This weekend, Massimiliano Allegri took his AC Milan team off the bridle and moved to a 4-3-3 as they chased the game. Now, it could become a more permanent feature.
Another draw is nothing new for Milan, especially not against a side ranked quite far below them in the table. However, new questions are now being asked. Rather than it being an issue with personnel, it could be down to the formation used.
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When Allegri arrived, he was quick to settle with the 3-5-2, but it was not his first choice. In fact, the defeat against Cremonese saw his team start in a 4-3-3. However, after a poor result, the change was inevitable.
Of course, it has brought benefits, and it may not be done. But, some changes may be needed in certain situations.
Time to change?
Pietro Mazzara, this morning, has suggested that the Rossoneri could actually benefit from a move away from a three-back after the four-back delivered the draw in Florence, as he writes for MilanNews.
“The question that arises is: isn’t the 3-5-2, in certain situations, a tactical solution that limits Milan a bit?
“Yesterday, Füllkrug demonstrated he can be an excellent support for his teammates, setting up Pulisic twice (his worst performance in front of goal since joining Milan) and lowering Fiorentina, allowing the team to push forward.
“In a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, it might be interesting to see how Milan, one of the few teams to play with strong midfielders capable of getting to the cross, could develop their game.”
Didn’t we already see 4-2-3-1 last season with all the empty spaces between midfield and defence? With Leao NOT being effective many times when he actually plays at his preferred position? We have 40-year old Modric as a DM, assigning him more ground to cover in 4-2-3-1 wouldn’t exactly benefit our off-the-ball movement. Is Rabiot even ready to play in a two-man midfield? Are we going to bench him (our most consistent player), so that Fofana could play and use Pulisic as AM behind the striker? None of this sounds like a good idea. You can argue 4-3-3 is a more fitting system, but some of these problems on paper should be visible there too.
The defenders are are not really good enough for back 4, allegri is obsessed with having bodies in the middle & the build up is slow as a result the team creates very few chances with no room for error.
If we play back 4
Barte -Gabbia-Tomori-dewinter
Best way to protect our goal and overwhelm small and mid teams is to setup in a 3241 with quick counter attacking.
Fulkrung
Puli/Leao- Jash- Puli/nkun- Salad
Rabiot – Modric
Pavlo- Gabbia-Tomori
Real life isn’t fifa but pep won like this for almost 3 years. Have 2 destroyer-controllers protectecting the back 3 (rabiot & d LCB can protect the left channel if leaving doesn’t track back properly, salad is fine on the right side).
Leao can do damage on the wing while pulisic/nkunku can push forward to support the striker.
There are no elite fullbacks in the team either, hence my suggestion (3241).
What do you think?
Allegri is not going to change the formation. This is a fluff. This is the age old critique of Allegri … love him or hate him. It’s not going to happen.
“love him or hate him.”
Honestly, I don’t think anyone loves him. 😀 😀 😀
I think 3-4-2-1 would make more sense vs lower level teams.
these 4 behind striker: Rabiot, Pulisic, Nkunku, Quentin Timber? (RLC upgrade); the rest 4 of midfielders in double-pivot
Leao/Fulkrug/Gimenez as ST
Leao
Rabiot – Pulisic
Barte – Modric – Jashari/Ricci – Alexis
Something has to be done against these smaller teams that sit low and give up possession.
There is enough evidence now that the 3-5-2 isn’t working in those situations.
Can keep the 3-5-2 in the head to heads against the top 6-7 or whatever but can’t keep dropping points in these spots. Try it Max.