Kerala Blasters 4222 or an improved 4411 formation. A thread
(1/22)

Since changing from the 4231 to a 4411 KBFC are undefeated in the last 5 games conceding 5 and scoring 7. We have been looking solid and hitting teams hard on the break.
(2/22)

The team is lined up with 4 at the back, 2 sitting midfielders 2 wide midfielders and 2 strikers with one playing off the other. Usually Hooper starts in as the second striker with Murray upfront. We have also seen Rahul upfront (3/22)

In buildup the CDM drops in between the Centre Backs creating a back 3 with the full backs pushing up. The other sitting midfielder and the 2 wide midfielders link the play with the dropping striker
(4/22)

As the ball progresses the full backs come high and both the wide midfielders tucks in to the half space creating a 2422 and further creating a 262 attack. Here also the second striker drops back to link the play
(5/22)

2 wide playmakers keeping an advanced 8 positions and occupying the half spaces increases the passing option in possession and also creates a defensive security if the opposition breaks.
(6/22)

See the average position of players in the last 5 games from @SofaScoreINT
(7/22)

Now to some on the ball points
1. Free Roles
Coach has given both Hooper and Vicente a freedom to roam in the midfield. Playing off Murray, Hooper now comes deep collects the ball and can now effectively use his passing range and also can have a shot from distance
(8/22)

@SofaScoreINT heatmap of Hooper in the last 5 games
(9/22)

Vicente has also become the deep lying play maker who links the game with the wide midfielders and Hooper. At times Hooper and Gomes tends to form a pivot in front of the sitting midfielder and dictating the play.
@SofaScoreINT heatmap of Vicente in last 5 games
(10/22)

2. Wide Playmakers.
Sahal, Puitea, and Facundo has started in these positions more in the past 5 games. Players in this position are sort of one who tracks back well defensively and also occupies those spaces in half space between the lines.
(11/22)

They also go wide and play with the overlapping fullbacks. Tucking in helps them to pass to fullbacks to bring in crosses or play through balls to the box. Sahal has been the one who improved a lot in this setup
(12/22)

This position with second striker dropping back results in KBFC getting 3 creative minds in between the lines and thus create spaces for Jordan Murray to run into.
(13/22)

3. Diagonal Balls.
KBFC have been playing more direct passes diagonally to Murray who gets in between the opposition CBs and make runs behind them. Clear cut chances have been created with these deliveries
(14/22)

Out of possession we defend with 442 which gradually changes to a 451. The wide midfielders tucks deep and the pivot screens the defense.
(15/22)

Seeing some points.
1. Nullifying opposition midfield superiotity.
Our now defensive shape has helped creating a midfield numerical balance against oppositions mainly using a 3 at the back system. This also allows us to overload wings
(16/22)

2. Disturbing opposite build up
The front 2 are the first line of defense. They take out the opposition CDM and isolate him from building the tempo of the opposition possession.
(17/22)

3. The PRESS
We are press heavily during the opposition build ups mainly in the wings. The wide midfielders play a huge role in this. And this has been effective.
(18/22)

4.
Sitting deep and absorbing the pressure has seen opposition taking the wings leaving out space behind. This was exploited well in the match against SCEB
(19/22)

5. High line defense
We have been playing quite a high line in many occasions. The thing is that maintaining a highline defense is risky. But high risks, high reward.
(20/22)

Concluding KBFC is finally looking like an organised group. They have started finding the rythm in passing and will only improve. Personally I would have liked Cido along with Vicente as he would thrive in this system with his energy. But this is also good
(21/22)

Fine tune the back line and the attack and they are ready to challenge for top 3
(22/22)

End of Thread

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