Envision this as a 4-3-1-2 with Dempsey playing the false 9 behind Zardes (who isn't an ideal target forward, but will put in the work to open up space for Deuce/can interchange with Deuce when he tracks back). I envision Nagbe roaming in front of the back 3 & interchanging with FJ or Zusi as play dictates. Yedlin for the overlapping threat when is appropriate, but Besler & Yedlin both need to stay home first & second, & attack third. This allows 3 fast, solid tacklers to clog up the middle to keep Messi from ranging inside as is his preference. Nagbe/Deuce/Zardes should be given the instructions to be a nuisance to Banega & Mascherano to keep their distribution efforts at bay. Lastly, on the attack, we need to look to distribute through Bradley & Zusi into the channels near the corners of the 18 to Zardes, Deuce, FJ, & Zusi for quick combination play or the overlap to the touchline with the cross back to the penalty spot.
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tom moreno
almost 8 years
Envision this as a 4-3-1-2 with Dempsey playing the false 9 behind Zardes (who isn't an ideal target forward, but will put in the work to open up space for Deuce/can interchange with Deuce when he tracks back). I envision Nagbe roaming in front of the back 3 & interchanging with FJ or Zusi as play dictates. Yedlin for the overlapping threat when is appropriate, but Besler & Yedlin both need to stay home first & second, & attack third. This allows 3 fast, solid tacklers to clog up the middle to keep Messi from ranging inside as is his preference. Nagbe/Deuce/Zardes should be given the instructions to be a nuisance to Banega & Mascherano to keep their distribution efforts at bay. Lastly, on the attack, we need to look to distribute through Bradley & Zusi into the channels near the corners of the 18 to Zardes, Deuce, FJ, & Zusi for quick combination play or the overlap to the touchline with the cross back to the penalty spot.