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| Friday, September 14, 2001 24:14 EST |
The argument for 4-2-3-1
By David Satlin
[ESPN International]
In the next eight months, the U.S. national team will attempt to qualify for the World Cup in 2002 with the hopes of making its fourth straight appearance in the finals.
Coach Bruce Arena's goal to finish among the top three in a six team round robin group will not be an easy task as both Honduras and Trinidad and Tobago are vastly improved sides and traditional CONCACAF powers Costa Rica and Mexico will not be pushovers either.
Brian McBride would spearhead U.S. attack. |
On a larger scale, qualification for the World Cup will not be enough for the United States in 2002. After finishing dead last at the 1998 World Cup in France, American fans and media are hungry for a winner, or at least a team that can compete with the world's best in the world's biggest event.
There is no doubt that Arena has proven over the years that he can win at every level of American soccer. The world stage is a different monster. In order to be successful in the international arena (no pun intended), the United States must play the "world's" style, not just the "American" style of soccer.
In 2001, there is little argument that the Spanish first division is playing some of the most attractive football in recent memory. Three of the four semifinalists in last year's UEFA Champions League came from Spain and seven Spanish clubs still remain in this year's European Competitions (three in Champions League, four in UEFA Cup). In taking a look at the Spanish league in recent seasons, one can't help but notice a certain tactical style of football played by the top clubs Real Madrid, Barcelona and Deportivo La Coruna. All of the clubs at some point have played a 4-2-3-1 formation. Among the top four clubs in Spain, only Valencia does not use a 4-2-3-1 and that may change with the addition of River Plate phenom Pablo Aimar as a playmaker.
In following the U.S. national team over the years, we have seen 4-4-2 formations, 3-5-2 formations and Steve Sampson's doomed 3-6-1 in 1998. None have been able to take advantage of the true talents of the American National Team and find success at the international arena. Coaches use friendly internationals to try new players and schemes.
The 4-2-3-1 (four defenders, two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders and a striker) should be tested, at least in friendly matches, for the purpose of finding the right combination.
So Bruce, I present to you the argument to convert the U.S. national team to a 4-2-3-1. Not only will you find success in CONCACAF, but your team will build confidence in a system that can have success at the World Cup.
Let's start from the back.
1. Central defense - The two defensive midfielders protect your central defenders.
In a 4-2-3-1, the two defensive midfielders are able to protect your central defenders from quick attacks down the middle of the field. In the case where Eddie Pope or Gregg Berhalter may be outmatched by a speedy forward or a player with size and skill, having two players in front of the defense helps slow down the opposing attack. At Real Madrid, central defenders Fernando Hierro and Ivan Campo are often considered defensive liabilities. The presence of Ivan Helguera and Claude Makelele in the defensive midfield often protects Hierro and Ivan Campo from being exposed on a consistent basis. Having two defensive midfielders also allows Hierro the room at the back to maneuver and provide long ball distribution. At Deportivo La Coruna, 37-year-old central defender Donato has been able to extend his career mostly because of the presence of Brazilians Mauro Silva and Emerson in front of him this season. One can even argue that the success of Alexi Lalas in the 1994 World Cup can be attributed to the presence of Mike Sorber and Thomas Dooley in defensive midfield, both of whom protected Lalas throughout the tournament.
This is not to say that the U.S. defense has been porous recently. Quite the contrary. The fluke goal against China was the first goal conceded by a US Team since last summer. The reality is, however, the competition in the final round of qualifying and the subsequent finals tournament will be much tougher than the earlier stage. With forwards such as Dwight Yorke of Trinidad and Tobago, Carlos Pavon of Honduras and Paulo Wanchope of Costa Rica, CONCACAF presents new challenges.
2. Wing defenders - Freedom to move forward.
At the highest levels of European football, attack minded wing defenders are almost mandatory. In Spain, no one attacks more relentlessly than Roberto Carlos, the Brazilian international. In Real Madrid's 4-2-3-1, when any wing defender attacks, the one of the two defensive midfielders slides in to cover his back. In a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2, the wing backs' offensive attacks are limited by their defensive responsibilities. The coverage from the middle of the field is automatic such that if Roberto Carlos is caught 30 yards up field, the shape of the team will not collapse as either Helguera or Aitor Karanka slide in to protect.
3. Defensive midfield - relieving the pressure.
In the U.S. national team's current 4-4-2 alignment, defensive midfielder Chris Armas is under a tremendous amount of pressure. Armas must win balls, slow down the opposition's attack, organize the U.S. offense, jump into the attack on occasion and cover for his teammates. That is a lot to ask for from one man, especially in a World Cup situation. If Armas had a partner in defensive midfield, say John O'Brien, or even Claudio Reyna, the pairing could share the responsibilities over the course of a match. If Reyna attacks, then Armas stays put and covers. If Armas slides over to cover for an attacking Agoos, then Reyna stays in the middle. Two players sharing responsibilities in defensive midfield over the course of the match definitely would relieve the pressure on the lone soldier in a 4-4-2 - Armas. Among the top four clubs in Spain, all are playing with two defensive midfielders. Real Madrid have Helguera and Makelele, Deportivo with Mauro Silva and Emerson, Barcelona with Josep Guardiola and Emmanuel Petit and Valencia with David Albelda and Ruben Baraja. Each member of the pair has unique attributes and when put together, the overall product forms a tough midfield combination.
4. Wing midfielders - let them attack.
One of the deepest positions on the U.S. national team is that of the winger. From Cobi Jones to Earnie Stewart to Joe-Max Moore to Ben Olsen to Eddie Lewis, Arena is blessed with speedy wing players who like to attack and take players off the dribble. On too many occasions however, I see the wingers digging the ball out of the corners in their own half of the field. The usual reaction to this type of play is "What hustle out of Cobi Jones, getting back on defense." My reaction is, "Why should Cobi waste his energy tracking back on defense so often". In a 4-4-2 formation, the wing midfielders and the central defenders are the first players to cover for a wing defender. In a 4-2-3-1, the defensive midfielders are the players who slide in when a wing back is beaten while in a 3-5-2, the wing midfielders are expected to cover the entire length of the field. While Luis Figo and Savio at Real Madrid obviously retreat on corners and set pieces, both players know that that their wing backs Michel Salgado and Roberto Carlos have cover from either their central defenders or defensive midfielders. The 4-2-3-1 allows Figo and Savio the freedom to concentrate on the attack, rather than retrieving the ball out of their own half.
5. Attacking midfielder - let him attack.
In the previous stage of World Cup qualifying, attacking midfielder Reyna was compelled to retreat into defensive midfield and was criticized in the media for his inability to create offense. As is the same case with the wing midfielders, the attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 has limited defensive responsibilities because he has two defensive midfielders in support. Brazilian Djalminha at Deportivo is one of the best players in the world at this position. While Djalminha is used mostly as a playmaking midfielder, goalscorers such as Raul of Real Madrid and Rivaldo at Barcelona also excel at this position. All three players are able to focus their energy on offense in the 4-2-3-1. For the U.S. national team, while Claudio Reyna would be the obvious choice for this position, Joe-Max Moore, Jovan Kirovski and teenager Landon Donovan also fit the mold.
6. The Partner of McBride - stop the manhunt.
Since Brian McBride has become a fixture on the U.S. national team front line with his size, skill and scoring ability, one question that frequently gets asked is, "Who should be his partner?". Brian McBride does not need a partner. McBride needs players who can put the ball on his head eight yards from the goal and players who can play off of him to score goals. In 4-2-3-1, McBride is a classic post-up man. He can play with his back to the goal, win just about every ball in the air and protect the ball until he finds a supporting attacking player. A partner at the forward position can only get in the way. With three attacking players behind him, McBride can count on receiving service from players who are focused on the attack. In the 4-4-2, Reyna, Jones and Stewart's defensive responsibilities often limited that service.
So that's it Bruce. That's the formula. It's that simple.
Now go out and win the World Cup in 2002.
Good luck.
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