Could 4–4–2 improve current form?
Leeds need to back on track ASAP, and perhaps going back to the traditional 4–4–2 principle can get us steaming up the table again.
The way football has developed over the last few years has meant that the traditional 4–4–2 formation had become obsolete for the top teams in the stronger divisions in Europe. This included the Championship and, in recent years, we have not seen many teams use the 4–4–2 formation.
I have been critical about the rigid and lack of creativity in those teams who apply 4–4–2 in their game but, with teams this season finding success whilst using the formation, I have started to re-think my opinion.
Our usual reliable 4–2–3–1 has left us somewhat exposed and in recent weeks, teams have nullified any threat we have by exploiting the gaps left by the narrow set up between the midfield and defence.
The Sheffield Wednesday game was the best example: They set up 4–4–2 and our lack of any natural width allowed them the freedom to run riot down the right side. We saw, both in the Wednesday and Reading games, our inability to win the midfield battle as the wingers were too far forward and unable to come inside and support the central midfielder, and we were outnumbered and always on the back foot.
The way the season is going, natural width is going to play a big part in the Championship, and 4–4–2 provides that option. It also adds the option on attacking support further up the field. Lasogga has become very isolated up front and even though you can see him working hard, he looks like he is chasing shadows. The balance between fast paced wingers and 2 attackers could be the answer Leeds have been searching for over the last few weeks.
The question is who would play alongside Lasogga. Well for me, that would be Saiz. The little and large combo is always the best option when you need to implement a more direct approach. If we do play 4–4–2, we will need the attackers to drop into the space in front of the midfield and link up with the wingers: Saiz’s adaptability in the final third means he is the best choice.
None of the other players who can play in-front are playing well, and we have all seen what the young Spaniard can do.
People may feel that one of the central midfielders could push forward and fill that gap, but I personally would prefer to see them sit in the centre of park to ensure we don’t leave anybody over exposed as has occurred numerous times, especially to Phillips, in recent games. As I always say, the midfield battle dictates the result in this league.
Bristol City are on a high at the minute after an impressive unbeaten 10 game run and, with our poor away form, they will fancy themselves to win the game. I would love to see Leeds tighten up and win the game based on the quality in the side. Burton were able to frustrate them with a solid defensive display, so with the attacking options we have we could come away very happy.
Like I mentioned in the Reading talking points, regardless of how pretty or emphatic, we need to beat Bristol City on Saturday and if that means changing our approach even for a short period of time, then so be it. After a few wins and a rise in confidence, the team can (and should) revert back to the trusted 4–2–3–1.
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