Hope all is well! Here is my observation (ignorant spectator waiver in effect
![Grinning face :grinning: 😀](https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/7.0/png/unicode/64/1f600.png)
).
When watching the team play from the highest vantage point, one glaring assessment becomes evident, we have no 'shape'. WF had a very disciplined shape that was still very dynamic and filled with players that were constantly moving and looking for opportunity to attack. Our shape was very haphazard (especially in the midfield) and always taking on a reactive, tactic. Can't win games that way. A lot of unnecessary pressure is being put on a really good back line that must compensate for our disorganized midfield (poor shape or wrong shape - a coaching issue I believe ). This leads to defenders being split, pourous defensive line moments (luckily we have a pretty athletic back line that can cover the gaps), unmarked players and very static/confused movement from the middle third of the field. Seems like the players in the midfield are being set up for failure by the coaching staff - I can't quite put my finger on the problem. Also, players are not stepping to the ball to receive or intercept passes, field players literally stand still on throw in restarts (leaves no viable options to maintain possession- WF would have 4-5 players moving to create space for a throw in--the throw in is a two way street), up top needs to improve first touches (and that's not all), and we don't use the peripheral of the field at all! Which is weird considering the outside of the field gives us the best forward movement and contributed to an SEC championship win.
Basically, coaches should maybe come up to the press box to watch the game and make tactical changes. Right now the tactic seems, well, very myopic in nature.
So, we looked confused and half the squad looks out of shape. Now, we have the talent and the ability to perform - for sure. We desperately need vision for the whole field (not just 1/3rd at a time), leadership on the field, better coaching vision/adjustment, and blood/sweat/tears conditioning. Oh- we need a #6 to bring 'law and order ' to the game. The #6 piece is a huge problem and is creating absolute chaos in an essential part of the field- I mean - the #6 literally controls a critical transition zone in effective tactical play. And, 'Oh, Oh' up top - needs attackers. The back line is good to go. The midfield has the talent just needs movement fixed (and make players play at a Midgley pace!), but the up top is in desperate need of fixin. If Coach is gonna chase players in the next portal opening, it's got to be attackers that have great first touches and drive to the net. But I doubt any are left. We have 4 months to get ready. Again, talent is here, need some solid coaching that allows our talented players to shine!!