Two positions that determine the success of U22 Vietnam's tactical diagram

(Baonghean.vn) - Looking back at the preparation process for the upcoming SEA Games, Coach Huu Thang's favorite tactical formation is one that includes 4 defenders, 5 midfielders and 1 striker.

With a midfield consisting of names like Duy Manh, Quang Hai, Xuan Truong, Tuan Anh, Van Toan, Cong Phuong, Coach Huu Thang's preference for a 5-midfield formation is completely reasonable.

The 4-1-4-1 formation is a variation of the 4-5-1. This formation is capable of controlling the game in the midfield, and is considered the optimal solution for counter-attack situations. In addition, the coach can deploy a small passing game with 2 wingers and 2 quite flexible attacking defenders. Van Thanh - Van Hau can completely move up to coordinate with Quang Hai and Van Toan on the 2 wings.

Do Duy Manh's role in the 4-1-4-1 formation is extremely important - Photo: Duc Dong

The essence of this tactical diagram is that there are 4 attacking midfielders and 1 holding midfielder responsible for recovering the ball. Currently, the ones who can play well as holding midfielders are Duy Manh, Dong Trieu, and even in some training sessions, Coach Huu Thang promoted Tan Sinh to play as a holding midfielder. When necessary, the holding midfielder must also be able to launch long balls when needed, covering for the pair of central defenders and the wingers, so the role of this "controlling" position is extremely important.

When defending, there will be at least 4 defenders and 1 sweeper. When attacking, there will be 7 players mobilized including 4 attacking midfielders, 1 striker who will also receive support from 2 wingers. More importantly, this diagram helps the U22 Vietnam midfielders to promote their ability to control the ball and coordinate small passes, forming attacking triangles and coordinating wall passes.

However, according to some experts, the disadvantage of this tactical diagram is that it does not have a high scoring efficiency as well as the ability to play against the opponent. Because if the 4-1-4-1 formation is correct, the goals mainly come from long shots, counter-attacks and the finishing ability of the striker. The two super products of Cong Phuong and Tuan Anh outside the penalty area in the U23 Asian qualifiers have shown this. Although Ha Duc Chinh has scored, this player has not really brought peace of mind beyond his ability to be a wall.

Cong Phuong will be able to play freely under coach Huu Thang - Photo: Duc Dong

In general, the 4-1-4-1 formation is suitable for both defense and attack for U22 Vietnam, easily changing in the match with just a few small adjustments. If Duy Manh only plays back, U22 Vietnam will have 5 defenders (5-4-1) when having to defend against opponents U22 Thailand, U22 Indonesia. When needing to attack with all their might to find a goal, Quang Hai will move inside to Cong Phuong and Van Toan like real strikers (4-3-3).

Thus, there are questions for Coach Huu Thang if he applies this formation. Those are the ability to recover the ball, compete, be aggressive, know how to pass long and launch attacks, combined with the limitation of the midfielder (Do Duy Manh) moving too high. The ability to seize opportunities of the striker (Ha Duc Chinh). The physical strength of the full-backs who must constantly move, attack and defend like Van Thanh, Van Hau. And it is not excluded that Tuan Anh and Xuan Truong may not be at their best when playing too close together.

According to the schedule of the 29th SEA Games, U22 Vietnam must play 5 matches in the group stage and the big question is the physical strength of the players. Before the official matches begin, Coach Huu Thang must choose a pair of central defenders who play best together, improving the finishing ability of the striker. Thailand and Indonesia are not very strong opponents, but if it is necessary to preserve the results against the opponent's overwhelming attacking pressure, it is possible that the appropriate formation will be 4-2-3-1, with Dong Trieu or Tuan Anh playing alongside Duy Manh.

Trung Kien