Galarcep Article - a 3-5-2 likely vs. the Czechs???

[USAin2006]

I wonder what a 3-5-2 would look like????

---------------keller----------------


cherudoldo----onyewu---------gibbs


-------reyna---------mastroeni-----


dempsey------donovan--------convey


----------BMB-----------EJ----------


As potent as their attack is, they are crap at the back apparently (I don't get to watch them enough to have an informed opinion on this, this is based off the # of goals the conceded during qualifying). There's been a lot of talk on BS that a 4-5-1 with Lanny as a withdrawn striker tucked in behind BMB would be a good fit, but is the Czech weakness at CB or FB? If it is the former, maybe a BMB-EJ tandem makes sense; if it is the latter maybe the 4-5-1 option is a go. Though EJ is the speed guy, he is really like a second target forward with his skills in the air. Can someone with some knowledge of the Czech backline chime in here? I'd be curious to hear what people have to say. Either way, with five men in the MF, it looks like Bruce is looking to expose the back with speed on the counter.

As per my above predicition, it is obviously conjecture at this stage. Maybe we'll see JOB in for Mastro, if he looks good in the friendlies and DMB in for either Convey or Dempsey (I'm sorry, but for my money, until DaMarcus shows otherwise in the friendlies, they have both nudged in front of him on the depth chart). And where does all of this leave Eddie Lewis (who I like to have on the field if only for his talent on set pieces)?

Also, if Bruce goes with three at the back, we know that Gooch will be marking Koller. But who will be looking after Baros? Gibbs? Re-reading this post, I am all over the map. I guess I'd like to hear what everyone else thinks.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=368523&root=worldcup&cc=5901

[ursula]

If we play a 352 in any game in Germany it will be because of a combo of:

1) the mids' depth is that strong compared to the forwards & defenders and

2) the midfield would be able to flex back quckly to a four or five man backline.

[IndividualEleven]

Cherundolo would play wing-back. Conrad or Bocanegra would
play on the right in defense.

Personally, I think we're bit lacking in a right sided defender for
this formation.

A better lineup would be:

-------------------------midfield-----------------------------

-------------Gibbs-------Gooch-------Mastroeni--------------

[DCUSA]

I wonder what a 3-5-2 would look like????

---------------keller----------------


cherudoldo----onyewu---------gibbs


-------reyna---------mastroeni-----


dempsey------donovan--------convey


----------BMB-----------EJ----------




---------------Keller----------------


Pope----------Onyewu---------Gibbs


-------Reyna---------Mastroeni-----


Dolo----------Donovan---------Lewis


----------BMB-----------Beasley-----

I love the triangles everywhere. Dolo and Lewis are veteran players who could handle this role where so much is asked of them. Beasley would need to pressure until he dropped, continuously making runs along the backline making the Czechs decide who goes with him, and look to combine with Donovan. Lewis and Dolo with good crosses into McBride. It looks like a superior lineup but Pope could be a weak link and that's no place to have a weak link.

[luftmensch]

Cherundolo would play wing-back. Conrad or Bocanegra would
play on the right in defense.

Personally, I think we're bit lacking in a right sided defender for
this formation.

A better lineup would be:

-------------------------midfield-----------------------------

-------------Gibbs-------Gooch-------Mastroeni--------------
Pope? Unless he's hurt or totally out of form, it's almost a guarantee he'd be part of that line. Agree on Cherundolo in the midfield though.

[IndividualEleven]

----------------McBride----EJ---------------------
--------------------------------------------------
-----------------------LD-------------------------
--Beasley------------------Deuce-----------Dolo--
-----------------Reyna---------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
----------Gibbs-------Gooch------Mastro----------
--------------------------------------------------
----------------------Keller-----------------------

If O'brien is ready, then he can start in place
of Deuce.

[IndividualEleven]

Pope? Unless he's hurt or totally out of form, it's almost a guarantee he'd be part of that line. Agree on Cherundolo in the midfield though.

Pope has been physically up and down the past two years. If he's up
then he'll start.

[IndividualEleven]

Should be noted that Arena was going to go 3-5-2
against the Germans until he saw the Germans come out in a
4-3-3.

[McGinty]

Galarcep says that Poborsky is a threat on the right for the Czechs. If he really is a threat, why in the world would you go with a formation that sacrifices cover on the flanks? In a four man backline, Lewis can get support from the left midfielder or, in case of a 4-5-1, one of the central midfielders. If you are really concerned about Lewis, play Gibbs there. In a three man backline, you force Beasley/Convey/Lewis to cover the flank almost all alone.

I also don't like the prospect of forcing Cherundolo from his natural position or playing a formation that makes it less likely that Beasley, Lewis, and possibly Convey can play at the same time.

[Silva 5]

I think everyone is forgetting how much of an impact that JOB has on this teams attack.

[luftmensch]

Galarcep says that Poborsky is a threat on the right for the Czechs. If he really is a threat, why in the world would you go with a formation that sacrifices cover on the flanks? In a four man backline, Lewis can get support from the left midfielder or, in case of a 4-5-1, one of the central midfielders. If you are really concerned about Lewis, play Gibbs there. In a three man backline, you force Beasley/Convey/Lewis to cover the flank almost all alone.

I also don't like the prospect of forcing Cherundolo from his natural position or playing a formation that makes it less likely that Beasley, Lewis, and possibly Convey can play at the same time.
Anyone else get the feeling that Galarcep's talking out his butt on this one? Not saying this formation isn't possible, but he gives no indication why he thinks this is a likely possibility (and no, making sense to him doesn't count).

[DCUSA]

Anyone else get the feeling that Galarcep's talking out his butt on this one? Not saying this formation isn't possible, but he gives no indication why he thinks this is a likely possibility (and no, making sense to him doesn't count).

Yes, why is this formation being hyped by Ives? It seems highly unlikely against the Czechs. The only thing I see is that it can easily change into a 4-5-1, or 4-4-2, which may confuse the Czechs, but I doubt it.

[McGinty]

Anyone else get the feeling that Galarcep's talking out his butt on this one? Not saying this formation isn't possible, but he gives no indication why he thinks this is a likely possibility (and no, making sense to him doesn't count).

It does smack of speculation written as fact.

[Turzita]

Anyone else get the feeling that Galarcep's talking out his butt on this one? Not saying this formation isn't possible, but he gives no indication why he thinks this is a likely possibility (and no, making sense to him doesn't count).

Agree...and Poborsky is 34/35 and no longer has the blistering speed displayed in Euro 96. Doesn't he line up as a CM, DM these days?

As far as the defense, Grygera was hurt at Ajax, Jankulovski warmed the bench at Milan, perhaps they'll be low in form. Rozenhal and Ujfalusi held their spot, I think.

[Liverpool_SC]

Agree...and Poborsky is 34/35 and no longer has the blistering speed displayed in Euro 96. Doesn't he line up as a CM, DM these days?

As far as the defense, Grygera was hurt at Ajax, Jankulovski warmed the bench at Milan, perhaps they'll be low in form. Rozenhal and Ujfalusi held their spot, I think.
Poborsky played great in Euro 2004. He was actually one of their best players in the lead up to that tournament. That was not so long ago.

And no he was not playing DM and is still fast.

[OutKast3000]

I like JOB ahead of Dempsey -- however if Nedved is playing on the left side I'd like to see a hardnose defence on him. Dempsey would be more likely to rough him up a bit compared to JOB.

But still, JOB is the first choice and I think that we all agree that Dempsey will be our super sub.

I also think that if there is a 3-5-2 DMB will be in the lineup ahead of EJ. Bruce will manufacture a lineup that gets the best 11 on the field. Plus Beasley tracks back on D big time....so it'd be more like (dare I say it???) a 3-6-1 D'oh! we're doomed!

[MLSNHTOWN]

I've said that Arena's roster tends to lean more towards a 3-5-2. Look we have 5 CB's in camp: Pope, Bocanegra, Gibbs, Gooch, Conrad. That is somewhat unusual. Second our outside backs are thin with Cherundolo, LM in disguise Lewis, and Albright or Gibbs or JOB in a pinch.

We have tons of options in a 3-5-2.

3 of the five CB's.

RM: Dempsey, Cherundolo, Reyna or Beasley/Convey
LM: Besley, Convey, Lewis or JOB
DM: 2 of Reyna/JOB/Mastro (and to a much lesser extent Dempsey)
CM: Donovan (and to a much lesser extent Dempsey)

That is a pretty strong and well balanced midfield. I have said repeatedly that a 3-5-2 with Dolo on the right and Beasley on the left would be great as both players can play the outside roles and run all day.

The DM combination would be the most telling for me. All out attack with Reyna and JOB? or a solid defense first with Mastro and one of JOB/Reyna.

I tell you this much. it would be fun to watch.

[Chris M.]

Just a hunch, but I'm guessing for the Czech's you will see DMB on the right with his assignment to neutralize Nedved, and then get behind him when appropriate and make the old man work.

[FirstStar]

Just a hunch, but I'm guessing for the Czech's you will see DMB on the right with his assignment to neutralize Nedved, and then get behind him when appropriate and make the old man work.

Works . . . unless the Czechs plan on playing a formation that will always have someone backing up Nedved on his side for him to pass off defensive responsibility, thereby freeing him from a lot of running back.

Hmmm . . . . odd how other teams get to plan strategy too . . .

[Chris M.]

Works . . . unless the Czechs plan on playing a formation that will always have someone backing up Nedved on his side for him to pass off defensive responsibility, thereby freeing him from a lot of running back.

Hmmm . . . . odd how other teams get to plan strategy too . . .

True, but first, I think DMB will then simply concentrate on shutting him down defensively -- something he is good at. Second, if they do do this in response, it is pretty cool that we are at a point that teams have to game plan to deal with the Beasley/Nedven matchup. :D