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Posted by
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May 19, 2017 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - After splitting a four-match road trip, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will return to B.C. Place on Saturday afternoon vs Sporting Kansas City. It's been a while, April 14 since Vancouver played at home. While on the road the now 4-5-1 Whitecaps defeated Montreal and Colorado in back to back matches. Carl Robinson used the exact same starting eleven and formation for each match on the trip.
Shifting to a 4-1-4-1 formation has allowed the Caps to solidify the back-four, while still maintaining enough of an offensive presence going forward. Matias Laba has been superb as a defensive holding midfielder in front of the back-four. Laba has excelled, and the team’s strong defensive posture has helped put together four solid performances.
"I like it because I can get the ball more," said Laba of the new formation. "I think we did well with our possession these few games. I think we have had very good performances with that formation."
Heading into a stretch where Whitecaps will now play five of six matches at home in all competitions, the big question remains, will Vancouver continue to play in a 4-1-4-1 formation which was quite successful on the road?
"I don't know about the formation," said Laba. "I think we have to continue with these performances. We have to win the most games that we can at home, that is very important in this league, to continue in this way."
We all know that it's fine lines, and that players play, and coaches coach. Football isn't always about formations, tactics, and team talks. It's often about which footballers can turn up, front up, and contribute enough at both ends to help earn a winning result.
If Vancouver is going to continue to use a 4-1-4-1 formation, Carl Robinson wasn't about to tip his formation hand.
"Maybe, it's something that we'll look at," said Robinson. "I talk to you all the time, and say it's not about formations, and it's not about personnel. It's about certain aspects within the opposition that I have to find a way. At the moment, I cannot tell you what I'm going to do."
The 25 year-old Laba has had a bounce back start to the season, and part of his resurgence is down to Vancouver's new adopted 4-1-4-1 formation. All of the responsibility, positioning, and defensive work in front of the back-four is on Laba.
In the new formation, Laba doesn't have to look to his right or left and figure out if Andrew Jacobson, Tony Tchani, or Russell Teibert is going to be there to break up an opposition attack. Laba is the man tasked to break an impending attack from the opponent.
"I like this position," admitted Laba when asked about added defensive responsibilities. "I can have the ball and the control in the midfield. I think it's good."
Heading into the match vs Sporting Kansas City, Laba currently sits on four yellow cards. If he picks up another yellow in one of the next five-matches, he will be suspended. He is well aware of what could happen, but he isn't about change his game.
"Yeah, I don't want to miss any games," said Laba, "But if I need to have a yellow card to help the team, I will take it. I don't want to change my game, because in some areas, I need to stop the play."
A move to a 4-1-4-1 formation has been a terrific change to help Vancouver Whitecaps FC at both ends of the pitch. Laba can help on defence, and having Tchani, and Jacobson playing more of an advanced role. That helps out Fredy Montero, Christian Bolanos, and Cristian Techera offensively. Now all Vancouver has to do is stay healthy.
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