TheNearPostI think this could really work, and is pretty close to the Scotland lineup. The key, for me, is Torres' role. He acts as what I like to call a facilitator, drifting across the pitch and drawing pressure from the opposing midfield, freeing up the rest of the midfielders to receive. This helped the U.S. to play around the opposing midfield, playing into Torres and then moving beyond him in support of the attack. This fits Torres well. He's not in an advanced position. He has players looking to move off of him, and his ability to work his way out of tight spaces, break the first press, and play passes that put players in good positions will help the U.S. bypass the opponent's midfield. The rest of the field is a little more conventional. Donovan and Bradley work as carrileros who can surge up the middle, but also move wide. Dempsey is a typical #10. Without the ball, Torres and Dempsey protect the wide areas, although probably a tad lackadaisically.

16.10.2012