Interesting game this morning, showed guts to get back into it after almost throwing it all away.
Two things to take from this morning:
- Yengi should definitely be starting ahead of Duke moving forward. Offers so much more on and off the ball.
- Ryan, this guy does not exude confidence at all. Body language has been off for the last few years and I think this affects how we defend.
Moving forward, we need the coach to be brave. Popa, ditch the back 3. We’re not playing to the teams strengths at all, especially with McGree and Goody inverting.
Moving to a back 4, 2 holding with 1 AM, two out wide and one up top plays to our strengths.
——————-Gauci——————
Geria—Burgess-Souttar-Bos
———Luongo—Balard———
Velup——-McGree——-Goody
——————Yengi———————
Out right, could sub in for Toure or Irankunda, having Geria gives them more cover defensively and let’s them play their natural attacking game as he is better suited to inverting rather than bombing on.
On the other side, Goody spent a few years playing LWB, this should add some balance to Bos’ natural gam attacking from deep. The only issue here is that Goody is getting a bit older and might not have the legs to track back for a whole game.
In the middle, Balard’s numbers in Holland have been very tidy. His ability to intercept and win back the ball perfectly suits to sweep in front of the back 4 when we lose possession. Coupling him with a technician and a player who can move more vertically between the lines like Luongo, or Robbo (if he commits) provides a good balance in the holding 2.
McGree as the 10. While he isn’t naturally a player to pick a killer pass or create something out of nothing I think he’s our best option here. He has some X factor, has an engine to cover ground and can hold up the ball if needed.
Yengi provides the body and some pace necessary to lead from the front. What I like about Yengi is that he can operate playing off the shoulder in behind, or hold the ball up for the runs out wide, whether it be pace from Bos deep, or Irankunda/ Velupilay/ Toure out wide on the right.
Goody doesnt have the pace to beat players in a leg race, but his first two or three steps are quick enough to create space for a cross or pass from out wide.
Now for depth.
GK: Izzo, Ryan
In defence:
Right: Miller and Circatti (when back) are good options.
Middle: Circatti, Matthews
Left: Behich, Kasey Bos
Midfield:
DM: Irvine, Baccus, O’Neil, McGree (if not played at 10 can play as an 8)
AM: Velupillay (ability to carry the ball and seems decent technically), Hrustic
Wide Right: Toure, Irankunda
Wide Left: Bos (can be pushed up with Behich behind) Realistically is anyone else decent with their left?
Can only really think of Irankunda inverting as he has a semi decent left peg.
Up top: Iredale, Toure
Big few months for those knocking on the door for selection and hopefully a big shift in mentality for the next match.
