Keegan’s Newcastle diamond
Newcastle’s on-pitch problems have been well documented of late as their expensive squad slips towards the relegation zone. The rot set in when Sam Allardyce was in charge, but this has only been exacerbated since the arrival of his replacement Kevin Keegan. gaffr provides some suggestions below as to how Keegan might reinvigorate Newcastle’s season, starting with the forthcoming away fixture at Birmingham.
Keegan needs to engineer at least a draw at St Andrews to prevent a precarious situation from becoming an emergency. Newcastle have been in woeful form so it is imperative that things are kept tight. Newcastle should therefore field a 4-4-2 with a narrow midfield configured as what is commonly termed ‘the diamond’. Abdoulaye Faye is brought forwards from central defence to take up the position at the base of midfield. Faye regularly played in this position for his previous club Bolton, in particular during the 2005-06 season in which his midfield enforcement helped them to a Premiership finish of 8th place. Nicky Butt and Alan Smith take up midfield positions either side of Faye; James Milner is positioned at the vertex of the diamond. Milner has been one of the few Newcastle players to have retained some credibility this season: whilst he usually plays at wide-midfield he should have the requisites to perform this role behind the centre forwards. If Milner is unfit for the Birmingham fixture then Damien Duff can be allocated to this position instead.
With three midfielders focused on shielding the back four, this could almost be considered a 4-3-1-2 formation. This approach does not need to be excessively defensive however. Whilst a draw is an essential requirement, Newcastle’s formation should have sufficient flexibility to enable attacking manoeuvres against a Birmingham side who are also facing a relegation battle. Newcastle’s compact midfield will allow the full-backs to progress up their respective flanks in support of the more advanced players. Geremi and N’Zogbia have therefore been selected for the full-back slots as they both have significant experience of midfield roles. If the full-backs push up in support of the attack, Faye will be able to supplement the defensive line.
Keegan tried to keep things tight recently against Liverpool, but sought refuge in a 4-5-1 formation which left Michael Owen isolated up front. This narrow 4-4-2 approach will provide a significant defensive base but also provides Owen with a strike partner. Obafemi Martins (who was a lively substitute against Liverpool) is brought in to accompany Owen. This further demonstrates that this formation is not only equipped to stifle the game but can reconcile the requirements for defensive solidity with service to the attacking players.
A draw or win against Birmingham will bequeath much needed confidence to Newcastle players before an eminently winnable home tie against Fulham. A solid but polished midfield diamond can thus help to get Newcastle’s season back on track.
Edward @ March 11, 2008
