Balance, structure, progression, flexibility and creativity. That’s what this team would give us. If you can’t get Upamecano, bring in Gabriel from Lille. Partey and Coutinho coming in would provide competitiveness that’s needed to challenge for the top...

Four. I would obviously ease the new CB’s in slowly into the side before making them a regular feature. But FLEXIBILITY is the key word. 4-2-3-1 can easily spring to a 4-3-3 as shown below. Xhaka as the controller, providing progression from deep. Partey tasked to carry the ball

From deep as well as breaking the lines, which will give Coutinho time and space on the ball to create problems in the attacking third. His tenacity, power and legs will help limit Xhaka’s defensive responsiblities. Coutinho is the hub for creativity

and also will provide a goal threat. Lacazette provide the hold up play, which is essential in a 4–3-3 system. Auba and Pepe play as modern inside forwards. Out of possession, we can easily shift to a back 5 if necessary to nullify opposition supply lines out wide, providing

Extra solidity. In possession we can attack in different patterns. Pre COVID, with Mesut as the 10, we created overloads down the left, deploying a 3-2-5 system. We can do the same here. Xhaka filling in at LB, Bellerin maintaining the midfield pivot by playing as an inverted

Right back. Auba tucking in occupying the opposition RB, giving Tierney room to exploit on the left. We can create the same situation on the right as shown below.These are just two examples of patterns we can create with this side. Plenty of ways we can attack though.

The balance both in and out possession is perfect, with plenty of combinations created between players. Players will obviously play on merit and the starting 11 depends on player performances. Ceballos, Saka, Nelson, Willock, Torreira, Martinelli, Nketiah, ESR e.c.t all provide

Us with the depth needed to compete in various competitions. Gabriel (22M) left footed and a progressive ball playing CB. Partey providing the presence needed in midfield (43M) and Coutinho the creative hub (loan). Would be a side that would challenge for top four! #coyg