I found a nice feature on Sofascore today – average player positions.
Average position obviously doesn’t mean that was where they always stood, and it doesn’t mean that is where they are always relative to teammates.
Nevertheless, without complex tracking data it is the best we have to discern a semblance of shape.
I wanted to contrast the patterns from the two league games so far.
Bear in mind that versus Ross County on the right Celtic are attacking top to bottom and versus Aberdeen to the left from bottom to top!
A few things to note:
- The isolation of Callum McGregor (42) versus Aberdeen – this impacted not only on the ball (less connected to teammates) but also off it – isolated physically in transition;
- Matt O’Riley (33) was more the double pivot with McGregor against Ross County providing more central coverage and I think we’ll see more of this shape going forward;
- Celtic seemed to be stuck between two midfield shape stools – a kind of 4-3-3 but O’Riley’s movements are more fluid. And a 4-2-3-1 but David Turnbull (14) isn’t really operating as a true “10” and sort of operates in the inside left space;
- The wingers are quite narrow and with the full backs also tucking in, it leaves the team looking a bit narrow – it has not been clear how Brendan Rodgers wishes the wide forwards to be utilised and hopefully that will become clearer.
As mentioned, these should be seen as a guide but from the two matches so far, they illustrate nicely the two main areas if concern I have had.
- Unclear central midfield shape – to protect a slowing McGregor I’d recommend a 4-2-3-1
- Unclear wide forward instructions – be looking to cut into through balls or chalk on boots wide and high? Or both? It would be good to see some discernible plan!
I’ll keep collecting these as the season progresses.
Interesting stuff, Alan. I look at it with my conditioning for confirmation bias and it shows me we need a CDM. Players will cluster around the areas of weakness when things aren’t going well. Half the team is sitting with an average position in the centre circle.
Whether the answer is Iwata or a new signing, I’m fairly convinced that a ball winning CDM who can let others make space will let us “cope” domestically with a 2nd choice CB pairing and a weak LB area. Currently these weaknesses are exposed because our midfield offers no protection and so little going forward that Kyogo is coming deep to create a midfield 6. We’re essentially playing 4-6-0 at times. Against SPFL relegation zone teams.