Our midfield seems to be our strong point.
They are far from being the best players individually, but they are a solid, compact total and have the full support of our team.
Never before we had such a strong defense, in the past years, or so competent wingbacks, who efficiently, both defend and cover up and attack/support, the players up front. Such a solid defense, brings confidence to the guys upfront, and as they stop worrying about the rearguard, they are unleashed!
This gives our midfielders, the opportunity to focus at creating chances and keeping possession.
That is the importance of a competent defense!
Remember the first games, when the defense was still shaky, the midfield seemed lost and Conte opted for a bit more defensive and wide midfield schemes. But when the defense was stabilized and clean sheets start rolling, our team has found its way.
This has reflected immediately upon the function of our midfield.
The major defense, is that we have completely scrapped the defensive midfielders and we can afford to play with creative/offensive midfielders only.
And now put the pressure on our opponents, brilliant job by Conte and his 4-1-3-2, its an amazing thing,many coaches after DD have tried, but all failed and made many compromises, but they were futile. Hats off to Conte, for achieving were everyone else have failed!
This formation allows optimal use of Pirlo and this player has become an essential figure right away, in a degree, that we are already dependent of his instrumental gameplay.
Marchisio has re-found his motivation, kept his versatility and has also made some great contribution, esp by scoring some important goals and covering the left flank when needed, or do some DM work, occasionally.
Vidal took his time to become a starter, but his enthusiasm drives him forward, but in a classy way,
unlike Pepe who also has a great enthusiasm and workrate, but he rather offers more quantity, than quality.
Nonetheless, even Pepe's contribution have been proved crucial to our cause and despite his obvious limitations, he has done some marvelous actions, like the Maradona run, against Napoli!
Our SSs also have their contribution, on the function of our midfield, they create their own chances, swap players with the lateral midfielders, support them, return to acquire the ball, involve in the build up and form a multi-dimensional front, of a multi-faced forward line, that it is hard to control by the opposition.
And many times, this wide front, creates so many wide open holes at their defense, that invites our midfielders to step in and finish them off, by scoring goals or delivering lethal passes.
Its a collective work, from the stability the super Gigi gives to our defense, to their competent support and the involvement of the SSs,
our team now seems to overperform, deliver results, but also very beautiful shows as well!
The most influental player, is arguably Pirlo, but the mastermind behind this, is Conte!
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