So lemme see if I gettin dis correck.
We play 4-5-1 in de friendly games before de WCQ's
We play 4-5-1 throughout de WCQ's. Depending on de game situation, we switch to 4-4-2 in de 2nd half of some games
We play 4-5-1 in de Digicel Cup
So we playin in de Digicel Cup Finals and we should NOW play a different formation
Yet dese is de same peeps accusin Maturana of lack of consistency.
Yuh tink de reason we might be playin dis formation is possibly because of whether is de WCQ's or de Digicel Cup, is de T&T Senior Men's National Team playin and whoever playin will be familiar wit de formations and strategy's (Touches does call it cobo brand) ? Is not like we doh ever change to a different formation as de need arises.
But me eh know...I jes takin a wile guess.
I say 4-4-2 becuase that type of formation suits us best. Our style of play and temperament is better suited to the 4-4-2 type formation. Right now we may get away with the 4-5-1, because we have Jones and Stern (saw how effect Stern was for the WC), but future wise our forwards most likely will require a 4-4-2 type formation.
The 4-4-2 allow us greater flexibility in transitioning to the attck more smoothly than the current 4-5-1. Jones has not mastered the different types of runs to enable us to get him the ball quick enough to allow the mid and defense to push on. Stern is slowing down and does not put out the required work effort consistently to cause problems for the defenders. Our mids are not up to par in supporting the 2nd ball after the forward pass. A lot of work have to be done in getting the mids to join the forwards in keeping the ball higher up the field if we are to GENERATE any MEANINGFUL attack.
As it stands in the 4-5-1 we attempt to play square to quickly after winning the ball. This maybe a result of the defenders not comfortable with the ball at their feet. In the 4-5-1, and how we play it, the first pass should be a forward pass behind the opposition first line of defense closest to us. This would be difficult for us cause on defense we do not hold proper lines. The lone forward would have to fight for the ball in a 1v3 situation. In the 4-4-2, if one of the opposition fullback had pushed on, when we win the ball, it will automatically put our fwds in a 2v3 situation which is very good odds.
Now if we are in the 4-4-2, even if we don't hold defensive lines when we win the ball, one of the forwards could drop quickly to receive that first forward pass maintaining possession, and allowing us to find shape. The 2nd forward can hold high giving us depth and room to possess the ball in an effort to mount an attack. Now all we need is for one of the wide mids to break forward.
I believe that our players are wired for this type of system of play. I do understand that right now is not the best time for the WC squad to experiment with systems, but the Digicel or the U-20 and 17s should start being prepped in this manner. The role, function and responsibility must be taught to the player from the youth teams so that it will carry over to the senior squad. This is why an Academy is important.
