Look what the Magpies did! If Middlesbrough are to bounce back next season, they might consider doing it the Newcastle United way.
The Magpies’ aggressive pressing and long ball style of play completely bamboozled Liverpool in the League Cup Final. In fact this style of football appears to be increasing in popularity and is also utilised by some of the top European sides. So why don’t Boro branch out a little bit by adopting this system and incorporating it into their work on the training ground in pre-season?
They don’t have to use it all the time. They’ve still got their possession style of football to fall back on. But having two options can make a big difference, especially as their opponents won’t know which Boro is going to turn up from one game to the next season. It would make it much more difficult for opposition managers to prepare for games against the Boro.
Newcastle won the Wembley final despite having only 41 per cent possession. They still had 17 shots against Liverpool’s seven and were clearly the better side on the day. Naturally, the aggressive pressing system also employs a change of formation. It tends to need a 4-3-3 line-up which reverts to 4-5-1 when not in possession.
There’s no way in the world that Boro could expect to have a middle three next season which comes anywhere close to emulating the Magpies’ magnificent trio. Nor will they have a goalscorer to match the quality of Alexander Isak. However, placing the emphasis on passing the opposition defence with long ball and secondary balls keeps the other team penned in their own half even when they are in possession.
The players must also be up for the task. No doubts or lack of confidence. The aggressive pressing system does the trick if you out-duel the opposition, nullifying what they are capable of achieving themselves and creating panic situations. Look, too, what Crystal Palace achieved in the FA Cup Final. They took the trophy as a result of sheer determination to win and a strong togetherness. Anything is possible with the right collective attitude.
On one hand, I don’t expect Michael Carrick to have any plans to completely scrap the system which he already has in place, especially as it suits many members of the squad. But a huge turnover in playing staff is anticipated this summer, which gives Carrick the opportunity to bring in men who can comfortably operate in both systems.
Certainly, the fact that Boro have become a one-trick pony side will not work in their favour all the time in the future, no matter who they sign. With two strings to their bow, Boro would have an extra weapon which might make all the difference and enable them to make an impact in games in which they struggled last season.
Let’s face it, even relegated Plymouth Argyle knew how to stop Boro from playing their normal game last season. I may be just a layman, but I can’t see why Boro can’t step up the ante and be more aggressive and dynamic on the pitch next season. Just saying...