When the 2016-2017 season started, Valencia had, among other
problems, a definite weakness in its midfield. The team liked to play in a
4-3-3, which is a formation that is very physically demanding, especially for
the midfield three, as they must simultaneous assist the forwards in pressing
as well as cover both fullbacks. So when a team uses this formation, they
usually try to have at least two alternatives for the midfield, both for
rotation and tactical versatility.
Valencia, at the time, had just four midfields who could
play in these three positions: Medran, Parejo, Perez, and Suarez. Aside from
the fact that all four players had a history of being inconsistent, the
situation was precarious because Valencia was never more than an injury and a
suspension away from having no choice but to change tactical approach.
The coaches knew this: Paco Ayestaran tried to switch to a
4-2-3-1 formation, and Prandelli tried to play Fede Cartabia in a more central
position to little success, as well as playing with formations a lot to try and
find a better way for the team to play. Both had little success dealing with
their midfield, and it was more for a lack of personnel than a lack of trying.
So when Voro took over, it seemed he was in as difficult
situation as his predecessors. He had the good fortune to coincide with two key
turns in Valencia’s season: the emergence of Carlos Soler and the acquisition
of Fabian Orellana.
Voro prefers a 4-2-3-1 system, which used to include Dani
Parejo as the 10 and Mario Suarez and Enzo behind him. However, now he has much
more viable options in front of him. Orellana’s brilliance as an enganche and
Carlos Soler’s ability to play as one of the midfield pair means that his
midfield options have tripled on the bench.
Now, Voro can start with Dani Parejo and Enzo Perez as the
base with Orellana free in front of them, and on the bench he has a veritable
tool kit: Soler’s legs and dribbling abilities, Medran’s creativity, and
Suarez’s relative defensive stability. No longer is he limited to just putting
in whichever one didn’t start, now he has much more influence and is able to
make a change based on how the game is going.
This, along with Zaza and his ability to provide a reference
point in attack, could be key as Valencia tries to keep its momentum going in
La Liga, and might save our season. European qualification would be near
impossible, but it’d be nice to say we tried.
What do you think? What else does the new midfield offer?
What formations should we try? Leave your thoughts in the comments section
below.