I don't see how people can say we don't have players for a back 4 then in the same breath say that this is the reason we play 3-5-2
If anything the fact our 'wing backs' can't attack to save their lives means they'd be better off focusing on defending more.
When people say "we dont have players for a back 4, they are partially right and wrong.
There arent great central defenders anymore. not fullbacks with positional sense of the gods like maldini.
a 3man central defence, works pretty damn good. If you want offensive movement from the backline, 3cb's and 2 wingbacks is indeed much better then a flat 4 with marauding fullbacks.
So in that regard, they are right.
However, if you just look at the defence, and use double wings, then we actually DO have a great 4man backline.
Lichtsteiner or caceres rb
chiellini, barzagli, bonucci, barzagli... any of those cb
ogbonna, peluso, chiellini as lb
Very strong line. Not offensively, but if only defence counts, very strong indeed