Opinion: Our Centre Backs Must Adapt

The players that we currently have throughout the squad is certainly a marked improvement from the likes of Tyler Blackett that were deemed good enough just a few years ago. The centre back partnership is no exception with Spector and Morrison working well both individually but as a uni across the entire back four in terms of organisation and ability.

Most professional teams usually play these as two centre backs; I know that this seems obvious but bare with me. The idea is that they both are quite flat when the ball is played and then one goes to win the ball whilst the other drops behind in case there is a flick on by the striker. It is quite a simple partnership idea that most players get used to in the youth ranks and it is certainly a way that is coached pretty much nationwide.

This is ideal when the other team are very direct and like to play the long ball forward. It is the perfect way to ensure that the ball is won first and foremost but then if it is not, it allows a back up option. But what if the opposition do not play the long ball? If one of the centre backs drop, then it means that the full backs also have to drop in order to keep the offside line in tact.

For the Bristol City game, I am aware that they are quite a pacy team with a lot of speed out in the wide areas. If the centre half drops and then the ball gets played out wide, it means that the full backs are quite deep allowing the wingers to be nearer to the goal and put the full backs under pressure.

However, this in practice probably wouldn’t happen as Spector would only drop if a direct ball was played and then he would go out wide and cover the advancing winger leaving Morrison to deal with the striker in the box. So no real problem. The thing that I would advocate for future games would be a permanent sweeper. Now, I say future games as it is something that needs to be learnt by the players and over time.

But I think Spector is a good passer of the ball and he would be great at starting attacks if given a bit more time and space on the ball. If he is pressured or has to dribble, it often goes wrong. If he is a permanent sweeper, then this allows him more time. It is widely done in the Italian game and works effectively as it allows the sweeper to go to wherever the ball is rather than having to man mark. In this example, Morrison would permanently man mark their striker, leaving him out of the game and the opposition with no out ball. It goes without saying, this would only work if the opposition play with one striker. But it is something that we could look at to give more freedom to the defence.