Our style of play

[lcfcsnow]

I was going to post in the Chilwell thread after reading this quote but thought I'd start it as a new thread. Looks like one of the reasons we're losing our best prospect is down to style of play.
 

“The styles of play are different (between Leicester and Huddersfield) and I’ve massively enjoyed playing under David Wagner as it’s a style of play which suits my game, it’s all about ball possession.”

 
But is anyone concerned that as each game passes we seem to have got too drawn into the counter attack approach to games? Against Liverpool we were constantly rushing passes throughout the match and hoofing the ball up field at pretty much every opportunity, hoping to get lucky and reach one of our players.
 
Earlier in the season and at the back end of last season, we weren't anywhere near as direct as we are now. As great as it is when it works we need Vardy available and firing for the full 90 to make it work.
 
Even Claudio has said in interviews, we only have one way of playing. So if Vardy isn't available, it's not going to give the players much confidence as the manager has already admitted we pretty much can't play any other way.

[davieG]

I think the longer CR is with us the more he will start to concentrate on improving our pass completion and possession whilst still maintaining a direct approach.

 

I doubt Fuchs or Kante were all that familiar with our current style maybe that's  why Kante wasn't  spotted by anyone else

[Dan]

We've definitely changed it a bit, I don't think you're seeing the same kind of energy to Vardy's game for example. He seems to take his time a bit more - which makes me think Kramaric may actually have time yet.

[foxfanazer]

It's Ranieri's job to make sure we have more than one way of playing. Can't blow everyone away with pace

[Kitchandro]

It has annoyed when people have called us a counter attacking side but that is exactly how we played against Liverpool.

 

At our best, we play like the they did against us on boxing day, throwing bodies forward when in possession and going for he throat and using a strong pacey striker to lead the line.

 

What we don't want to do is get sucked into playing very deep and then booting it up front as quickly as possible. That is too extreme and pretty hopeful. We need to be able to get support to the front men before they lose it. You''re right in saying that this is especially hopeless without Vardy.

 

Pressing is the most important part of our game. We should be aiming to win the ball back quickly in the middle of the park and catching the opposition short staffed if possible. And if we have to win it back deeper then be patient and get it out wide. This is what we have done for most of the season and what we didn't do on Boxing Day.

[Mainlander]

Not having Drinkwater makes a massive difference to how much possession we don't have. His number of touches and passing accuracy are badly missed. There is no doubt we are more direct than most teams and in doing so attempt more longer balls resulting in giving the ball away often. Back to the original point, I don't think we are in any danger of loosing Chilwell, he is just making the point that Huddersfield play a possession game and he is enjoying it.

[ScouseFox]

we're top of the premier league. if some kid left back would rather play for huddersfield then he can suck the shit out of my arse for all i care. 

[Guest Col city fan]

Not having Drinkwater makes a massive difference to how much possession we don't have. His number of touches and passing accuracy are badly missed. There is no doubt we are more direct than most teams and in doing so attempt more longer balls resulting in giving the ball away often. Back to the original point, I don't think we are in any danger of loosing Chilwell, he is just making the point that Huddersfield play a possession game and he is enjoying it.

Is this the same Drinkwater who last season almost everyone was saying shouldn't play.

Now he's actually got a chance to play, he's one of our most important players.

[ozleicester]

Saturday at liverpool we fell into the trap of not "counter attacking", but actually playing hoofball.

 

A total waste without Ulloa, and to be honest, pretty pointless even with him. Our fast break usually relies on fast one touch passing and flicks, they werent working and instead we just resorted to HOOOOFFFF.

 

With Vards and Mahrez failing, i would like to have seen Inler come on and we try to play it through. Our usual style was failing and Don Claudio didnt make the right changes IMO

[Guest Col city fan]

Our style of play and the reason for our success has been mainly counter-attacking football.

This has been based mainly on the energy of the central midfielders.

Even in a 4-4-2 both Drinkwater and Kante have the legs to sit, win the ball and then move through the central area quickly to link up with the attackers.

Compare this to slower sides in that central area (Like Man Utd) who win the ball but then DONT burst forward quickly (instead Schwein and Carrick look to immediately play the ball sideways) and the difference becomes immediately apparent.

Our defenders can then just defend...they have no need to come out with the ball. They know that Drinkwater and Kante will do this.

Add to this, sublime moments from Mahrez on the one side and a trusty and accurate cross from Albrighton on the other and our game plan is set.

The glue however, is Vardy.

He is SO quick and puts the opposition players under SO much pressure that we again can win the ball back, relatively high up the field and get going once more.

Therefore, replace Drinkwater with King or Inler...and some of the energy is lost. Sure, they can pass the ball equally as well as the other two centre mids, but that's not our game. I repeat, that's not our game........it's the BURST from our centre mids that is important. The burst forward with the ball into the opposition half, and the burst back without the ball, to make the tackle.

I think this is why we lost to Liverpool....quite simply Vardy was ill (so didn't run around like he can) and King got over-run in a 4-4-2. Suddenly, the energy in the central area was lacking, we stopped defending from the front and we ended up losing.

Both Vardy and Drinkwater are crucial to this team in terms of how we play.

Last season, we suffered in the central area because we didn't have the legs...we didn't have that burst. And it's also why I'd worry if we lose either player to longer term injury. Without the pace, the energy and the 'bursts' both forward and backward, we'd start losing 50:50's, concede far more possession and would certainly lose more games. It's also why, if we got in another striker, I'd look to emulate Vardy in terms of a quicker, more agile striker who could also defend from the top. Austin wouldn't fulfill this. If we signed him, we d have to change to accommodate him.

[Izzy]

Our style of play and the reason for our success has been mainly counter-attacking football.

This has been based mainly on the energy of the central midfielders.

Even in a 4-4-2 both Drinkwater and Kante have the legs to sit, win the ball and then move through the central area quickly to link up with the attackers.

Compare this to slower sides in that central area (Like Man Utd) who win the ball but then DONT burst forward quickly (instead Schwein and Carrick look to immediately play the ball sideways) and the difference becomes immediately apparent.

Our defenders can then just defend...they have no need to come out with the ball. They know that Drinkwater and Kante will do this.

Add to this, sublime moments from Mahrez on the one side and a trusty and accurate cross from Albrighton on the other and our game plan is set.

The glue however, is Vardy.

He is SO quick and puts the opposition players under SO much pressure that we again can win the ball back, relatively high up the field and get going once more.

Therefore, replace Drinkwater with King or Inler...and some of the energy is lost. Sure, they can pass the ball equally as well as the other two centre mids, but that's not our game. I repeat, that's not our game........it's the BURST from our centre mids that is important. The burst forward with the ball into the opposition half, and the burst back without the ball, to make the tackle.

I think this is why we lost to Liverpool....quite simply Vardy was ill (so didn't run around like he can) and King got over-run in a 4-4-2. Suddenly, the energy in the central area was lacking, we stopped defending from the front and we ended up losing.

Both Vardy and Drinkwater are crucial to this team in terms of how we play.

Last season, we suffered in the central area because we didn't have the legs...we didn't have that burst. And it's also why I'd worry if we lose either player to longer term injury. Without the pace, the energy and the 'bursts' both forward and backward, we'd start losing 50:50's, concede far more possession and would certainly lose more games. It's also why, if we got in another striker, I'd look to emulate Vardy in terms of a quicker, more agile striker who could also defend from the top. Austin wouldn't fulfill this. If we signed him, we d have to change to accommodate him.

Good post Col. It's all about the 'burst' buddy ..

[EverybodyDannsNow]

Watching the Liverpool game made me think that a signing like Charlie Austin wouldn't be a bad idea after all. Granted, he doesn't suit our fast counter attacking style, but there will be times when we need to do something different to snatch a win or a point. On Boxing Day, I think Austin coming off the bench with 20 mins left would have gave us more of a chance

[Vicki Vixen]

we're top of the premier league. if some kid left back would rather play for huddersfield then he can suck the shit out of my arse for all i care.

You can't slag Chilwell on here Scouse, he's the golden boy of the Academy. Like a modern day Joe Mattock.

[ScouseFox]

You can't slag Chilwell on here Scouse, he's the golden boy of the Academy. Like a modern day Joe Mattock.

 

tbh i wasnt really intending to slag him off, more that this thread seems to be hinting that we should think about changing our style to "hang onto our best prospect". 

 

win the league with this style or change it completely, ruin or lose a lot of this sensational team but get a chance of offering a teenage left back a new contract? oh man i dunno it's so close a call. 

[fuchsntf]

Our style of play and the reason for our success has been mainly counter-attacking football.

This has been based mainly on the energy of the central midfielders.

Even in a 4-4-2 both Drinkwater and Kante have the legs to sit, win the ball and then move through the central area quickly to link up with the attackers.

Compare this to slower sides in that central area (Like Man Utd) who win the ball but then DONT burst forward quickly (instead Schwein and Carrick look to immediately play the ball sideways) and the difference becomes immediately apparent.

Our defenders can then just defend...they have no need to come out with the ball. They know that Drinkwater and Kante will do this.

Add to this, sublime moments from Mahrez on the one side and a trusty and accurate cross from Albrighton on the other and our game plan is set.

The glue however, is Vardy.

He is SO quick and puts the opposition players under SO much pressure that we again can win the ball back, relatively high up the field and get going once more.

Therefore, replace Drinkwater with King or Inler...and some of the energy is lost. Sure, they can pass the ball equally as well as the other two centre mids, but that's not our game. I repeat, that's not our game........it's the BURST from our centre mids that is important. The burst forward with the ball into the opposition half, and the burst back without the ball, to make the tackle.

I think this is why we lost to Liverpool....quite simply Vardy was ill (so didn't run around like he can) and King got over-run in a 4-4-2. Suddenly, the energy in the central area was lacking, we stopped defending from the front and we ended up losing.

Both Vardy and Drinkwater are crucial to this team in terms of how we play.

Last season, we suffered in the central area because we didn't have the legs...we didn't have that burst. And it's also why I'd worry if we lose either player to longer term injury. Without the pace, the energy and the 'bursts' both forward and backward, we'd start losing 50:50's, concede far more possession and would certainly lose more games. It's also why, if we got in another striker, I'd look to emulate Vardy in terms of a quicker, more agile striker who could also defend from the top. Austin wouldn't fulfill this. If we signed him, we d have to change to accommodate him.

Good post, more or less how I see it. DD fluency makes it work, he does have periods, when he drifts out of games, but I see him, as the guy who sits back a little more than opposition players, hence possesion is sacrificed, but in tact with Kante, then he explodes to get the ball moving, targetting Vardy or Mahrez, but he also has a great eye for Albrightons runs.

The only guy who I believe matches him, might be even quicker, as not yet played this

season, and that is James.

Adding to this, with a secondary thought, all our players have improved this season,

and all new players have added, something even if it is only unused untried depth, or like Schlupp and Dyer have had 'Best performances' this season.

So taking that further, I can see players like Inler and Kramaric will have also learnt and expanded

to the needs of the team, if called on for longer game time.

I dont expect DD to play tomorrow, when reading between the lines.

So we can expect King to start, this now, is his 3rd game, he needs to definitly up it, its the big one,

this is his time to underline his years of service, and prove doubters wrong.

Average tomorrow wont cut it, he needs to show his Int.Welsh underdog spirit.

Adding Albrighton needs his midfield skill, to come to the fore, because thats where he

might be needed more.

Then we add now Inler, who also from now has to show his Swiss form......with pace, when/if called

upon.

I wont fall to pieces, if we lose tomorrow, but this Man.City game will be a statement, if we get a result.

[I blame Wellens]

Our style of play and the reason for our success has been mainly counter-attacking football.

This has been based mainly on the energy of the central midfielders.

Even in a 4-4-2 both Drinkwater and Kante have the legs to sit, win the ball and then move through the central area quickly to link up with the attackers.

Compare this to slower sides in that central area (Like Man Utd) who win the ball but then DONT burst forward quickly (instead Schwein and Carrick look to immediately play the ball sideways) and the difference becomes immediately apparent.

Our defenders can then just defend...they have no need to come out with the ball. They know that Drinkwater and Kante will do this.

Add to this, sublime moments from Mahrez on the one side and a trusty and accurate cross from Albrighton on the other and our game plan is set.

The glue however, is Vardy.

He is SO quick and puts the opposition players under SO much pressure that we again can win the ball back, relatively high up the field and get going once more.

Therefore, replace Drinkwater with King or Inler...and some of the energy is lost. Sure, they can pass the ball equally as well as the other two centre mids, but that's not our game. I repeat, that's not our game........it's the BURST from our centre mids that is important. The burst forward with the ball into the opposition half, and the burst back without the ball, to make the tackle.

I think this is why we lost to Liverpool....quite simply Vardy was ill (so didn't run around like he can) and King got over-run in a 4-4-2. Suddenly, the energy in the central area was lacking, we stopped defending from the front and we ended up losing.

Both Vardy and Drinkwater are crucial to this team in terms of how we play.

Last season, we suffered in the central area because we didn't have the legs...we didn't have that burst. And it's also why I'd worry if we lose either player to longer term injury. Without the pace, the energy and the 'bursts' both forward and backward, we'd start losing 50:50's, concede far more possession and would certainly lose more games. It's also why, if we got in another striker, I'd look to emulate Vardy in terms of a quicker, more agile striker who could also defend from the top. Austin wouldn't fulfill this. If we signed him, we d have to change to accommodate him.

Talk about stating the bloody obvious. Get to your point a bit quicker next time.

[jaqo88]

I think a direct approach is very useful although we need to be able to string a few passes together at some stages in a game as well.

I saw at some point vs Liverpool our pass completion was 49%. That is shocking even with a direct approach.

We need to be able to put a foot on the ball when needed. This will help us to kill the game when we are leading, and would mean we give away less opportunities to the other team.

[enmac]

I think a direct approach is very useful although we need to be able to string a few passes together at some stages in a game as well.

I saw at some point vs Liverpool our pass completion was 49%. That is shocking even with a direct approach.

We need to be able to put a foot on the ball when needed. This will help us to kill the game when we are leading, and would mean we give away less opportunities to the other team.

Pass completion was so poor because our danger men were so heavily marked.

Talk about stating the bloody obvious. Get to your point a bit quicker next time.

[jaqo88]

Pass completion was so poor because our danger men were so heavily marked.

Shows the need for a plan B, more and more teams will try and do exactly what Liverpool did because it worked for them.

[deep blue]

Pass completion was so poor because our danger men were so heavily marked.

In a situation like that, if our danger men are so heavily marked then our "non danger" men should have the time and space to be able to pass it about amongst themselves and take the heat out of the opposition. Looks like that's what we failed to do at Anfield.

[foxfanazer]

We're no longer the surprise package. A plan B is essential if we have any aspirations of a top 6 finish. Sounds harsh as we're 2nd in the league but as others have said, teams will know how to set up against us now

[desertfox2]

We're no longer the surprise package. A plan B is essential if we have any aspirations of a top 6 finish. Sounds harsh as we're 2nd in the league but as others have said, teams will know how to set up against us now

see I disagree with this whole we've been found out. It's not as if Mourinho Martinez and Monk didn't know how we play and we still won. Yes you are right that we need a plan B now but I'm pretty sure CR has one and it's more a case of not having to use it than there not being one. There was only one team that won away on boxing day and Arsenal got hammered. 1-0 at Anfield is not disastrous relatively let's see how we get on tonight

[foxfanazer]

see I disagree with this whole we've been found out. It's not as if Mourinho Martinez and Monk didn't know how we play and we still won. Yes you are right that we need a plan B now but I'm pretty sure CR has one and it's more a case of not having to use it than there not being one. There was only one team that won away on boxing day and Arsenal got hammered. 1-0 at Anfield is not disastrous relatively let's see how we get on tonight

Not necessarily been found out mate but I think it's glaringly obvious that 4-4-2 is the way to set up against. I'm astonished that Mourinho and Van Gaal etc didn't pick up on it. I really hope you're right about CR having a plan B. We will need one no matter how good we are

[desertfox2]

Not necessarily been found out mate but I think it's glaringly obvious that 4-4-2 is the way to set up against. I'm astonished that Mourinho and Van Gaal etc didn't pick up on it. I really hope you're right about CR having a plan B. We will need one no matter how good we are

Hate to say it but I don't think it's a team playing 442 against us problem I think it's a case of playing 442 against us when we have King in for Drinkwater. I love King but he is as much use as a nuns tits in a 442. We have one of the best CM midfielders in the league if not the best at the moment in Kante and to be out played through the middle shows how poor he was against Liverpool. We need to sacrifice Okazaki or ulloa and have 3cm if king is to start. I think we would have got a draw if drinkwater had played.

[desertfox2]

Also since practically everyone switched to a 4 5 1 it's a good time to play 442 as most teams don't have the same quality/quantity of strikers they had when everyone was playing 442. Not many of the Top sides have say 4 good strikers anymore. A lot of teams won't be able to switch back to a 442 as such it will become a 4 4 1 1 which suits us with Kante. We need drinkwater fit and as everyone has pointed out on here someone in Jan alongside vardy.