expected.
I have noticed that when PV subs towards the end, Pirlo pushes up high and whomever subs in, plays back. I am kind of ok with that. Pirlo doesn't seem to run out of stamina (yes I know he plays conservative) . If you watch the end of the Philly game though, he was the only one pressing, while everyone else was play watching. I think that's why Villa was getting pissed. Lopez came in for defense and didn't defend well. Poku isn't a defender either. Lopez may be aggressive, but he doesn't play smart. Iraola plays smart, but not as aggressive. Bravo seems to have the right ingredients to be a very DM in this league.
It's funny how Iraola was in the doghouse...now he is a major component and can start/sub at multiple positions.
I have noticed that when PV subs towards the end, Pirlo pushes up high and whomever subs in, plays back. I am kind of ok with that. Pirlo doesn't seem to run out of stamina (yes I know he plays conservative) . If you watch the end of the Philly game though, he was the only one pressing, while everyone else was play watching. I think that's why Villa was getting pissed. Lopez came in for defense and didn't defend well. Poku isn't a defender either. Lopez may be aggressive, but he doesn't play smart. Iraola plays smart, but not as aggressive. Bravo seems to have the right ingredients to be a very DM in this league.
It's funny how Iraola was in the doghouse...now he is a major component and can start/sub at multiple positions.
His lineups and subs are getting better. (What the hell was that WM 3-2-2-3 at home?) but he still doesn't know how to counter when the opposition changes their tactics.
Did we figure out why he was pissed at Lampard, who wasn't on the field for the final 15'? Or was it just "stop celebrating and help me yell at these idiots"?
Villa also clapped Lampard when he was taken off, which I thought was a good gesture.
i thought that was for harrion? unless he did it twice
He did it both times, though it was more of a statement in the case of Frank. I don't think there is a single NYCFC fan that has anything but love for Jack right now.
Idk really. Judging by his gesturing it looked like he didn't like that they were relying on him scoring and having to playing defense at the end. He probably wanted to be able to stay up top for a counter to keep them honest.
I also don't think he liked the subs. The team was clicking. Stamina or not, Lampard, T-Mac, Harrison to Poku, Lopez, White was a big drop off.
I really appreciate his heart and desire to win, but watching it back later...it was almost embarrassing. 3 points against a tough team, after a long break, with a man down at the end, all DP's on the field contributing, Jack showing great promise...there were many positives. Maybe voice your complaints in the locker room...but him sitting in the middle of the field pouting like a 10 year old was too much. I have to imagine that PV had a talk with him about it. He's called him out on his complaining before, so this must have angered him.
I know many of you loved it, but it's just my honest opinion.
Seven
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For a team that has been called out for not having the mentality to play a complete game, and lacks desire or heart, here's the captain, showing you his passion from minute one to minute 90+. He wants the team to be better, and I am happy to see it.
I do get what you are saying though. But I think for a guy who is already passionate, to almost lose a 3 goal lead, at home, in the heat, the frustration just erupted out of him.
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