Can Newcastle keep them happy?
Posted by JamesB in Newcastle | 15 September 2007
Seeing Michael Owen back in action and scoring goals has been long overdue. But finally he has got Newcastle fans smiling again with the winner against Wigan and three stunning goals on England duty. Great news all round. One slight problem though; is there a system Newcastle can use to keep Owen, the impressive Obafemi Martins, and Mark Viduka happy?
Early indications this year show Allardyce will not omit playing a big man up front, be it Mark Viduka or Shola Ameobi. I think Allardyce simply places huge value on physical presence up front, and whatever systems he has used so far this season, whatever substitutions he has made and whoever has been available one thing has remained constant - there is a target man up front. Assuming he continues to adopt this approach, a 442 formation with Owen and Martins up front can be ruled out.
So if he wants to play a 442 Martins will be likely to miss out. Owen has looked so sharp this past fortnight and you would be mad not to play one of England's greatest ever goalscorers. But I'm not sure this will be satisfactory from Obafemi Martins' point of view. He is entitled to want first team football and has done a lot to deserve it. Before the season the number 9 said he was "ready to fight for a place," but I would not like to second guess at how long his patience will last.
Some speculators have touted a possible 433 formation. Allardyce and his 433 receive a lot of press coverage, and some believe this is the answer. From my point of view it would be a fairly lopsided 433. Viduka would have to play centrally to satisfy the need for the big man up front, but if Owen isn't playing through the middle in and around the box then he is wasted. The man is a predator and cannot be restricted to a wider role. Ignoring the risk of sounding like a "Championship Manager tactician," one possibility could be to have Martins playing deeper behind the two strikers, with two orthodox wingers and Barton marshalling from the centre. However, looking at players that play in that position behind the strikers it becomes apparent that some playmaking attributes are needed. Both Rooney and Tevez for example like to play deeper than the out and out centre forward. As good as he is, this is not Obafemi Martins' strongest point.
As far as I can see there just isn't a system we can use to accomadate both. There is no point playing outrageous formations just to get your good players playing, it doesn't work. Look at Real Madrid a few year ago. Of course, the best teams in the world leave good players on the bench all the time, it is the sign of a good, strong squad. But I have a nagging doubt that Martins will not be content with this forever. Even a rotation system may leave one, or worse both, unsatisfied. I'd like to think Martins will fight for his place, be enthusiastic about coming on as a substitute or being used when (God forbid) Owen isn't available. Time will tell. One thing is certain though. The get-out clause in his contract does exist and if there is an inkling of discontent from the Martins camp we may see other clubs may consider triggering that clause in January.
I am interested to see if other fans think there is a system we can use to accomadate both, or whether you share my views or oppose them. Please feel free to comment and I'll respond.
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