Why A 4-3-3 Switch Could Be The Resurrection Tottenham’s Season Needs.

Could a change of system to 4-3-3 revive Tottenham’s season as they mount the final assault in the Premier League towards their season-long target of a Champions League finish? Could such a switch compensate for the lack of an effective strike partnership?

Article written by Charlie Bee

Lewis Holtby looking for a central midfield role [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]The recent comments from playmaker, Lewis Holtby, declaring his best position as ‘one of the holding midfielders’ or in a 4-3-3 as one of the central midfielders, can be seen as one of two ways. Perhaps he was trying to convince Andre Villas-Boas of his versatility at such a busy time of the season, or he was hinting at a tactical switch to a 4-3-3 for Tottenham in the coming weeks as we look to secure Champions League football again next season. Holtby’s comments were reported in the Mirror,

"“I can play various positions. I believe, the number six is the position for my future. Between six and ten, I feel best in central midfield.”"

One of the greatest traits any manager has, is the ability to sense when change is needed, with our striking hopes pinned onto the off-form Emmanuel Adebayor or a Gareth Bale masterclass, possibly now is the time for change.

Whilst pre-season is generally a much more suitable time to implement such a tactic; defensively it differs little from the 4-2-3-1, albeit Kyle Walker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto will have more ground to cover on the wings with Aaron Lennon’s defensive duties handed back to the corresponding central midfielder. Whilst our defending this season hasn’t been the issue, it’s our finishing in and around the final third that has hindered us severely. The three central midfielders and the two wingers – relieved of defensive duties and focused solely on attacking, create a heavier attacking threat, and also doubles the creative output on the team – crucially lessening the reliance on the sole striker to perform.

The 4-3-3 encourages much more of a team ethic, no longer reliant on the lone striker, (even less-so if Bale and Lennon push narrower to a 4-3-2-1) potentially it could even see Jermain Defoe lead the line, his physical prowess no longer an issue if playing alongside Bale, who would be the target from goal kicks, long balls etc. Any chance to get Bale, playing in a more forward position seems an advantage too good to turn down, as his recent form indicates. Even if the choice between Adebayor and Defoe is the lesser of two evils, based on recent performances, the now much more enhanced attacking threat offered up by Bale and Lennon would compensate for any poor striking performances. Whilst Defoe seems the more threatening option, combined with his poaching abilities and natural finish, this a role that he could perhaps excel in.

AVB has always shouted the importance of a midfield three, and this would be more important than in the 4-2-3-1, (where the CF acts as the 3rd link) whilst its more than likely to consist of Moussa Dembele and Gylfi Sigurdsson in a slightly more forward role, with Scott Parker in just behind them – the emphasis is clearly on attack. Whilst squad cohesion is just as important within the midfield three (so as no to commit too many players forward) the experience of Parker would be vital to the successful implementation, also a chance for him to revert to the more dogged, tenacious approach he undertook last season in front of the back-line as opposed to the cultured approach AVB has tried to implement upon him this season.

Our lead over Arsenal could potentially be reduced to as little as one point, if they win their game in hand, and what with a difficult run in coming up for Spurs this season, our chances of holding this lead are decreasing. The 4-3-3 would play to our attacking strengths, without compromising the possession aspect, that the 4-2-3-1 provides. Whilst it would be a risk, it would be an educated one, aimed at cementing the Champions League spot and no doubt, making the run-in roller-coaster that bit more turbulent. But then again, what else would you expect from Spurs?

Over To You!

How would you revive Tottenham’s season?