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A short thread about tactics, formations and individual’s jobs in a team shape. There’s a lot of talk on here about Owen Hargreaves place in the 2008 Champions league winning team, and numerous people saying certain players in today’s team would have taken his place.
Firstly, Utd played 4-4-2 with Hargreaves and Ronaldo on the flanks. It was a lovely balance of skill, brilliance and attacking intent on one flank, with defensive nous, simplicity and unbelievable industry on the other.
Secondly Ashley Cole at left back for Chelsea was a dangerous player and keeping him quiet was vital. This emphasised the importance of Owen’s work load and defensive acumen. Added to that was the problem right back position. G Nev was at his career end and hadn’t been replaced.
G Nev played once all season. Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Hargreaves himself had all filled in there that season. Chelsea’s best flank was their left with A.Cole and Malouda operating on that side. It was like Fergie decided to play with two right backs on that side.
To emphasise the importance of tactics and team shape, and the actual jobs players are doing, Lionel Messi wouldn’t have done Hargreaves job to a T that night, let alone any of our players of today. Some will still argue the point, it’s silly though, it was a defensive role.
Some people think if you just put lots of good players on the pitch and that’s it. Of course, it helps, but please don’t underestimate the value and importance of a couple of workaholic, defensive minded players. Especially good ones.
