- Jun 24, 2004
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When I’ve seen Calafiori, he reminds me of a young Maldini.I find Motta's tactics fascinating tbh. He essentially starts with a back 4 but in possession one of the CB will push up into midfield alongside the midfielder whilst the two FB's will stay deep to create a three. Calafiori in this has been the primary starting LCB and has played there 26 times, he has actually only played LB 6 times this season. Last season at Basel he did play more as a LB tho. Really Its his ability on the ball that is the reason why he can play this role so well. Its also why I think he could in ours as ether a LB or LCB as essentially what the CB is doing in Motta's system, moving up into midfield, is what the LB/RB does in ours all be it from a slightly wider start. He's just and excellent, versatile ball playing defender and only 21.
In general Motta's tactics are all about fluidity, creating advantageous match up's and dangerous passing lanes. Its why Zirkzee is the perfect striker for him as he very good at dropping deep into midfield. Its also why Ferguson, who usually starts central as an AM or CM, will spend most of the game sitting out wide. Essentially creating space for the striker to drop and the CM and CB to push up. Its not unusual for Zirkzee to be receiving passes from the back line and neither is it unusual for one of the CB's to be in the final third.
I know what you mean about competition tho, he has had a fantastic season and he may want to go somewhere he is a guaranteed starter. I think he would get a lot of game time for us but he probably wouldn't be the first team starter when everyone is fit which he will probably want to be and probably deserves to be judging on this season.
That's the thing really, there have been quite a few reports that Motta has already agreed to go to Juve this summer and that they have already started talks for Calafiori who is one of their primary targets along with koopmeiners. I know Juve need to sell to make money but even so I can see Calafiori wanting to go to Juve especially if Motta is their. Motta will 100% make him an important part of that team.