
The Blades
Tactics
So I mentioned in a reply to Vrabbit last week that I would try to post a tactical update since I plan on overhauling my system starting with this next transfer window. I'll start with what my current system looks like and then wrap it up with what I am trying to switch to and what types of players I want to bring in for each position.
Current Formation

The squad given to me didn't have a whole lot to work with in regards to what I wanted, so after looking it over I decided to run with the above formation. My biggest concern was in the midfield where the team was loaded up with attack minded midfielders and not one true CDM on the roster. I wanted to get the 3 man midfield so that I could have some cover to make up for their lack of defensive ability to start with. Idea was to work the passing triangles and control the possession. Up front I wanted three attackers since none of my strikers seemed like the type to handle the duties alone, so I wanted to get the wingers involved working the outsides and cutting in where my striker could hopefully find one of them rather than trying to do it all himself. The defense was lucky enough to have solid back line players. The outside defenders have done well for me so far, but I could definitely use a bit more pace out there to get them involved more in the attack. Center backs didn't give me much height, with the best rated one being Brayford who is only 5'10, but extremely quick for a CB. I've essentially just made this work for now and it was enough to earn promotion in the first season, but I am realizing that it might not be good enough for the success I need in the Championship.
Planned Formation

Now, here is where I plan to move to as I start bringing in the right players. At the front I want a striker that can do a bit of everything, but mainly, I want him to function as a target man who can go up in the air and win balls. The center forward will be the key playmaker for my team. I want him to have tight dribbling, good passing, and great vision. He will be tasked to connect everything for the attack. Townsend will be slotting into this role and I think he will play it perfectly. I moved the wingers back to be more like outside midfield players instead since I want them to focus on playing more outside and providing outlets that can then send crosses in for the target man in the middle. The midfield will be reduced to just a duo with one playing the role of a true defensive midfielder winning tackles, using his strength to hold off the other team, and providing all around cover for the back line before the ball can get there. The other midfielder will ideally be a box-to-box guy who can get up and down the field all game and help connect the ball between the defense and the center forward up ahead while also still getting back to help out defensively. When it comes to the defense I want my outside defenders to have tons of pace and be able to send crosses into the box after working the overlap with the outside midfielders since they are sitting further back on the field now instead of acting as wingers. The central pairing I want to consist of two types of defenders. I want one to be a big towering brute who can hold off anyone and dominate anything that comes through in the air. His partner I want to be a quicker type of central defender who has some ball skills in order to be the first outlet for the ball to start moving up field once he picks out his pass.
What Am I Missing?
So what is keeping me from transitioning now? I don't have a striker who can play up front and provide any kind of threat in the air meaning I have to rely on my wingers getting inside. There are also no defensive midfielders on my roster which will be a must to bring in if I want to drop to only a 2 man central midfield. And lastly, the outside defenders are okay, but I want more pace and attacking ability from them in order to give the team an added outlet to get the counter attacks going. I am trying to move from a possession style of play to a high pace attacking style where everything is constantly flowing forward.
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