An asymmetrical 4-3-3 unlocks Harvey Barnes’ Leicester potential
Another facet of this asymmetrical formation is the neutralising of the narrow 4-1-2-1-
2 system that FZ Zorya Luhansk used. By playing Maddison and Praet, in a rotational role between the right-wing and right central-midfield position, Rodgers was able to field four central-midfielders in his starting XI. Youri Tielemans and Nampalys Mendy partnered the aforementioned duo.
When Leicester City were out of possession, they could match the Muzhyky (“The Men”) numerically in the middle. This did allow some extra space out wide for Zorya in the earlier stages of the half, which also resulted in a very good scoring opportunity for Vladyslav Kabaev, thankfully Kasper Schmeichel was alert and produced a great save – it was a brilliant extension of his body to make the goal as small as possible.
Aside from this chance, the Foxes limited Zorya to speculative efforts from the edge of the box. I think the early chance for Kabaev served as a good warning – that overloads could form on the wings, and that the wide central-midfielders needed to rotate between covering the passing lanes in the centre and occupying the player in possession on the wing.
Once Leicester City took the lead, the result was a formality. Prior to the five substitutions, the Foxes played some great football, with a lot of fluidity through the lines. I think the formation was key to this, with a lot of players drifting between the lines, there was always options to play through Zorya’s press. I’m unsure if this system works agaisnt Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, as their 3-4-3 provides them with numerical superiority in the wings, but it’s an interesting development whilst Vardy remains in the stands.
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Overall, it was a very good win for Rodgers’ men. I think a section of the Foxes faithful have downplayed the qualities of the Ukrainian outfit, as in spells they caused problems for Leicester. To come away from their first UEFA Europa League game with three goals, a clean sheet, and as far as I’m aware, no new injuries, is very promising. Next up in the completion, an away trip to AEK Athens.