WHY KEVIN STROOTMAN IS KEY TO VAN GAALS PLANS AT MAN UNITED Van Gaal knows exactly what difference Strootman makes to any team, having changed his tried and trusted 4-3-3 formation to a 3-5-2 on the eve of the World Cup solely because of his star midfielders absence. Given his intention to implement the same shape at Old Trafford, its little wonder there is just one man for the job. Strootman is one of the top rated out and out box-to-box midfielders with great passing ability, the vision to pick out a killer ball, an eye for goal and an imposing figure when not in possession. Many people have been wondering why Van Gaal is insistent on playing with a 3-5-2 formation. Well, its simply because we dont have the players with the quality to play the 4-3-3 formation that suits Van Gaals philosophy. For the 4-3-3 formation, you need an absolute box-to-box midfielder ( midfielder who influences or impacts the game at both the ends of the pitch. This type of midfielders generally possess high stamina,energy and the ability to go on lung bursting runs through the middle of the park). He should be getting into the oppositions penalty area regularly with the aim of finishing off the chances created by the wide attacking players. It is also their job to construct attacking moves once they have received the ball from one of the four defenders or defensive midfielder . For these roles to be carried out well, such players need to have superb passing abilities. Strootman has 89% passing accuracy and 5 goals in 25 appearances with 47 chances created. Currently, Man United doesnt have one. Carrick and Blind are defensive/holding midfielders while Rooney, Mata, Herrera, Fellaini are attacking/central midfielders. You also need to have 2 lively wingers/wide attackers who provide width in attack. The 2 wingers are instructed to use their pace to get at full-backs and cross the ball in for the central striker and advancing midfielders. It is important that these wide players have the skill and technique needed to beat opposing defenders. They should also like to run with the ball and like to dribble. We only have Di Maria in our squad who can fit this description. Juan Cuadrado who has been linked with a possible transfer to Old Trafford come January, will be able to complement Di Maria on the right wing The 4-3-3 formation is for a team that is going forward and attempting to win a match, rather than simply trying to contain the opposition; something Man United has always done. The attacking 4-3-3 formation is used by many clubs in world soccer, but none use it with such devastating effect as Barcelona. Barcas style of play was established by Van Gaal and perfected by his student Pep Guardiola. Barcelona predictably boast the highest average possession and the best pass-completion figures. That is why Van Gaal is always saying he wants Man United not just to win, but to dominate their opponent in totality......
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 15:42:23 +0000
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