Football Managers Leverage Positional Flexibility for Tactical Advantage

Deep Dive

The discussion begins by exploring the increasing prevalence of positional flexibility in modern football. It is suggested that this trend may be a side effect of managers implementing specific systems, requiring players like left-backs to also function as left-sided center-backs or wing-backs. The availability of more substitutes and larger squad sizes also allows for greater specialization, enabling managers to carry players who are purely specialists in one role on the bench. Furthermore, the emphasis on adaptable systems within a game necessitates players who can operate in multiple capacities.

The conversation then delves into the psychological and social aspects of team construction, suggesting that decisions about player positioning are not solely technical or tactical. The importance of leadership and the ability of certain players to unite a team, even if they appear to be a weakness in a specific role, is highlighted. Coaches are described as problem-solvers, and some may inadvertently create their own challenges by rigidly adhering to a particular playing style, whereas more adaptable top-level coaches can utilize players flexibly within broader principles. This approach is illustrated by the example of Gareth Southgate using Bukayo Saka at left wing-back for England, leveraging his natural left foot and the availability of other attacking options. The temporary nature of such positional shifts is also noted, often serving as solutions to problems arising from injuries, form, or sales.

The podcast then shifts to a player-by-player review of positional versatility, starting with Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool. The question of his best position is raised, with some uncertainty expressed about him as a traditional number 10, noting his high volume of shots from difficult positions and a significant number of blocked shots in the past. Despite this, he is acknowledged as Liverpool's best player this season, having played right-back, central midfield, an advanced role, and in place of Mohamed Salah on the right wing. It is suggested that Szoboszlai's versatility allows him to adapt to other players, and he has appeared most natural at right-back due to his athleticism. His role is seen as crucial for Liverpool's system, particularly in making aggressive forward runs from right-back to compensate for Salah's limited pressing. His effectiveness in a number 10 role last year is attributed to combinations with Luis Díaz, creating space and playing behind opposing defenses. The balancing act of using him at right-back is discussed, considering what Liverpool might lose in central areas by moving him from his usual position, and how his presence in the box can distract defenders. His utility at right-back is also noted for providing distribution from the back when Trent Alexander-Arnold is unavailable, though his return to midfield is seen as having made the team more solid.

The discussion moves to Arsenal's tendency to convert center-backs into full-backs, mentioning Jurriën Timber, Ben White, Ricardo Calafiori, and Piero Hincapié. Calafiori is highlighted as particularly interesting due to his free role on Arsenal's left flank, contributing significantly to their attack, especially when Martinelli has had less output. His ability to add quality and creativity is seen as valuable against deep defenses, offering an unconventional threat that might be less tracked by opposing midfielders or wingers. Calafiori's technical skill and ability to operate in unconventional areas are noted, aligning with Mikel Arteta's preference for such players, similar to Declan Rice and Raphinha. His physical presence, stemming from his center-back background, is also seen as an asset for set pieces. The unconventional nature of Arsenal's team, due to players like Calafiori, is suggested to make them harder to defend against. Calafiori's versatility is further detailed, with instances of him playing as a left-back, making diagonal runs, acting almost as a number nine against Fulham, and adopting deeper playmaking roles against Manchester City.

Amad Diallo at Manchester United is then considered, primarily a winger converted to wing-back. It is questioned whether this move is working, with an example of him scoring a good goal but also being caught out defensively against Nottingham Forest. His performance the previous season, where he was Manchester United's best attacker and played with a free role as an inside right, is contrasted with his current wing-back position. From his individual perspective, playing wing-back is seen as limiting his potential, while from the team's perspective, it allows for both him and Bruno Fernandes to be in the team. His talent is recognized, but it's noted that he might not be in the team in games requiring more defensive strength. The conversion is described as being purely due to a system change, with him not appearing suited to a full-back role. His defensive capabilities in that position are seen as lacking the physical profile required for a full-back, though he possesses pace to track back.

The conversation turns to Reece James's transition from right-back to central midfield for Chelsea. This move is considered successful, contributing to his improved fitness and reduced injury concerns. His leadership qualities and defensive nous are seen as beneficial in central midfield, sitting alongside Moisés Caicedo. His role as a vocal leader on the pitch is discussed, with a mention of Thomas Tuchel's past request for more leadership from him. His ability to provide leadership and physicality when Caicedo has been absent is noted. His previous success in midfield during a loan spell at Wigan is recalled. The question of his suitability for England's midfield is raised, with competition from players like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden making it difficult to secure a spot, suggesting right-back might remain his more likely position for England.

The discussion then examines the opposite move: Joël Veltman at Brighton transitioning from midfield to right-back. This move is framed as solving a problem for Brighton due to injuries to other right-backs. Veltman is described as a technician with good passing ability in both feet, making overlapping runs to support winger Kaoru Mita, who often cuts inside. These runs are seen as decoys that create space for Mita. His role in setting up world-class goals against Leeds and Newcastle is mentioned, highlighting his clever movement and well-timed runs.

Moving further forward, Enzo Fernández at Fulham is briefly mentioned, with a note that his defensive midfield role was covered in a previous discussion. The conversation then shifts to Alex Iwobi, who has moved from winger/number 10 to a deep midfielder at Fulham. Iwobi is seen as a player who has blossomed through positional switches, possessing intelligence and the ability to make the right pass at the right time. His effectiveness in opening up space for left-back Anthony Robinson is highlighted, and his move to a deeper midfield role where he conducts play has been effective, offering something different from other Fulham midfielders. The impact of Anthony Robinson's injury on Iwobi's positioning is also considered, as is Marco Silva's experimentation due to a lack of solutions and transfer window backing.

Mikel Merino's role at Arsenal is discussed, noting his transition from midfielder to a more traditional number nine at times, and this season as a false nine. His effectiveness is seen in collecting the ball between the lines and allowing others to run in behind. His value as a backup striker who can also play in midfield is emphasized, offering aerial threat and versatility. His central midfield capabilities are considered functional, though perhaps