4-2-2-2

lovely pantsLogically I'll start with the goalkeeper, a solid shot stopper with ninja reactions, though not exactly a giant. So playing to his strengths in staying on his line and allowing the defence to deal with high balls into the box.

The defence is a rare combination of speed on the ground and monstrous power, all 4 being quick and other than Numan, forceful in the air. Ramos and Numan play a key role in this formation, overlapping for 90 minutes is the key.

Essien and Diarra are well equipped to dominate anyone physically gifted, naturally combative, strong athletes with unreal engines. Yet both technically accomplished players, able to dictate tempo. They're in my side to hold and allow the full backs freedom to bomb on past the wide-men, and in defence they're obviously there to dominate the opposition mid fielders, winning the most important area of the park

Not much needs to be said about the roles of Ribery and Messi, world class players starting on the flanks, stronger foot on the inside. They are the players in the team with creative licence, and are to be afforded more space by the full backs bombing up on the outside to offer a stronger foot crossing option and take away a defender at the same time. They can either drive at the opposing full back directly, which frankly would scare the living daylights out of any defender, or move towards the edge of the area drawing defenders out of position and slipping the ball into the forwards or continuing their runs into the box. Drogba will be charged with dropping to the edge of the area to offer a one-two and to get in the way of defenders for the two.

Didier Drogba and Ruud Van Nistelrooy are maybe the two players you would most want in the penalty area to get on the end of crosses. When it comes to them as a partnership its simple, Drogba is there to bully, batter and bruise defenders, both in the air and on the ground, and Ruud is there to move around him, pouncing on anything Drogba and the rest team has created.

When it comes to set-pieces I feel we have enough height to be a massive threat from corners and not be too susceptible to conceding from them either. Stam, King, Ramos, Drogba and Van Nistelrooy all attacking a Ribery/Messi delivery would be a danger for any side.

18.12.2009

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