All our width comes from our wingbacks (and Dybala). If we have Evra sitting back we have little threat from the left.
I understand the concern of playing two offensive fullbacks usually, but not in a 3-5-2 where the fullbacks are supposed to provide the threat from the wings. If you don't want to play them together then drop one CB.
Well that's another thing then. Maybe if we signed Matuidi or Witsel we would even do it, especially now with so many injuries in defense. But take a look at our XI for this game. Pjanic, Hernanes, Khedira, DA, Dybala... To me its clear we will be holding possession here with Pjanic-Hernanes-Khedira/DA and Dybala. DA/Khedira will make runs through that right side, Dybala also often drifts to that side, Pjanic this season comes there often (probably to be close to the ball all the time). Our setup tells me we will hold possession and attack through that side all the time. Evra is there to hold his position and stretch the play, as in go forward when there is space, receive the pass and pass it back to Pjanic/Hernanes. Deliver a good cross if there is a chance and thats it. Basically its a tactical decision to allow our CMs, Pjanic mostly, to play higher up the pitch, as opposed to AS, who receives passes much higher and has a whole different role after that
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Also if that's Max's reasoning then it confirms what a bad idea it was to leave Licht out of the squad. He's out best defensive fullback. And despite others saying Alves and Cuadrado are enough, now we can't play AS in the CL? I mean if we can't play him and Alves against Zagreb, then when can we?
I actually don't think that's Max's reason for not using AS. It just doesn't make sense.
With Marchisio it will be different imo. But having Pjanic closer to Higuain and Dybala is more valuable for this game, atleast its what I think Allegris reasoning is