Fitzpatrick’s head cover
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- Dec 13, 2023
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One of the criticisms of Wilder, particularly in his last stint, was that he doesn't have a plan B. Back in the days of the overlapping centre backs, if the oppo nullified our approach then we didn't have a second shape to fall back on. If we were losing he would take Norwood off and throw on an extra striker, but that always felt a bit like desperation, rather than a plan B.
However, now, we clearly have a plan B. We have 2 styles of play, and both have been shown to be highly effective.
4-4-2 with Moore
We've seen Keiffer come into his own in the last few games. He's clearly horrible to play against, and this is working a lot better with a second striker supporting him. Cannon also looks more comfortable (although clearly still not firing) playing off Moore, and this outlet allows us to get out of sticky situations at the back and not spend ages passing the ball sideways. We are a threat from corners, Burrows' crosses and Robbo's throws. We also have a great asset to help out with defending corners. It's not pretty at times, but you can't say it's not effective after these 2 playoff games!
4-2-3-1 with Campbell and O'Hare
Alternatively, we are also able to tear teams apart with quick movement, passing and silky skills. This works best when we have Campbell up top, and O'Hare linking in with him and Hamer. Add someone like an on form Rak-Sakyi (or BBD or Brooks) and that front four is scary when they come at you at pace. It is what tore apart Coventry and Middlesborough at home, and I find it the most exciting to watch. But I don't think Moore fits well in this style.
What feels clear to me is that these two approaches shouldn't be mixed. We should either be looking to play long to Moore with a second striker off him, or playing fast counter-attacking stuff with the likes of Campbell and O'Hare. We should be choosing the right approach for the opposition, the players we have available, and the situation in the game. And I'm happy to leave CWAK to work out which is best, because they've clearly got it right recently.
Either way, we have the quality and availability in the squad right now to quickly switch between two effective styles of play, and that is a great capability to take to Wembley.
However, now, we clearly have a plan B. We have 2 styles of play, and both have been shown to be highly effective.
4-4-2 with Moore
We've seen Keiffer come into his own in the last few games. He's clearly horrible to play against, and this is working a lot better with a second striker supporting him. Cannon also looks more comfortable (although clearly still not firing) playing off Moore, and this outlet allows us to get out of sticky situations at the back and not spend ages passing the ball sideways. We are a threat from corners, Burrows' crosses and Robbo's throws. We also have a great asset to help out with defending corners. It's not pretty at times, but you can't say it's not effective after these 2 playoff games!
4-2-3-1 with Campbell and O'Hare
Alternatively, we are also able to tear teams apart with quick movement, passing and silky skills. This works best when we have Campbell up top, and O'Hare linking in with him and Hamer. Add someone like an on form Rak-Sakyi (or BBD or Brooks) and that front four is scary when they come at you at pace. It is what tore apart Coventry and Middlesborough at home, and I find it the most exciting to watch. But I don't think Moore fits well in this style.
What feels clear to me is that these two approaches shouldn't be mixed. We should either be looking to play long to Moore with a second striker off him, or playing fast counter-attacking stuff with the likes of Campbell and O'Hare. We should be choosing the right approach for the opposition, the players we have available, and the situation in the game. And I'm happy to leave CWAK to work out which is best, because they've clearly got it right recently.
Either way, we have the quality and availability in the squad right now to quickly switch between two effective styles of play, and that is a great capability to take to Wembley.
