Barkley's role

[mythbuster]

I often think he might be better long-term as a number 8 than a number 10. As the OP says, he would see much more of the ball which can only be a good thing. When he picks the ball up from deep and carries it 30-40 yards it relieves so much pressure on the defence and he's able to get tackles in and do his defensive work. If he then had a no.10, like Mirallas for example, up ahead of him to combine with as well as the CF and wingers, I think it would make us a much more dangerous prospect.

The thing is though mate. When he drops back now, he's got Barry and McCarthy playing the deep roles. So when he does drop back, he's still got more space, time and freedom to pick up positions where he'll be able to make those surging runs.

 

[PaddyG]

I think he's looked better recently a little deeper.

With more time on the ball to face forward rather than having to try and turn (and get fouled).

Dropping him back is a risk though, defensively.

 

[mythbuster]

Dropping him back is NOT an option. Who would you swap him for? Would you have him play Barry's role? No, I thought not. But, it's either that, or bench McCarthy or put McCarthy behind the striker.

Roberto is doing it exactly right with Ross and our strongest 11. /thread.

 

[johnnydawg68]

Roberto is doing exactly the right thing with Ross. He's giving him little responsibility and telling him to go out without fear of trying things. He knows Ross has magic in his boots, but he also know's he needs to learn. It's paying off - Ross is playing well and he's gaining experience all the time...

I think this is spot on. I'll add that the last thing you want to do is curb a young players attacking instinct. Moyes did that. Until you were a world class defender, you didn't play. And Ross didn't. RM is saying "go play son". And slowly he will add the other bits to his game. But first, go do what you were born to do.

 

[Furey1878]

Barkley seems to attempt more through balls when he's deeper.

Maybe play 4-3-3?

 

[mythbuster]

Barkley seems to attempt more through balls when he's deeper.

Maybe play 4-3-3?

That would be viable. I'm pretty sure Roberto has a bit of history for changing previously preferred formations mid-season.

Not saying we should do such a thing, because in the current set-up Barkley, Barry and McCarthy look a formidable unit.

 

[Furey1878]

That would be viable. I'm pretty sure Roberto has a bit of history for changing previously preferred formations mid-season.

Not saying we should do such a thing, because in the current set-up Barkley, Barry and McCarthy look a formidable unit.

I actually think 4-3-3 is our long term plan, especially as McCarthy's looking better going forward.

 

[mrb85]

Dropping him back is NOT an option. Who would you swap him for? Would you have him play Barry's role? No, I thought not. But, it's either that, or bench McCarthy or put McCarthy behind the striker.

Roberto is doing it exactly right with Ross and our strongest 11. /thread.

When opening this thread i wasn't suggesting he plays the deep MF role like Barry or McCarthy, only that he does not start so far up the field when we are starting to build an attack.

 

[mythbuster]

When opening this thread i wasn't suggesting he plays the deep MF role like Barry or McCarthy, only that he does not start so far up the field when we are starting to build an attack.

I'm happy to accept Roberto's decisions and methods, to be honest.

 

[billycopper]

Barkley seems to attempt more through balls when he's deeper.

Maybe play 4-3-3?

I don't think that McCarthy is good enough going forward to alter the balance of the side at the moment but we could look at 4-1-4-1.

____________Howard
_Coleman Jagielka Distin Baines
____________Barry
Mirallas McCarthy Barkley Pienaar
___________Lukaku

It would probably be such a subtle shift, as McCarthy does have license to get forward anyway, that it wouldn't have much of an impact.