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Old tactics with modern teams (THREAD)
The Pyramid (2-3-5)
source: Inverting the Pyramid
A little historical background first and then thru data analysis, I'll try to find the perfect player to the most important position in the pyramid. /1
The Pyramid (2-3-5)
source: Inverting the PyramidA little historical background first and then thru data analysis, I'll try to find the perfect player to the most important position in the pyramid. /1
This was the first recognized formation from the late 1870s. In 1878, @Wrexham_AFC lined up in the Welsh Cup Final in a 2-3-5. From the forward line, one of the centre-forwards was deployed into the midfield, essentially becoming the centre-half. /2
He became a multi-skilled all-rounder, defender and attacker, goal-scorer and destroyer. As for the teams' tactics, the most resembling one to nowadays came from @NUFC: the triangular game, passing movement between the half-back, the inside-forward and a winger on either flank /3
Considering these facts, I've decided to find the centre-half in today's game and build his team around him. Inspired by @MartonBalla1, I filtered thru data from @fbref:
- listed only as MF in the top5 league
- npxG + xA/90 > 0.20 in 2019/20
- equal contribution to defence /4
- listed only as MF in the top5 league
- npxG + xA/90 > 0.20 in 2019/20
- equal contribution to defence /4
As you can see, the stats are relatively non-related. This is because, in the modern game, the roles became much more separated than before. It is hard to find an all-round player so I took 'pressures made per 90' and 'tackle attempts per 90' /5
...to see who contributed to the defensive work the most while still being high on the goal-creating end. After going thru other charts as well, the result is surprising: Mario Pasalic was the closest player that I was looking for, while @Atalanta_BC could play in the 2-3-5 /6
The triangular game is Gasperini's big weapon on the flanks, so it's a no-brainer, while Pasalic is well-suited to his historical role.
If you enjoyed this retro thread, please RT and like and follow me for future contents like this. Comment your ideas about the pyramid
If you enjoyed this retro thread, please RT and like and follow me for future contents like this. Comment your ideas about the pyramid
