Boro have to pick up the pace when it comes to attacking build up
Let’s hope that the advent of a new head coach at the Riverside coincides with a shift in methods. Michael Carrick’s tried-and-true approach was wearing thin, especially in the second half of the season, when he lacked the ideal players to choose from.
One thing that frustrates me the most is the slow inter-passing possession-based football that starts at the back and takes a long time to go up the field.
On many times, the ball passes dangerously across the face of Middlesbrough’s goal, with eagle-eyed opponents waiting for an opportunity to nip in. It is generally not until Hayden Hackney takes control that the side starts to make progress.
I know the system is common in football in general, but it is typically used when a club has a number of natural ball-playing defenders. Boro doesn’t have that many of them. So it is more safer if they are instructed to get the ball past the halfway line as soon as feasible.
Dael Fry, for example, is a top orthodox centre defender at this level, as is George Edmundson. They are far more suited to punting the ball upfield than playing “hot potato” passy-passy at the back.
In any event, we witnessed what happened when Boro used this method in the League Cup semi-finals against Chelsea. It was embarrassing how badly they had been exposed.
If Boro were to gain promotion to the Premier League this season, the system would not work unless there was a full overhaul of the backline.
Boro were also susceptible in midfield last season, especially with the two guys in the middle having to assist their defenders while also sparking attacks.
Hackney, of course, performed an excellent job while he was on song, but he may not be available next season to continue the good work.
I, like everyone else, talk about Boro with my friends, and I keep coming back to the formation, which was previously known as the sweeper system.
Three central defenders, three midfielders, and two forwards. It’s nearly a dream formation, providing strength in every region of the field. I know several top Continental clubs still use it, but it isn’t very popular here. A sign of the times, however I believe it is a pity.
We have every reason to believe Tommy Conway has a fantastic season ahead of him, but the more help he receives, the better, especially with a second forward behind him.
He’s adept at creating space for himself and would have scored far more goals last season if Boro hadn’t squandered so much possession in prime attacking positions.
The more assistance Conway has this season, the better he will perform. That’s why I’m hoping for a strategy that includes two strikers in every match.
In this regard, Emmanuel Latte Lath’s departure remains a source of contention. We can’t do anything about that right now.
The new head coach will have his own ideas for what he wants from the team. Changes to the playing system are unavoidable, and they can only help the team as a whole – as well as the angry fans.
It’s also hoped that the new man isn’t a one-trick pony and can implement varied strategies depending on how the opposition lines up.
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