Dwight McNeill - I love talking to myself.

Can somebody explain to me the added benefit of a 3-5-2? How does it work? I presume a team would need two very fast and skilful wingers either side to drop back/move forward? It probably depends on the right players available. For me, I wouldn't get too worked up about it as I've seen the top teams often play 4 at the back. I don't mind 4-3-3 with LB or RB occassionally going forward leaving a back 3 for small periods. That likes me better. Having said that, 3-5-2 will probably depend on Doucoure being able to better defend and control midfield. If he bosses the middle, then I reckon PV will try a 3-5-2 more often. I hazard a guess that 3-5-2 needs a solid defensive structure that works well. Certainly better than last season. PV didn't excel in getting the team working as well defensively as old Roy - bless him!

Edited by Oddball2021 (26 Jul 2022 4.43pm)

Granted, but it wouldn’t have been because of a better defence. We conceded less because we were attacking more. We would have finished higher arguably had the defence been as solid as Roy’s. Don’t get into slagging off Roy. He did a great job in the context of what we were when Roy took over.

Funny that.

Despite Hodgson's reputation as a defensive coach, (correct in the sense that his sides play defensive football) his record with Palace isn't that great, despite the hype. PV, as mentioned above did better in his first season, which says it all.

Correct me if I'm wrong but we haven't signed any left-backs or right-backs yet have we? And are stuck with an old Clyne, Ward for the right and no backup on the left for Mitchell?

The formation is heavily reliant on up and down engines. I would say Mitchell has that stamina at his age but he's more likely to get injured covering the whole pitch every game and if you haven't got a left-footed wing back on the left you scrap the whole formation.

When you also have two right-backs that aren't quick and 30+ years old I don't see how you can ever play it.

If this was Vieira's main target for next season, I'd imagine he'd of bought 3 new rapid wing-backs under the age of 24?

This is a Brazilian thing though isn't it. Players like Cafu, Dani Alves, Roberto Carlos - up and down all day long with energy to spare. Must be nice looking inside and seeing players who aren't gifting the ball away. Zaha must be frustrating to play alongside for example, he possession stats are poor indeed.
Conclusion - we don't have the players for 3-5-2.