FNR Presenter, Nick D’Urbano believes “playing three key playmakers out of position” was a major part of Melbourne Victory’s defeat against Melbourne City last Saturday night at Marvel Stadium.
D’Urbano on Evenings on FNR says Terry Antonis, Keisuke Honda and Kosta Barbarouses all playing new roles in a 4-3-1-2 system cost them dearly and the players were not comfortable in their positions.
“Some of the players are not playing where they’re comfortable,” D’Urbano said.
“Terry Antonis and Keisuke Honda were forced to play as right and left-sided central midfielders respectively and Kosta Barbarouses as the second striker didn’t work.”
D’Urbano did praise James Troisi who played as a number ten but believes came at a cost as it didn’t allow their Japanese superstar to play in his most damaging role.
“James Troisi playing as a number ten, very good, but you’re not allowing one of the best players in Asian football play as a ten and wreck-havoc,” D’Urbano said.
However, he believes the formation which best suits the strengths of the players on offer is a 4-3-3 which led Melbourne Victory to success last season and in seasons prior.
“4-3-3 is the attacking system that got them the championship,” D’Urbano said.
Melbourne Victory face Perth Glory on Sunday night at AAMI Park as both sides chase their
first wins of the new campaign.
