Part 1 - Tottenham’s tactical options against A.C Milan
It’s going to be the new comers from England versus the veterans of Italy in the UEFA Champions league on Tuesday night. As both the teams go head to head in the round of sixteen of the UEFA Champions league, Harry Redknapp and Massimiliano have tactical
headaches ahead of the match at San Siro.
Tottenham are relatively inexperienced in the UEFA Champions League but they showcased during the group stages that their inexperience can be compensated for by their youthful exuberance.
Harry Redknapp’s main formation this season in Europe and for most of the English Premier League matches has been a 4-4-1-1 formation. This setup allowed Redknapp to play several of his key players in their favourite positions which allows Tottenham to function
as a solid offensive unit.
Spurs have had defensive problems throughout the season, evident during their group stage trip to San Siro as Redknapp’s men faced Inter Milan and conceded three goals within the first 45 minutes of the match.
Tottenham’s main man in the 4-4-1-1 formation has been Rafael Van Der Vaart. The Dutchman has been in spectacular touch for the London club ever since his arrival in the summer transfer window of 2010 for a mere 8 million pounds.
Redknapp has done well to integrate Rafael into his team’s style of play as the former Hamburg midfielder is now excelling beyond expectations at White Hart Lane.
For the trip to San Siro, Tottenham will be without their star winger, Gareth Bale. The Welsh winger has been ruled out due to a back injury so Redknapp will have to pick and choose from some of the fringe players at his disposal.
Spurs will also be devoid of the services of Luka Modric. The Croatian midfielder has come into his own in the 2010/2011 season so his absence is also a huge blow Harry Redknapp’s outfit.
It is quite possible that Redknapp will go with a defensive minded 4-4-1-1 for his team’s match against AC Milan at San Siro. The main focus will be on scoring an away goal while keeping a clean sheet themselves.
Milan has a formidable attacking line up in Robinho, Ibrahimovic and Pato. Thus, one can expect Tottenham to falter a bit at the back. However, the Italian giants have showed frailness in four man defence so it is possible that Tottenham will get that elusive
away goal.
Peter Crouch will be crucial to Tottenham’s plans against AC Milan. The English striker has been on song in the UEFA Champions League as he scored three goals during the group stages of the UEFA Champions League from just five shots on target.
Not only that, his aerial threat gives Tottenham a new dimension. Spurs have quality players in their side such as Aaron Lennon and Van Der Vaart but if their slick passing game fails to work then Tottenham can always look for the long route towards Crouch.
Additionally, Milan’s back line is devoid of height. This isn’t a straight forward matter of a 6 foot 7 inch forward versus a 5’10 center back but physique does play an important role in modern football.
Peter Crouch can cause havoc inside the Milanese penalty area and the likes of Van Der Vaart and Jenas can benefit from that.
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