Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for world class French Forward Antoine Griezmann. The Atletico Madrid striker has been said to have agreed a deal with United but no fees have been agreed within the two clubs. United will have to pay loads of money, approximately 100 million pounds for the Frenchman. His potential arrival could threaten Rooney's place in the squad and eventually lead to his sale.
Let's analyse the tactical options United will have with Griezmann in the squad, laying emphasis on formation, tactics and influence.
First of all if Griezmann arrives he will take hold of the famous no 7 shirt previously worn by Memphis Depay.
Griezmann will play in an attacking midfield role upon arrival, but let's look at all options.
The best suited formation is the 4-3-3 attacking midfield.
1. Central Attacking Midfield (CAM)
The first and most likely position. Griezmann can play as a striker, centre forward, right winger and as an attacking midfielder. In CAM he will play along with Pogba and Herrera on the sides. In as CAM he will have Ibrahimovic as a striker, Mkhitaryan on the right and Martial on the left. It will be a full offensive United attack with a mixture of Pace, Agility, and Finish.
Game play.
In the 4-3-3 will take ball into possession pass it to Herrera or Pogba. If to Herrera he will pass it to either Griezmann or Mkhitaryan.
When with Griezmann.
He will have the options to go in directly. Pass it to Zlatan or pass it to the wingers and go into the penalty area for a crossing situation and finish it. In as CAM he will have a great chemistry with two of his fellow countrymen Pogba and Martial and will act as a link between the two. This will lead to Rooney or Mata getting the sack. Mostly Rooney due to age and form.
2. Right Winger. (RW)
In this second option for Mourinho will be to make Griezmann play him on the right wing and Mkhitaryan taking the CAM and playmaker role. In as a RW Griezmann will add intensive attack and will form the attacking trio of Martial, Ibrahimovic and Griezmann. He is a natural winger and with his pace and agility he can cut through from the right wing to finish or create chances via crossing or passing to the CAM or striker. Not to keep in mind the right wing can be favorable fir him as he is a left footer. Mkhitaryan in as CAM will be great as he is a playmaker and a brilliant pass master.
Situation.
Defender's pass it to Herrera or Pogba,who in turn will pass it to Mkhitaryan. Mkhitaryan will pass it to either of the attackers.
When with Griezmann.
He will have two options. Create a crossing situation or cut through and score. If he cuts through and goes to score his curve will help him while shooting as the curve will add more accuracy and the angle will be perfect.
3. Striker. (ST/CF)
The least likely position which Griezmann could acquire if bought is striker. This is not likely to happen because of Ibrahimovic. Ibrahimovic has been an integral part of United's attack and has been the leading contributor of all of United's goals this season. Griezmann as a striker will only happen if Zlatan leaves. His agent has told that he expresses his desire to play for Napoli some day but it's not been confirmed by the player himself. Zlatan who is 35 and is still alive and kicking can still go on for another season and if he leaves the club will mostly buy a striker. But if they don't Griezmann will be the likely candidate for the position. But it's not going to happen.
If made a striker he will have less creative options and will just act as a finisher. Let's assess his role as a striker. He will have Martial and Mkhitaryan on either wings and Pogba as an attacking midfielder.
Situation.
Defender's will pass the ball to Herrera or Carrick /Replacement (if any) and will pass it to Pogba. Pogba can either pass it to the wingers or to Griezmann to finish or finish it himself.
If any crossing situation. The ball will be targeted on goal or Griezmann or the attacking midfielder,who will in turn shoot and finish.
Or Pogba may pass it to Griezmann to finish.
If played striker Griezmann will have less creativity and will not have many assisting opportunities, but mainly the scoring duties will be on his shoulders
But as said this is the least likely position for him and either way it's a threat for Mata and Rooney. Mata may still survive and stay but it will mark the end of Rooney's great legacy.
Based on our analysis the perfect position for Griezmann at United and for the better of United is when played in CAM because it is a mixture of creativity and attacking support.
What is your opinion on Griezmann's position at United if he arrives ?
No comments:
Post a Comment