Parma Ham's Tactics Masterclass 7

[Parma Ham's gone mouldy 2,219]

Given that we are in the soporific summer months, a little poetic licence is in order, so to augment the transfer speculation and theories on who to buy and sell, let us look at the Tactical principles and policies behind purchasing and

Squad building from the Manager''s office Chair.

What are the real motivations and parameters that have priority? What factors affect squad decision-making, target identification and the creation of a new season Team unit?

We will naturally focus on the specifics of Norwich and the challenges that Alex Neil now faces and how he might go about achieving the maximum outcomes from the resources available to him.

Let us try to put our thoughts in priority order: Firstly we need to replace Tettey and Hoolahan.

I suspect that may have raised an eyebrow or two, but let us introduce a bit of game theory and explain why. As we move into the higher echelons of football, we must first address our most glaring weaknesses. Many of you will instinctively feel that this involves creating an existing squad list, mentally ranking them from strongest-to-weakest, then deleting from the bottom and adding to the top. There is some value in that process, though it is not the starting point as you might expect.

In previous Masterclasses we have looked at structures on the field and patterns of play. We have identified key strategic roles that need to be performed. These roles are the pivots around which the team functions, the areas and responsibilities that facilitate the rest of the action and the other players. So our first question actually is: What players can''t be replaced if injured?

This leads us straight to Hoolahan and Tettey. They key defensive pivot role is of ever-increasing importance the higher we move. Our full backs are not likely to be as adventurous as previously, but conversely we are going to come under greater pressure, from far better players, who are notably more adept at playing in the pocket between midfield and central defensive areas. I have long advocated the role for Norwich - regardless of the individual who plays it - and so important is it that a recruit in this area is of primary importance. Tettey''s distribution is not as crisp, nor his awareness of others as refined, as others who play the role, so an upgrade here is possible, an auxiliary a necessity.

The link between midfield and attack, the responsibility of the passa-gol (defence-splitting pass or assist), classically falls to the number 10. We have an almost unique player in Wes Hoolahan, and he neither should, nor can shoulder the burden. Wes''s lack of propensity to shoot has long been his Achilles heel at the top level, and it was interesting to note that one of Alex Neil''s first public statements about him was encouraging him in this regard. Good management. Without Hoolahan we lack the guile and top level technique to open strong defences. It may be that a fluid role for Redmond can be incorporated (he will not play in a flat 4 wide right position, which is far too tactically open for this league). A number 10 who threatens the goal, whilst provided some degree of central structural protection for the midfield, will be necessary. To indulge in a bit of fantasy football, Berbatov as a false 9, with Redmond running at pace from deep at10 would cause opposition causes some issues....

In the Premier specialised roles (such as those above) become more defined, more specialised and more disciplined. For Norwich, playing against better sides every week, more defensive structure will be required from all areas of the field. A fluid forward three is desirable and possible - and would certainly fit Neil''s preferred coaching methodology, though this must include Weapons that hurt others tactically. It is not enough simply to have good players. Players that lack specific weapons that hurt or who lack fluidity in their positioning are unlikely to be retained or required.

When we talk about weapons, we mean Something that other coaches have to adjust for (the "we play our own game" mantra is rubbish.

In terms of the specifics of the Norwich squad - and following the top-to-bottom squad list method, we can observe that Whittaker not good enough to be unchallenged.

It would be my view that Martin even better suited to being a Centre Back in the Premier League than he was in the Championship. His fluidity of positioning and ability to move between the lines into three quarter areas is a prize commodity for a modern centre back. Importantly it allows full backs to play a little higher and midfielders to make receiving angles with more confidence.

The very best squads are able to attract, inspire and keep involved and motivated quality players from numbers 14-18. Some multi-position utility and team ethic character be one key factors when such players are not first team regulars, both for the individuals in questions and for the increased options it gives the manager.

The squad building process at this new level is about amortising the risk of Injuries. The key question might well not be the fan''s favourite "who can we buy?", but rather "who can we not afford to get an injury?".

The Keeper position is tricky as it is based on false promises and frustration. One plays, the rest don''t. How do you fulfil your above criteria then? Old keepers make good back up, being reliable, capable and grateful. Declan Rudd may well be a good solution - a Premier No2 at a young age is good - but surely he needs 100 first team games on his CV at some point?

Strikers are the Holy Grail and what you go down the back of the sofa for. They are the prettiest girl / boy in the class though, everyone wants them. They have choice. They are commensurately twice as expensive and there is a huge tendency to "project" in psychology terms, to want to believe in them so strongly that they develop mythical qualities that are not necessarily realisable on grass. They come with more variables (confidence, form and happiness affect striker performance like no other position). Nevertheless - with the money available - the odds are in scraping together everything you can and betting the farm on the best you can afford. No guarantees given.

Creation can be more important and cheaper. A good creative player, plus a set piece specialist, can be economically and financially more economic. A Fantasista who can whip free kicks and play for penalties is what we Italians revere.

In Norwich''s case the Attributes required of a 10 - or the two wide between-the-line forward players that Neil favours - indicate what you will need from your 9. The rangy lone striker model is s good one and allows for a slower, tidy link player a la Wes. Without pace to trouble opposition defenders we will struggle though. The use and positioning and responsibilities asked of Redmond next year will be interesting. If he isn''t central, he may be peripheral or moved on.

Whilst as fans we tend to focus on creation and goalscoring, I am afraid Negation will be key. Our Discipline is quite good from howson, Johnson, dorrans and Tettey. These 4 plus perhaps Redmond in a central, not flat role would be quite solid and have some threat from 10 or as a wider front 3 with a stronger Lallana type coming in from the left. This would offer a reasonable element of defensive cover with (say) Tettey, Dorrans and Johnson. Nobody can give the ball away in a flat 3 though, not sure about that. Invertedwingers are designed to offer the protection necessary to offset this. It is a great Risk to play open on wide players natural side otherwise. As with all previous Masterclasses, We must learn to look at what we risk and concede, not only what we gain going forward.

Fluidity between the lines and flexibility of movement and position is key in the premier. We have this with Hoolahan, Jerome, Martin and perhaps Grabban. This is not good enough or deep enough. Discipline between the lines in defence when under pressure from clever players in superior sides and creativity between the lines and troublesome weapons in attack will make or break our tactical plan.

We have a bedrock of good solid players and a nice structure and pattern of play. The momentum of success and the fearlessness of the manager will drive us forward, though clarity of thinking and quality additions in key pivot positions will keep us there. Focusing on our weaknesses, rather than playing fantasy football, is what'' is in Alex Neil''s In-tray.

Parma

Sent from my iPhone

[Lessingham Canary 99]

Nice one parma, enjoyed that, and get the Tettey point, he is brilliant at spoiling but his awareness and his distribution are not his strong points.

A lot more questions than answers thats for sure, its not as simple as ''keep doing the same" as in this league you won''t get what you did last season, 2-3 signings are going to be crucial in my view, and i''m sure there will be 5 or 6, Dorrans is a good addition, for the PL, Goals is my biggest concern and thats where the club may need to be brave and set a new transfer record, and get a proven top striker.

I''m sure Alex Neil and mr McNally are talking through their targets every day at the moment, and they will be relishing the challenges ahead.

[mrs miggins 0]

We''ve seen how poor Martin''s positioning is this season and his lack of strength and height has been an issue especially in the championship. Not only of course will this be once again exposed, it''s not as if he''s blessed with any real pace either, therefore a good CB must be top of the priority list.

Next season I expect we''ll see Tettey drop even deeper into his defensive role, almost becoming part of the back 4 whilst Johnson also comes infield, ensuring once there is a turn over of possession Olsson can bomb on forward. I expect Olsson to be a big player for us next season if BJ is to retain his role on the left. So imo it''s not a DM (def mid) we need to worry about, but a CD (cent def) and AM.

Although, like I say, I believe we need to replace Martin at CB (wouldn''t mind him going to RB) and push the boat out on this, I do agree with you that Hoolahan needs to be replaced, and as you say parma, it needs to be someone who has the goal threat (e.g Hooper) but someone who can also be disciplined enough to get into the teams shape (e.g. not Hooper). Tony Andreu carried out this role really well for the accies apparently, however of course, there is very little faith in him here. If we can get the right player with this criteria then I believe we''ll have the right balance in the squad...I hear Cabaye said he would be open to a move to crystal palace and west ham...why not Norwich.

We''d have a solid centre but also a goal threat - if we get the right player

[lake district canary 4,531]

Interesting and informative as always, Parma.  Will take issue though, with the "replacing"  of Wes and Tettey.  In Tettey we have a player who can play the pivotal role well and I believe with the right players beside him, he can and will develop his discipline and awareness in this position. We are imo unlikely to find anyone better at a price we can afford and I would be happy with him in that position, with someone bought in as cover/competition for him.    As for Wes, seems to be getting better and better and with AN''s  methods he will continue that at the highest level.   Again, imo we need cover/competition for him, but not direct replacement.  

These two players have more than proved to me that they are right up there in terms of ability - as have most of the players of course - and that is down to the manager.   That is the factor for me - we know he will be excellent  and will get the best out of his players, so if he does that, I think Tettey and Wes will be a revelation again next season.

Whittaker also - he has been much better towards the end of the season to the extent that he has been one of the stand out players in defence when the crunch came in the play offs.  Again, for me, keep him and get cover/competition.    Johnson too.  Redmond has to be our talisman next season if he stays - and I sincerely hope he does - again he is one who reached the peak of his ability when it really mattered - soimething we will need next season.  He has been working centrally as well as on the right and that has to continue - with full backs getting up in support.   You think that will happen less next season, but I think we are all going to be surprised at how much we will continue to push forwards, rather than be pegged back by  what you call "far better players".   I think we sometimes give these far better players too much respect and kudos and for me, the only way to make sure we have an exciting season and an entertaining one, is by insisting on attacking and enterprising football, regardless of the opposition.   Otherwise we may find ourselves in that defensive mindest that so many teams seem to get into in the lower half of the division.   I think that is the last thing we all want to see. 

I think the team have to be true to what they have been this season,  must not get mentally up tight about who they are up against and express themselves -  make the opposition worry about our style of play.   At our best - and with the players we already have - and some strengthening of the squad around them - we will imo be a force to be reckoned with. 

[morty 0]

I am stunned that you can be bothered typing all that on an iphone!

[Parma Ham's gone mouldy 2,219]

As with Gane theory LDC, let''s break the arguments into binary format. Who does what, why and who benefits?

In the case of Tettey and Hoolahan the key point is that their roles are crucial. As the current squad stands, they cannot be tactically replaced by other individuals. Thus - assuming we agree that given our new higher level means we cannot risk never getting an injury to either - we are faced with the binary option of buying better or a back up.

It would be lovely if you could draw up a list of great players that you would happily see replace Tettey in case of injury. Those players however are unlikely to see themselves as inferior to Tettey, or content to sit around as his understudy. They might if they were younger, from a lower league or on significantly less money. This all involves risk however.

Such risk becomes less necessary when you have a net £25m that you can spend....

Parma

[Parma Ham's gone mouldy 2,219]

Leasingham,

Interestingly Club Policy towards the market was openly stated yesterday, with an avowed commitment to buy British where possible.

This has more implications that simply the superficial.

Buying British in business terms means an acceptance of paying higher prices for commensurate talent (compared to - say - Croatia).

It is not an exclusive strategy either, many other clubs will favour the people policy, meaning competition with peer clubs and better.

The players in question (and if not them, then their agents) will be aware of their increased value and will demand higher wages.

The pool of good, potentially available, within budget British players is not vast. A good agent could very quickly write you a list of - likely - not more than 20 names, and quite possibly less.

This leads us to an interesting observation. If we are not talking about finding lower league gems - a la Pilkington, Bennett E and Bennett R for example - then we are talking about Premier League players, England U21''s or the finest from the top of the Championship or the bones of the relegated trio. All of the players that might fit these criteria will be reasonably expensive and will command notable wages.

It would be reasonable to infer that the Club Policy announced is a fairly strong statement of intent that tacitly also says "we are not going to gamble on an International network with all its inherent risks, rather we are going to spend something above the going rate - both in terms of fees and wages - to ensure that we give ourselves the best odds of driving the club forwards. We are prepared to compete financially in all senses to get as-near-to-proven quality as we can"

This is rather ambitious and perhaps Neil''s In-Tray really does have the McCarthy''s and Austin''s of this world in it...

Parma

[Tetteys Jig 830]

Parma wrote:

In the case of Tettey and Hoolahan the key point is that their roles are crucial. As the current squad stands, they cannot be tactically replaced by other individuals. Thus - assuming we agree that given our new higher level means we cannot risk never getting an injury to either - we are faced with the binary option of buying better or a back up.

It would be lovely if you could draw up a list of great players that you would happily see replace Tettey in case of injury. Those players however are unlikely to see themselves as inferior to Tettey, or content to sit around as his understudy. They might if they were younger, from a lower league or on significantly less money. This all involves risk however.

I feel this applies to Olsson as well. We face a conundrum what to do at left back unless a utility player is brought in that can play there as cover but get desired game time elsewhere on the pitch.

[wooster 134]

Parma,

Thanks again for your piece and subsequent post.

I don''t want to disagree but I didn''t read the club''s statement as "buy British" as in nationality but as in experience, so "cheaper" foreign players already in the UK and with PL experience would also be potential targets.

[ZLF 274]

I would say Mulumbu is that player for Tettey - BJ, Dorrans would have been square pegs in round holes and we now have a very proven prem performer in our sights that should eclipse tettey.

Wes is much harder all round and they are truly expensive.

Olsson is easier, not such a pivotal role in the team framework as either but for me esp tetteys, but I agree we dont want to start with just tofollo as cover.

[Platonic 1]

It''s posts like these that make lurkers such as myself glad we bother wading through all the rubbish/bickering on here so often.

Great analysis Parma, thanks.

[Bethnal Yellow and Green 1,557]

McNally didn''t say ''British'' players but ''British-based'' (like Mulumbu for example).

I can totally understand this, much easier to assess a potential player who is already playing the Premier League (or Championship) than one who is based abroad. Also the club will feel it had its fingers burnt with RVW and will look to avoid that for a little while.

When it comes to new players, Tettey''s bad knees have always meant another player is needed in that position and if the Mulumbu rumour is true the club have it sorted already. Although he certainly isn''t a player who will come in and act like a ''quarter-back'' spraying passes around and creating from deep. Dorrans and Howson however do have a decent range of passing and will cover that side of things.

I expect Norwich to continue the 4-1-4-1 formation, which can shift to a 4-3-3 very easily. I don''t necessarily see Norwich playing with a ''No. 10'' - you can create from the wings and with 2 central midfielders (Dorrans and Howson) running from deep - something both these players are very adept at.

I imagine the formation will be a bit lopsided - Redmond pushing on the right, with Johnson deeper and slightly tucked in on the left, allowing overlaps from Olsson and providing more solidity in midfield.

Things will become much clearer as new players are added. Neil might want to go for a more 4-2-3-1, where Tettey and Mulumbu (if he signs) can both sit deep and screen allowing a creative No. 10 total freedom from defensive work.If so then someone to play that role will be needed as Norwich''s success or failure could entirely hinge on their performances.

Agree with what Parma says though, big signings are needed in big positions. I have always felt Norwich need new players along the ''spine'', a new CB, a new CM/DM, a new AM and a new striker. Get these positions right then you are on track for a good season.

[Badger 2,405]

Really interesting thread - thanks OP and posters.I''m not deliberately lowering the high tactical tone, but a factor that nobody seems to have considered is simple size/ power. At times (especially when deprived of Tettey and/or Johnson) some of our teams have looked a little lightweight. I know that the premiership is supposed to be about tactical and technical ability, but would contest that at times we have struggled for simple height/ power. For example, if Ayala had been more accurate at Wembley, he had opportunities to get an outplayed Middlesbrough back into the game.

[Parma Ham's gone mouldy 2,219]

TJ, accept your point re Olsson.

We are unlikely to (want to) improve on his position - and spend the available funds in that direction - though cover is limited and Inam not a fan of buying nominal squad competition. This rarely works in terms of harmony and - frankly - any player signed as back up and accepting his position as such, isn''t one I''d want.

What might be logical is the signing of a top grade right back, leaving Whittaker as utility cover for both right and left back. This would al aus keep him on the bench and increase his odds of - say - 20 games a season. A pefectly respectable return in the Premier.

Parma

[Parma Ham's gone mouldy 2,219]

Good point Woost and fully accept your interpretation.

Parma

[Parma Ham's gone mouldy 2,219]

Zip, Mulumbu certainly fits the bill and the criteria laid down.

His impending arrival emphasises exactly the premise of the thread.

Cover your structural and strategic weaknesses (long) before you indulge in any fantasy football signings.

Parma

[Parma Ham's gone mouldy 2,219]

Spot on Bethnal, good assessment as usual.

Redmond can be a weapon, though he needs significantly more "Italian" in him - or a freer 10 role - to be trusted with a key role at the higher level.

Your loo-sides point is a good one, being both inevitable and necessary with the attributes of Olsson and Johnson. Rather than "freeing up" space / looseness for Redmond however, I would prefer to see tris kind of narrow, structured shape on both sides.

Apologies to those looking for open, expansive football for the Italian....

Parma

[Parma Ham's gone mouldy 2,219]

It is a valid point you make badger, and Mulumbu is no shrinking violet, so additions of power (and pace please) is welcome where possible.

Quality, power and pace equals fine dining at high tables with flamboyant pricing however....

...nevertheless, I would happily see two or three very high value additions in key positions, rather than more of less.

Such big-ticket purchases are a bit "bolted-on" in year 1, but they have the benefit of remaining desirable and saleable should it be necessary. High cost, but not necessarily high net loss...

Parma

[nutty nigel 7,531]

Brilliant thread again Parma and some great contributions as usual. What a fantastic forum this is!

 

Whits plays leftback for Scotland and is quite comfortable there. If we improved RB with a new signing then we would have great cover on the bench in Whits for both positions. But Whits has more qualities than many give him credit for.

 

If we improve a centreback then would it be one with Martin''s qualities or Bassongs? Ideally it would be one with both but complete players like that probably aren''t available to us.

 

 

[Parma Ham's gone mouldy 2,219]

Whits as cover for LB and RB looks an elegant solution doesn''t it Nutella?

Whilst I confess to not being among his front row cheerleaders, that is not because I don''t respect him as a player, but rather because I feel his combination with Redmond is / was toxic for team shape and pattern of play.

Even proctor hoc, previous Masrerclasses identified the tactical weakness in Whittaker''s overlapping combined with Redmond drifting outwards to hug the touch line and stay high, something that caused / was the structural origin of the huge number of turnover goals against us pre-Neil.

This is not to denigrate Whittaker overlapping, nor Redmond threatening full backs and staying high, but rather (as Darren Eadie subsequently regularly noted) that in combination and at the wrong time and place, it left huge gaps between RCM, RCB and the right sided positions that even low-grade opposition exposed repeatedly.

Truthfully neither Whittaker, nor Redmond know when NOT to use their weapons.

Parma

[GJP 79]

[quote user="Parma Hams gone mouldy"] It would be my view that Martin even better suited to being a Centre Back in the Premier League than he was in the Championship.  [/quote]

Absolutely.

 

Diego Costa will be much easier to handle than Daryl Murphy.

[nutty nigel 7,531]

I have huge hopes for Redmond but possibly often in a different role. At the end of the season he finally added goalscoring to his long list of attributes. I hope he now will have the confidence to pick that up and carry it into the PL. Could he play behind a front man or a more central role? I think he could. The further up the pitch we can get him the more he can hurt the opposition with his attributes. I remember Neil Adams playing him up front on his own when he came on at Chelsea in our relegation season. He did alright for the time he was on the pitch and next season will surely be a better more confident Redmond than he was that day. I certainly see him as an attacking player and not so much a right sided midfield player who will have to produce at both ends of the pitch next season.

 

 

[mrs miggins 0]

"Absolutely.

Diego Costa will be much easier to handle than Daryl Murphy."

----------

At least Luis Suarez can''t hurt us anymore...can''t imagine him against Martin as CB...that''s a scary thought

[nutty nigel 7,531]

I thought Martin played CB against Liverpool in the game where Suarez only scored once and then got shot before the Carrow Road miracle occurred....

 

 

[GJP 79]

That''s right. He only scored once but they still scored three.

[mrs miggins 0]

They scored 3 and he didn''t do anything to stop Suarez'' cross for the 2nd or 3rd goal (can''t remember which one)

[mrs miggins 0]

It was the second goal having just watched it. Third goal he also left a huge gap for suarez to run into but Turner and BJ were also at fault for that goal.

Our second goal in that game was good; great cross from Olsson, can''t wait to see him back in the PL after a poor season in the champs

[nutty nigel 7,531]

You''re game analysis is rivalling Wiz''s there Miggo[:)] He used to tell me that the forwards didn''t do a lot wrong from watching the goal highlights of a 5-0 defeat. As I remember it Martin was our best CB that day.

 

Anyway, it certainly was our best attempt at keeping Suarez quiet for a while. So the reality isn''t such a scarey thought as the one you couldn''t imagine[;)] Have a look at some of the other Suarez goal highlights against us...

 

 

[mrs miggins 0]

Indeed, I distinctly remember a certain Ryan Bennet backing off Suarez on the edge of the box who then scored a beauty. It would worry me though if Martin is up against the likes of Suarez again though (by that I mean Aguero, Rooney, Costa etc). Not only did we let in 3 against the Liverpool, but they didn''t even play half as well as they did in the previous games, however I do blame Adams for that 1st half, his tactics killed us that game so can''t blame Martin too much for the goals conceded that match, yet there is a reason why he didn''t play CB for the majority of that season...it''s because he''s not very good there.

[Ray 111]

So, we need a CB who can stop Aguero, Suarez, Costa, etc. from scoring. Well we don''t have one (let alone two) and such a beast doesn''t exist in my opinion. The aforementioned players earn £200k+ per week to exploit, turn, put on their backsides, the top defenders in the world and of course achieve that feat quite regularly, hence the massive salary.

For an example of Suarez earning his crust view;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkel7hohuk4

Watch his positioning for the initial header and then for the subsequent one (and he is only 5ft 11inces), now if possibly the best defence/defenders in the Prem get pulled about like that, then why oh why would we expect ours to do any better?

Forwards are paid to get the better of defenders and I for one are glad they do, otherwise it would not be the beautiful game.

If we take a look at all the goals we have conceded against the top six, I am willing to bet that some were unstoppable and some were ''defensive errors'', I''m also willing to bet that the errors were evenly distributed, between, keeper, back four and midfiled not tracking, all 9 or 10 individuals.

To be frank, and to use mrs miggins'' words, it would worry me if we signed John Terry and he was up against Suarez, etc.

Perhaps more important is how our defence deals with the likes of Stoke, Villa, WBA, Newcastle, etc.

IMO a players performance should not be judged solely by tackles, headers, etc but should also include positioning, what he cuts out without actually having to be physically involved and I also believe many fans do not get this and/or find it difficult to see, which of course it is, as you can''t see what doesn''t happen.

It''s been said before but one of our players has regularly been selected at CB for his country and been selected to play in the same position by 4 NCFC managers, the same guy was voted by his peers to be one of the top two CB''s in the Championship.

Is he the man to stop players such as Suarez and co from scoring, no, but then no-one is.