Simeone has his idea more than defined, with a scheme that works and an eleven that is recited in a rush … until a new setback has arrived. Hermoso and Carrasco are doubt, waiting for a second COVID test to clarify the 'inconclusive' result they have had this morning. If they are suitable, there will be no problem. If either one of them falls, or both, Cholo will have to find a plan B, because in the template there are no pieces with the characteristics of both of them.
Hermoso and Carrasco have been decisive for the new system to settle with three centrals (on the left, the Spanish) and two lanes (also on the left, the Belgian). The first help with the ball out, with short and long passes (like the one that accelerated the play from 2-1 to Valencia), and also covers the back of the second, who covers the whole band, he girdles himself in defense, raises the ball and generates danger above. There are no others like them.
When Hermoso has failed, as before Eibar due to a sprain, Simeone has chosen Felipe, but the performance is different. The Brazilian also he is not going through his best moment and with him and without Hermoso some of the virtues of this new system are lost. Mario also allows the team to mutate to 4-4-2 at any time putting himself on the left side. The rest of the centrals cannot.
Return to 4-4-2?
With Carrasco something similar happens, although for this Sunday Cholo had tried with him for the right wing, the task he played in the second half against Valencia. The plan went through I gave it And now, if the Belgian stayed out due to coronavirus, we would have to look for the right lane: Vrsaljko is the first option, although it could place Llorente, as it has ever done.
However, without Hermoso and without Carrasco, another possibility is return to the classic 4-4-2. With Lodi and Vrsaljko on the wings and Giménez and Savic as centrals. Ahead would open a square in the middle, next to Koke, Lemar and Llorente, for which Cholo does have variety: Torreira, Saúl, Kondogbia, Herrera … The coronavirus has shaken the coach's plans, who has training before the game to reposition the available pieces, always waiting for what the tests say …