When the season came to an end, Simeone was self-critical with his work and acknowledged having “dizzy a bit” in the oscillation between 4-4-2 and 5-3-2, the most classic scheme of cholismo and the one he used to conquer the last League. The coach has considered them interchangeable and even tends to alternate them during the same game, supported by the versatility of pieces such as Reinildo, Carrasco and Llorente. Now, the choice of the dominant system, which will not be fixed either, will mark the profile of the footballers that are sought in the market.
The great priority for the sports management is the right side, because there is an evident deficit since Trippier’s departure. Wanted a footballer who adds in attack, that brings figures to the team. The arrival of Reinildo, with a much more defensive role, invites us to think about that other profile for a 2, but that it is valid to play with a defense of four. Here fit pieces like Nahuel Molina (Udinese), Clauss (Lens) and even Maffeo (Mallorca), players who add assists and even goals. The signing of Reinildo, precisely, It will make a fifth center-back unnecessary, as was sought last summer (and it ended up being Kondogbia).
Central midfielders and wild cards
For the center of the field too, Simeone and the technical secretariat will have to distinguish between footballers to play inside and outside. Lemar was helped by playing inside in the 5-3-2, better than open in 4-4-2. Correa, if he finally doesn’t come out, he can stay with the right wing of the 4-4-2, as until a couple of seasons ago, although he starts as an effective attacker. Saúl can add in the middle and, perhaps even more and although he does not like it, on the left. carrasco, one of the best of the season, you will appreciate the less you have to watch your back. Already I gave italthough he has shone precisely as a high lane, the presence of Reinildo and Carrasco in that band complicates him.
Going back to the traditional 4-4-2, but also thinking about that midfield of three, a pure medium is sought, not an interior like Koke and De Paul, but a complement. Kamara disappeared and there are other options on the table to find a decade later the Tiago of the beginnings of cholismo.