Unai Emery is an architect, and no construction of formation is theΒ same. He will examine the opposition’s weaknesses and then target them with our strengths. As Pau Torres completes his reported Β£31.5 million move to Aston Villa, let’s look at the further enhancement this could bring to Aston Villa’s playing out from the back philosophy.
I’ve been amazed at how our build-up play from defenceΒ has evolved under Unai Emery. I bloody love it. It’s been very effective. It hasn’t been easy β “stop fucking around at the backβget it forwardβwe’re too high” β and it still might not be for everyone. But, once again, I bloody love it.
It’s been an educational experience. We’ve seen the opponents set up defensively, oblivious to the fact that our passing out of the back draws them into attacking us without the ball (allowing for a counter).
By the end of the season, the high line (another approach that took time to develop) was successful and expertly implemented. The asymmetric shape-shifting was a visual treat, and this is only the beginning.
This is an elite signing. Emery’s goal is trophies, and to lead us to Champions League football, this is a significant addition with a key skill set to help achieve it.
I’ve mentally prepared myself for change by viewing football differently, abandoning the notion of a “best eleven,” and diluting my emotional attachment to players. I’m all in on “Unai we trust” and whatever it takes.
It’s big.
I’ve never felt more dedicated to a manager; O’Neill, Smith, Little, Atkinson, Gregoryβthis is different.
So, while Emery and Monchi areΒ proudly pictured withΒ their new man, I’m going to make an educated guessΒ on the likely defensive line-ups and formation shapes now that Torres has joined the squad. One thing I’ve learned from our master tactician is that you can never predict what he’ll do next; all we can do is speculate!
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
Under Unai Emery, we saw our defensive structure and build-up play philosophy change throughout last season.
The image below illustrates our defenders’ average positions βone signing in the January window transformed our whole tactical approach. Will the signing of Pau Torres spark another evolution?
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DEFENSIVE SHAPE OPTIONS
With every transfer link comes the now inevitable comment: “But who is he replacing? He can’t drop Konsa, he can’t drop Mings, he’s got to play Carlos now that he’s fit.”
Like I said earlier, I’ll trade my emotional attachment to players for points, for wins, for European football, for trophies!
So what are our options now? There is still speculation about bringing in a right-back, but assuming our defensive transfer business is completed, let’s have a look at the various formations Emery may use based on last season’s shape.
Play. The. Lot! All four central defenders! Torres’ skill-set fully utilised (from a full-back position) – allowing his progressive ball carrying into the midfield space to profit from his exquisite passing range.
With the insurance of a solid back three of Mings, Konsa, and Carlos.
A potential flip-reserve. Our current set-up, but with the focus down the right-hand side.
We only witnessed this against Crystal Palace at home when Matty Cash was given the licence to advance.
It’s an option to avoid us becoming too predictable on the left, or like in the Palace game – there was a weakness we could exploit.
Flipped back to the left.
The tradition right-back replaced with a central defender – a Carlos, or a Konsa.
You’ve spotted the theme, haven’t you? Always three central defenders!
Or does Emery remain with a back two and traditional full-backs, one advancing further than the other? We just don’t know. But, it will make viewing the pre-season friendlies more fascinating.
My vibe is that Emery will want to get at least three of his central defenders on the pitch in an asymmetric system. But, who knows? I’m just Ryan in K7 speculating. But, it’s always good to talk Aston Villa, and I’d love to know what you think. Drop me a message in the comment box.
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2 Responses
Very good article
Unai is the boss
No argument from me
UTV
Hi, Dene. Thanks for reading, and commenting UTV!
Comments are closed.