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1-4-4-2 Diamond Tactical Analysis - Neil Winskill
1-4-4-2 Diamond Tactical Analysis - Neil Winskill
I have listed some thoughts and also some practices that you may
use to develop this tactical concept. You can then use the
methodology of this piece to explore other systems of play.
Enjoy! Neil
Quote; Trying something new
If it turns out as a consistent team selection from me, playing a diamond, it is revolutionary
because we're going against our history … I think the level of the game in England and
Europe is such a high level now that making yourself unpredictable is going to be a
strength. Teams will have to think if we are going to play two wide players or the
diamond because we have players capable of doing both things. Players like Shinji Kagawa
and Tom Cleverley can play very well in the type of matches the diamond offers. And of
course in Nani, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, I've got really good wide players also. It is
difficult – we have had some success playing with the diamond. The history of the club is
always to play with wide players, particularly at Old Trafford, so I have a decision to make
Helenio Herrera
Best remembered for his success with Internazionale (1960’s & 70’s)
Simple Breakdown; 1/4/4(diamond)/2
A goalkeeper
2 x central defenders
2 x attack-minded fullbacks
Man United have used this system at various AC Milan play with a 1/4/3/3 shape but will Although Barca play a fluid 1/4/3/3 shape at
times. Carrick would play at the base of the convert into a midfield diamond when times, the positioning of the central striker
diamond with Cleverley and Kagawa either defending. Flank attackers will be does appear like a midfield diamond, esp.
side. Rooney would play at the point. asymmetrical. with Messi as a false #9.
Xavi
Nocerino
Busquets
Messi
De Jong
Pato
Iniesta
Montolivo
Who Uses it? 1/4/4(diamond)/2
Galatasaray
Ball
Stiles
Peters
Charlton
Di Maria
Altintop
Maniche
Melo
Sneijder
Mendes
Benefits & Advantages; 1/4/4(diamond)/2
Vs. 1/4/4/2 (4v2 in central midfield - #4 & #11 spare) Vs. 1/4/3/3 (4v3 in central midfield - #4 or #11 spare)
Vs. 1/4/2/3/1 (4v3 in central midfield - #4 or #11 spare) Vs. 1/3/5/2 (4v3 in central midfield - #11 spare)
Example Footage & Debate
Johan Cruyff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NZ0byEyeOA
1/4/4(diamond)/2
Vs.
1/4/3/3
Set up as in diagram.
If reds win the ball they have 10 seconds to 1. Building from GK.
score. 2. Role of #4 in build up phase.
3. Interchange of positions in midfield to open up
NB: Numbers can be adjusted to suit, i.e. space.
balance midfield up to 4v4. 4. Retention of possession/penetration.
5. Support in front and behind ball/between lines.
6. Combinations with strikers.
Example Session Planner; 11v11
Organisation:
11v11 Game
ELITE
COACHES
AWARD
YOUTH
AWARD
(MOD 3)
Neil Winskill
neil.winskill@nufc.co.uk
@NeilWinskill
neil.winskill@nufc.co.uk
@NeilWinskill