Ronald Koeman has revealed that a permanent switch to a 3-5-2 or a 5-3-2 formation could be on the agenda, after the success that has come from using it over the past two games.
The more defensive formation has worked wonders for Saints in the Premier League, producing two fine defensive displays and also five goals. It also allows Saints to have greater possession and more defensive cover when mistakes are made. It works particularly well against teams who like to play a counter-attacking style of play and could prove to be effective away from home. It is more than likely that Koeman will stick with the 3-5-2/5-3-2 as Southampton travel to Manchester United this weekend, hoping to repeat last years success.
Koeman is glad that his side can play out of multiple systems, he told the Daily Echo that the 3-5-2/5-3-2 could become a more regular occurence for Southampton
That’s a possibility because sometimes when we play 11 against 11 (in training) I like to play out of different systems,
I think a really good team can play different systems if you have that kind of players, and we have that kind of players to play out of different systems.
That makes it so much more difficult for the opponents and what they can expect.
The Dutch coach also stated at his delight at how Ryan Bertrand has settled into the different role, playing centrally, so quickly and why it is important to have a left-sided player in the build up for that formation.
I put Ryan in that position in the last two games because then I have really a left foot when we like to build up.
Ryan can play out of that position because he is learning, he is developing, he’s older, more experience, and in my opinion is a good defender. One of his best qualities is playing from the back and he has really a good left foot on that side and that was important to have.
Matt Targett has also been a stand out performer in his new role at left wing-back. Once again he expressed how impressed he was with the England under 21 players return to the side.
I was very happy with the way how Targett trained and played in the under-21s. He’s a young player and it’s difficult for him because in front of him is an English international player.
Will Saints stick with this formation at Old Trafford this weekend?
