12 Jul 2026 16:22:40
In between watching the World Cup I have also been watching the way Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen side set up in that undefeated season.
He really likes a 3-4-2-1 system which relies on two No. 10s behind the striker rather than natural wingers. He also switches to a 3-4-1-2, where two forwards play close together to create and finish chances.
When you consider the sale of Tyrique George, the loan of Jessy Derry, and with Garnacho preparing to leave, that only leaves Gittens and Neto as out and out wingers (I see Estevao more as a number 10), and I can see Neto, if he stays, joining Quenda, maybe Gusto, if he stays, Palestra and one more as wingbacks, that would leave Palmer, Estevao, Enzo Fernandez, if he stays and maybe Joao Pedro competing for those two attacking midfield roles behind a striker.
If Alonso switches to 2 strikers then Joao Pedro just moves further forward leaving a lone number 10 to pull the strings with the wing backs providing the width. This system also suits Valentin Barco and maybe Jackson as well.
I wonder if that is also the reason all the transfer gossip is around Chelsea FC recruiting centre backs, like Lacroix and a new central midfield partner for Moises Caicedo, plus the continuing rumours about Diogo Costa and a new left wing back?
A new striker with one of Delap, Jackson or Emegha as back up, plus of course our own 20 goal a season Joao Pedro who can play both as a number 10 and number 9.
Just my thoughts on how things might shape up.
12 Jul 2026 21:34:10
Rpd, I enjoyed your post. However, I don’t want to see Delap or Jackson next season: they’ve had their chances and they aren’t good enough to lead the line. Obviously, we don’t know who might come in, but I would prefer to see Estavou play out wide next season rather than as a 10.
As for Neto, I don’t really see where he fits in under Alonso: he’s not for me, as you probably know; very one-dimensional player.
12 Jul 2026 23:19:15
I don't think we have the squad for a 3 at the back system, tbh. I think it would require quite a lot of signings for it to work, and I think some of the previously agreed signings wouldn't fit. I think we'll see more flexibility between a 3 and 4 at the back system, depending on the game and injuries.
13 Jul 2026 09:48:46
I tend to agree with you, Jimbo, on both Delap and Jackson, but do wonder if Alonso might be tempted to have a look at them. Neto is more of an issue, because he doesn't really fit into an Alonso system.
Fuser, do we not have the players for a back 3?
James, Acheampong, and Fofana competing for RCB, Hato and Colwill competing for LCB, Lacroix, if the rumours are true, as CCB, with Tosin and Colwill also able to play there?
13 Jul 2026 09:54:45
What was Alonso's preferred shape at Real Madrid?
13 Jul 2026 11:02:34
TomB, I believe he played 4-2-3-1 at Madrid.
RPD, I'd say James probably isn't great at RCB. I think he's capable of doing it, but I'm not sure it suits him. Neto & Gittens don't have a place in a 3 at the back system either, imo. Quenda is probably better as a winger than a wingback, imo too, although he is capable there.
I do think we will play 3 at the back at times, but I just don't think we'll see it week in and week out. I think there's not quite enough depth/quality for it, and perhaps we'd have too many square pegs in round holes if we had injuries.