UNDERSTANDING VAN GAALS 3–5–2 FORMATION. Van Gaals philosophy to start play from back to front (goalkeeper to attack) is rigid and extremely defined, consisting of four primary layers: 1) The first phase is construction of the attack from defence. Playing out from the back, starting with the goalkeeper. 2) Ball circulation throughout midfield is the secondary layer, enticing defenders out of position and causing disorganisation. 3) Creating chances in the final third having patiently maintained possession of the ball in midfield. 4) Finishing off attacking moves efficiently, with focus on proficient placement of shots. The ball is passed to either of the three central defenders, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans, who are ordered to fan out across the full width of the pitch. Ander Herrera (or Tom Cleverley) roams close to the defence in the initial build-up, making himself available for a pass should a centre-back be closed down, while Darren Fletcher (or Michael Carrick/ Fellaine/ Nick Powell) primarily hold position in central midfield ahead of the defensive line, giving the attacking wing-backs (Luke Shaw/ Ashley Young- Left and Rafael/ Valencia- Right) added security to advance. Juan Mata (Kagawa or Januzaj) fills the traditional No.10 position, with the incentive to roam between Herrera and Fletcher, leaving van Persie and Wayne Rooney (or Welbeck/ Hernandez) to focus on matters up front – the latter of which also wandering towards the centre circle, increasing passing options. In this formation, The centre-backs focus on defending. The wing-backs are tasked with aiding transition from defence to midfield. The midfield is split into three distinct roles: deep-lying playmaker, defensive midfielder and attacking midfielder (No. 10). And the strikers concentrate on attacking centrally as the wing-backs move into advanced, wide positions during the final stage of attack. The number 10 (Mata/ Kagawa/ Januzaj) links the strikers and the midfielders. He continually drops off from the defensive line, receiving the ball in deeper areas and finding room to turn and play. Van Gaal preaches a keep-the-ball philosophy. One of the most striking features of this play is how quickly each player, across the length and breadth of the pitch, seems to grasp their unique role within the overall tactical framework, and the level of defensive work expected of them. Starting from defence, the wing-backs scamper forward to meet opposition wide players, minimising available space and mitigating danger before it materialises. The wide centre-back stays in a position to instinctively cover for his adventurous team-mate. Moving to midfield, the attacking midfielder is far more mobile than his central midfield team-mate, both offensively and defensively. When receiving the ball from defence, he can venture as far as the near touchline. But when possession is lost, the number 8 pushes forward, joining forces with No.10, the two attackers upfront to assist with the three-pronged attack’s high block, focussing primarily on tightly marking opposition midfielders – a trait taught and mastered under the tutorship of former Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa, where every player would adopt a man-marking scheme during the first phase of defence. The constant interchanging of players upheld Van Gaal’s desire to have as many lines (the position of players up the length of the pitch) within a formation as possible, creating a variety of passing options for the man in possession. Ball circulation is patient, yet rapid when taking advantage of disorganisation, passing from one touchline to the other, forcing the opponent to defend wide, creating space along the back line and dragging defenders from their original starting positions. At club level, this formation has been effectively used by Juventus coach Antonio Conteunder whom Juventus won three back-to-back scudetti between 2012 and 2014. At international level, it has been used as an alternate formation on two notable occasions to nullify the challenge of possession football used by the Spanish national side. Cesare Prandelli used it for the Italys 1–1 draw with Spain in the group stage of UEFA Euro 2012, Daniele De Rossi as a sweeper. The Netherlands recently used it to greater effect against Spain during the group stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, completing a 5-1 win.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 04:18:43 +0000
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