An interesting NUFC XI has emerged online, with a fan account revealing a new formation that could work brilliantly with the players at Benitez’s disposal.
Now, before anyone suggests it, we’re aware that Rafa knows best, but this is an intriguing suggestion from NUFC fan account @Black&WhiteBarmy (especially when Rafa’s tried 3 or 5 at the back in the past), with it gaining a very positive response from fellow supporters on social media.
I don’t know whether you’d call it 3-4-3 / 3-4-2-1 or 5-2-3, but either way, NUFC fans are liking it:
Thoughts on this 3-4-3 side? ?
It's harsh on Ritchie/Dummett & probably won't happen (perhaps with good reason), but I think it'd suit a few players very well.
Kenedy / Yedlin ideal attacking wing backs, support for Rondon & two ball players either side of Lascelles. #nufc pic.twitter.com/lyTL2WYTT9
— Black&WhiteBarmy (@BlackWhiteBarmy) November 4, 2018
As the tweet states, this could suit us in several ways.
With Lascelles, Lejeune, Fernandez and Schar all seeming worthy of a starting spot, using three centre-backs perhaps utilises our strongest area of the pitch.
Yedlin and Kenedy would also provide ideal options as wing backs, with both being great athletes, quick and capable of getting forward and getting back.
This set up also misses out the problems position that is the ‘no.10 role’, instead enabling attacking options either side of Salomon Rondon, ensuring that the big man (or who ever is leading the line) won’t be isolated.
Here’s some fan responses to the post on Twitter:
‘I’ve wanted to see that for ages ! Would work v Huddersfield etc’
‘Top line up!’
‘Replace Perez with Ritchie’
‘I rate that!’
‘Richie in for Perez but apart from that, its a very good line up that would would. Kenedy and Yedlin would have to work their arses off to cover the opponents wingers but yep I like it.’
‘I like it. It can obviously alternate into a 5-2-3 or 5-4-1. But it’s down to discipline of players not switching off when other teams are attacking especially Yedlin and Kenedy.’
‘Suggested this exact formation months ago and it got a good reaction. The only real issue is that Kenedy may end up struggling to make an impact from LWB. Ayoze and Muto would be key to making it all click.’
‘It’s a great line up for home games against the lesser teams.’
‘LOVE that. Makes use of all our strongest areas’.
With Benitez having several top centre-backs to choose from and having ideal wing backs in Kenedy and Yedlin, you can see why this had been put forward – especially when Rafa has shown a willingness to play 3 at the back.
Do you like the look of this?
I like it I would probably go with Perez but if isn’t working replace with Ritchie at half time, not last 10 minutes.
Derek(Quote)
Kenedy as a wing back ?? you have got to be kidding !! One chase back and saving tackle after being shouted at by Rafa to get back does not make him a wing back. Dummet back in and Perez on the bench.
Paul Spence(Quote)
He was literally only played as a left wing-back during his few years at Chelsea.. 😆
Olly Hawkins(Quote)