Scout Reports

Scout Report – Erik Lamela

Last Friday was a busy day at White Hart Lane. Having earlier announced the signing of defender Vlad Chiriches, Tottenham broke their transfer record for the third time this summer with the acquisition of Erik Lamela from AS Roma. The 21-year-old arrives in north London for a fee reported to be in the region of £30m, topping the £17m and £26m outlays on Paulinho and Roberto Soldado respectively.

Having seen a deal for Willian hijacked at the last minute by Chelsea, Andre Villas-Boas turned to the highly-rated Argentine as he splashed the cash ahead of Gareth Bale’s subsequent departure to Real Madrid. Speaking to the club’s official website upon completion of the deal, Lamela is keen to make his mark after a couple of seasons in Serie A:

“I’m really happy to be here. It’s a great move for me and I’m looking forward to doing my best for the team in every game. I like the English style of football, it’s very offensive and attacking and that’s how I want to play. I have to adapt to playing in the Premier League as quickly as I can.”

The History

A product of the River Plate youth academy, Lamela was offered a contract by Barcelona at the age of 12 but chose to reject the La Liga club and remain in his native country. Handed his debut back in June 2009, Lamela proceeded to play 36 league matches, producing four goals and six assists, but his club’s relegation from the Argentine top-flight saw the suitors circling.

Snapped up by Roma in the summer of 2011 for a bargain €12 million, Lamela’s first season in Italy was more of a settling-in period. From 29 appearances, he produced four goals and seven assists before stepping up considerably under the guidance of Zdenek Zeman last time out. Situated on the right of a front three, the left-footer racked up 15 goals and five assists over 33 league matches, with only four players – including former team-mate and Southampton new boy Pablo Osvaldo – scoring more Serie A goals in 2012/13.

On the international stage, Lamela has scored three goals in four appearances for Argentine U20s and has turned out for the senior side on three occasions.

The Prospects

Crucially for Villas-Boas, Lamela’s versatility affords him options in either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. As mentioned above, he was deployed as an inverted winger on the right of a three-man frontline in his final season in Italy to huge success and with the Spurs boss adding the likes of Paulinho and Etienne Capoue to his options in central midfield, Villas-Boas has already rolled out a 4-3-3 against Swansea and Arsenal.

The likes of Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend will surely tumble down the pecking order in light of the Argentine’s arrival, with Lamela’s superb dribbling ability and creativity, allied with a penchant for cutting inside and letting fly from his favoured left foot, making him the hot favourite for a role on the right flank.

Alternatively, Lamela can just as easily be fielded in “the hole” behind a lone forward. While Paulinho impressed in the Gameweek 2 win over the Swans, the formation left Roberto Soldado stranded all too often up front, with Spurs lacking in creativity from central areas in both their last couple of league matches – a 4-2-3-1 formation is likely to solve such a problem and hand the Spaniard a little more support in attacking areas; boosting his appeal as he searches for his first league goal from open play.

While the number 10 role is Lamela’s preferred position, the subsequent signing of Christian Eriksen suggests the Dane has been acquired with this berth in mind but, of the pair, the Argentine’s greater adaptability may afford him more game time, with Eriksen likely to be more dependant on specific systems to flourish. Certainly, Gylfi Sigurdsson’s chances of remaining in the mix look slim – having been dropped for the last two matches, the Icelandic international may have to rely on cup appearances and game time off the bench in light of his manager’s summer spending spree.

Priced at 9.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and 7.5 in the Sky Sports, Lamela is set to pick up plenty interest over the international break as Fantasy managers reconsider their midfields after a lacklustre start by many of the big-hitters. With Soldado now up to 9.7 in FPL, the Argentine offers a cheaper route into Villas-Boas’ side ahead of a superb schedule which has Spurs rated top of our fixture ticker over the next six Gameweeks – home clashes against Norwich, West Ham and Hull, in addition to trips to Cardiff and Villa afford the north London club the chance to quickly bounce back after yesterday’s disappointing derby defeat to Arsenal.

Further Reference

Erik Lamela Wikipedia

Erik Lamela Transfer Markt Page

Erik Lamela You Tube 2012/13 Highlights

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

2,819 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jacketts Potatoes
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Thinking of making some changes to the old team and as much as I'm happy with Baines I'm thinking about changing him to free up some funds to improve midfield.

    My thoughts at the mo are Baines > Zab which nets me a cool £1.3m

    Thoughts please

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    1. micol1873
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Baines to Coleman, save you even more.

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      1. Namtab Nomolos
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        The literal sideways transfer 😉

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    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Coleman?

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      1. micol1873
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        why not ?

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        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          I was suggesting Coleman

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          1. micol1873
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            Sorry, my bad 😉

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    3. Jacketts Potatoes
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Already got Coleman in

      Mig (davis)
      Baines Coleman ivan Whittaker (Shaw)
      Silva Barkley coutinho (kasami) (RavMorrison)
      RVP lambert benteke

      Had 2 awful game weeks

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      1. micol1873
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        then yes, baines to zab (since i now know you have coleman already ;-))

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        1. Jacketts Potatoes
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Nice one. What's thoughts on the team? I've prepared myself for anything up a -4 hit

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      2. Namtab Nomolos
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Makes even more sense seeing the rest 🙂

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    4. Jacketts Potatoes
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Would you be making a lot of changes to this?

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    5. DJFootball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      City haven't got great fixtures though, so I think you'll be looking for attacking returns from him.

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  2. Koflok
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Would you rather?

    Play 4-3-3 with Swansea defender or whoever defender with good fixtures (Brady 1st bench)
    or play 3-4-3 with Hernandez or a sub 6.0 midf form and fixture (Collins as sub)

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    1. Koflok
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      and Hernandez or Brady?

      Brady got the fixture for the next 4 and a flexbility for me to go for option A.
      But Hernandez is a more dangerous player.

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      1. Rivaldo Izback
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Why not both? They might outscore the expensive mids...

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        1. Koflok
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          I have Hazard Walcott and Mirallas. Mirallas most prob to be dropped for it

          But kinda pointless to downgrade a player esp for a hit.

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    2. Rivaldo Izback
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Personnaly I prefer the 343.. Even if the new baps is good for defenders (in case of clean sheets..)..
      It's better imo to hope for a lot of goals than for clean sheets and 0-0 scores..

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      1. FISSH
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        yep, keep the faith!

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      2. Koflok
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Good point regarding hoping a scoring game rather than a clean sheet.

        I rarely watch Swans play though so it hardly matters, point does. 😛

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  3. VICTORIOUS SECRET! !
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Lost somewhere on the previous page

    What can be done here

    Boruc

    Mert / Reid / Whittaker / baker / toure

    Walcott / Silva / mirallas / boateng / coutinho

    Dzeko / sturridge / soldado

    2.1 IN THE BANK and 1 ft

    SUGGESTIONS PLEASE
    CHEERS!!!

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    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Dzeko for Benteke
      Mirallas for Michu or Kagawa for a massive punt

      That defence may need sorting though :O

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    2. WhatTheDuck
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      upgrade Dzeko/ Mirallas / Toure

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    3. VICTORIOUS SECRET! !
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Currently on
      Mirallas -》lampard
      What say?

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      1. D-Bizzle
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        You have more pressing issues. Dzeko may not start. So bring in Benteke.

        Kolo is injured and may not start. Zabaleta, Vidic would be good options.

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  4. WhatTheDuck
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    You guys please help my WC team.

    GK: Boruc, Daniel

    DF: Coleman, Vidic, Sakho, Chester, B.Turner

    MF: Walcott, Lampard, Ben Arfa, Brady, Ward-Prowse

    FW: RVP, Sturridge, Soldado

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    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Soldado ➡ Benteke, maybe?

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      1. WhatTheDuck
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        feel weak in the MF ?

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        1. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah, you would feel better upgrading Ward-Prowse or Hernandez, maybe.

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  5. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    What a boring 10 days ahead.
    Why are international matches so uninteresting?

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    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed. England matches are more of a chore than a pleasure to watch.

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      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        I find them boring except when Walcott tears down the right, and leaves the entire opponent defence dumbstruck.

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      2. Pasqualinho
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Hodgson's got injury problems (again). I think he should Wildcard.

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  6. Trigg ⭐️
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Crystal Palace 3 - 1 Sunderland

    Bonus
    Gabbidon
    Gayle (3)

    Bonus
    Colback
    Fletcher (2)

    Is this a guide on how bonus points will be shared out when both teams score?

    Only goalscorers and players with an assist got any BAPs.

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty much. Look at Fulham vs Arsenal in GW2. Same scoreline.

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Forwards score their best BPS when they score of 8. 10 points in BPS for playing 60+ gets the baps most of the time. Chamakh getting 3 in a 2-1 loss proves it.

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        1. Pasqualinho
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Forwards more at risk of losing points, though. 3 shots off target, 3 offsides, being tackled 3 times, missing a big chance. Defenders aren't really at risk for any of these.

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            They still need their CS, it's their bread & butter. Forwards can also score more than 1.

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  7. Pratik
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Clarification needed - Winners of Europa League qualify automatically for CL from this year, or the next?

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    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      next I think mate

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    2. Namtab Nomolos
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Would spice up the Super Cup if it decided which competition the two teams went in 🙂

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    3. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      next year I think

      so wigan need to win europa this year and next year, then they'll be in the CL 😀

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      1. Namtab Nomolos
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Then if a British team win it and finish 5th in PL the 3rd and 4th wouldn't get in at all.

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        1. Pratik
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          The rules were created in a way, so that even if Europa or CL winners got in, it wouldn't affect the 3rd and 4th.

          Premier League can have 6 clubs in CL if they win both Europa and CL, and those who win it, don't finish in the top 4.

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          1. Namtab Nomolos
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            They changed them in the last couple years again? I thought that's what stopped Spurs getting in 2 years ago?

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  8. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    This is my first proper season playing FPL, whats the general aim for people to finish? top 10k?

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    1. Rivaldo Izback
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      yeah its a good target.. 10k

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    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Anything outside 10k is a disappointment imo

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    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I'm aiming for top 5k.

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      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Saying that I am currently about 400k...

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    4. Namtab Nomolos
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, that's a good target. It gets harder with more people playing every year.

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    5. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I'm just asking for you guys, I already know I'm gonna win 😆

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    6. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      10k is a priority, but 5k means you're good.
      I just managed 5k last season, and it was my first.

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      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        But you suck 😉

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    7. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      The way you started, above 10K is a disappointment.

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      1. FISSH
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        I'm already red arrowing dude, I will be very happy if I am in top 5k

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Red arrows up that high are part of the ride.

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          1. FISSH
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            Yea true, can never realistically expect greens 😉
            I'm top of my mates leagues, which matters most

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    8. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Just want to do better than last year.

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  9. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Didn't know much about Lamela, but this article makes me want him..

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    1. micol1873
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      got him in

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    2. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Is it the haircut?

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  10. tw
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Pratik, demele won't be a starter anymore will he?

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    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      He will surely start alongside Paulinho is 4-2-3-1, atleast as long as Capoue is sidelined.

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      1. tw
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        ah right I forgot about Capoue injury!

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  11. Guybrush Threepwood
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Which combination is better?

    1. Mertesacker, HBA and Ward-Prowse (plus 0.4)

    2. Vidic, Hernandez and Brady (plus 0.2)

    Thanks

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    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      B, but its close because of fixtures.

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  12. Timbomars
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    W/C team currently on:

    Boruc, McGregor

    Zab, Mert, Collins, Chester, Tuner (Cardiff)

    Walcott, Nolan, HBA, Snodgrass, Livermore

    Giroud, RVP, Benteke

    (0.5m in bank)

    Basically I shipped out Coutinho in order to invest in defence. Tempted to maybe bring in Barkley for Snodgrass and invest in Migs, I do like the way Boruc and McGregor rotate. Planning on bringing in Studge in GW5 - Overall thoughts?

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  13. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    I'm fully aboard the Lamela wagon. He seems a perfect way into the Tottenham attack if you don't have Soldado (who in my opinion is too expensive when you can have Tekkers, Giroud or Sturridge for cheaper).

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    1. micol1873
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed

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    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, swapping Soldado for Bentekers and getting Lamela in.

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  14. Unliklinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts on Fellaini at Utd?

    Could see him doing well for a couple of weeks until Rooney gets back anyway...

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    1. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      They have Kags and Rooney is probably back for the next game

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  15. New Article Posted
  16. Plymouth
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Cech (Boruc)
    Baines, Cole, Collins (Turner, Chester)
    Nolan, Silva, Coutinho, Schneiderlin (Jedinak)
    Giroud, Lambert, Sturridge

    Thoughts my good fellas?

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  17. mathmo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Further to the earlier post about Spurs playing like AVB's Porto...

    Christian Eriksen's arrival suggested AVB may switch back to a 4-2-3-1 in order to hand the Dane a 10 role with Lamela on the wing. Eriksen is more than capable of playing in central midfield and certainly has the range of passing to get the ball into the final third quickly - which is crucial to AVB's 'vertical football' philosophy which requires even the most defensive players to be capable of a range of passes. Soldado was excellent at first time shots and volleys, and I remember Capoue having an excellent long pass for a rather physical, defensive midfielder, and both vertonghen and chiriches have excellent ability on the ball.

    Interestingly - and perhaps crucially - Eriksen is really quite similar to Beluschi in that he is an attacking midfielder who is also capable of playing on the wing, as well as deeper in a central midfield berth. Rather than the typical central midfielder found in 4-3-3, Belluschi at Porto under AVB was the one in the midfield three who tended to move slightly further forward or drift out into the wing to overload, in quite a similar manner to the number 10 in a 4-2-3-1. I assumed Paulinho would be played in that position against Arsenal to allow for an overload*, but Eriksen is naturally suited to this role a lot better.

    The lines between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 can get quite blurry at times, and with Eriksen, Dembele, Paulinho in the team he has a squad that can shift rapidly between both formations.

    *As one poster remarked, this game did indeed become the battle of the overloads, and was fascinating tactically. But going into this would probably quadruple the length of this post!

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    1. Vengeful_Bunny
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Please carry on with it though as I'm interested to hear it.

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  18. chilli con kone
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    A) RVP & Brady

    or

    B) Rooney & Cout

    I do not have Sturridge as he is carrying an injury apparently and want to see how suarez effects his game

    Cheers Guys

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  19. Evans
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    For those with toure ...? What's the plan ? Ship or keep ?

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