5 teams with new tactics this season - Hit or Miss?
The 2015-16 season is off with a bang. The new season has brought new challenges, to overcome which managers have come up with new ideas. These new ideas, in turn, have translated into new tactics on the pitch, some of which have had instant effect, others, not so much. Here’s a look at five teams that have employed new, out-of-the-box tactics this season, with varying results.
#1 Real Madrid
The most striking change in Los Blancos' machinery under new manager Rafael Benitez has been the free role of Gareth Bale. If the start of 2015/16 is anything to go by, the Welsh attacker will start behind the striker in Benitez’s 4-2-3-1 system. More importantly, he now has greater licence to roam, is more involved in Real’s build-up play and has the opportunity to use channels created by the runs of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
On paper, the move has its flaws - Bale’s lack of agility and creative ability when compared to classical Spanish midfielders is indisputable - but his interpretation of the role has been refreshing, to say the least. More penetrative runs, more crosses, more headers and increased link-up with Ronaldo and Benzema all mean Bale is suddenly a frightening proposition for defenders.
Bale’s new role, alongwith James Rodriguez operating from the right as a creative midfielder, has made Los Merengues less dependent on Ronaldo for goals. Case in point: the 5-0 hammering of Real Betis. Interestingly, it might also signal the arrival of the English No. 10 to Spain.
While it is still too early to say if Benitez’s new tactics will clinch the La Liga crown for the All-Whites, they have certainly been a breath of fresh air at Santiago Bernabeu.
Verdict: HIT