Not sure whether Acosta is a DM or a CM or a DM who wants to be a CM? He was mostly DM with Dallas, mostly DM with US Nats, mostly CM with Galaxy and mostly DM with Fire. Like many Fire fans, I have been disappointed with him so far, but a different coach, different players and a consistent well-defined role could change that. Fire definitely needs a DM CAM and that is not Acosta.They also need an active two-way box-to-box CM and I am not sure that describes Acosta. Fire cannot afford to continue expend massive Budget Resources on Gaston, Acosta and Navarro for only mediocre play. Sounds like GGG likes Acosta and thinks Navarro has potential, so Gastón would appear to be the logical disposal. Assuming that occurs, Acosta at DM with Navarro as the backup works for me, providing a strong starter CB and a starter RB are acquired.
Friendly reminder, GGG stated very clearly we will be running 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 in 2025 granted the 4-3-3 he’s run in the past has looked an awful lot like 4-1-4-1
“4-2-3-1” - Offense - Guti, an inverted LM tending central with Gutman as overlapping L winger, new CM supporting new DP CAM and Guti in the attack and making occasional surprise runs into box. New DP R winger threatens out wide. DM shields shifted 3 man back line ( new CB, Teran, new RB) in protecting the Goalie. Defense- drop back to 4-4-1-1 with Guti and new R winger out wide and new CAM directing any counterattack. This works for me! Comments.
I think we will see GGG try to develop Guti at/as the CAM/10 in the 4-2-3-1 and look for more speed at the outside mids. And I’m expecting/hoping the DP tags to be used on an 8 and a winger.
The 4-2-3-1 is currently (I believe still) the most popular formation in the world. That makes it tougher to find players to fit the system as they are in demand. This is the main reason I do not like the formation but Gregg has some pull in the community so he might succeed where Ezra & Company failed. If he can find speed at the four outside positions, kudos to him. It’s why we signed him.
If Gutierrez can do the job- that would be great! Frees up Budget Resources for other positions. With Gaston gone (and if an MLS Mid-TAM CB and a moderately priced RB are obtained), there would be 2 DP slots and 1 U22 slot available for #8 and speedy wingers.
Sources: Chicago Fire finalizing deal to sign center back Jack Elliott.Elliott, 29, spent entire pro career with Philadelphia before getting to free agency. He made 270 apps with the Union.Elliott was one of the top free agents on the board. New defensive anchor for the Fire. pic.twitter.com/irlCP4zh2L— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 14, 2024
Elliott was kind of meh last season, but was very good in previous seasons. He's a Scotsman born in England and played at West Virginia before being drafted.
You mean the Scots-Irish found ways to make a life off the land, like they did before being displaced by the English. (And after they did some displacing themselves.)
I like it, but if I'm being honest...I was way more excited when Czichos was originally announced. Hard to imagine buying an Elliot jersey...hope he enlightens me.
Jack Elliott signing is official. Adding a new skyscraper to our Chicago s̶k̶y̶l̶i̶n̶e̶ back line 🏙️Welcome to the Club, @jackells95 🤝 #cf97— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) December 16, 2024
Saw some speculation that THIS teaser tweet that has the flag colors of Guyana which is where Omari Glasgow is from means they've done a deal with him for first team play. Seems logical to me and explains why they sent the Greek to Lugano. 1868793739583668405 is not a valid tweet id