TheNearPostThe general idea here is that Donovan and Dempsey create space for one another. Dempsey's dropping deep and drifting wide can drag centerbacks out of position, creating holes in the backline that Donovan and the midfield can exploit. On the other hand the pace of Donovan, Shea, and Chandler can make defenses sit deeper. A defense moving deeper like that is an attempt to limit the space in behind them for pacier players to run into. The problem there is that, unless your midfield also drops deep, there is space created between the lines of defense and midfield, which Dempsey can exploit when he drops into that area. Of course, there is the chance that the midfield line does drop deeper, which leaves space between them and their forward line, making it tougher to link play, and giving time and space on the ball for our central midfielders. Moreover, if the opponents forwards DO drop deeper, then you've essentially forced the whole side back, and created time and space on the ball for your team to dictate play. Basically speaking, Dempsey's movement creates holes in the backline for Donovan, and Donovan's pace creates space between lines for Dempsey.

Defensively, Donovan will be the one dropping deep to help, making the shape a 4-2-3-1/4-4-1-1. When the USA retrieves possession, Dempsey then drops in the midfield, and Donovan makes runs to exploit any spaces he may have just created.

20.08.2011