Dino Toppmöller‘s tactics are evolving
Dino Toppmöller is taking the next step in his tactical development. The coach, who is known for his tactical flexibility, might go into the upcoming season with a completely new setup.
The formations and tactics Toppmöller used in his first two friendlies looked new and unfamiliar. The signing of Ritsu Doan, which could be completed very soon, is another hint at a tactical change.
The setup
The most remarkable aspect of Toppmöller’s new setup was the back four, which was used against both FSV Frankfurt and Aston Villa. In the first friendly against FSV, Toppmöller used a 4-4-2 formation, against Villa he switched to a 4-2-3-1. This is not something completely new – Toppmöller did use a back four now and then last season. However, the 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formations were the predominant ones.
Although we only played two friendlies so far, I’m quite confident that we’ll see the back four more frequently this season. The upcoming arrival of Ritsu Doan is another indicator towards that switch. The Japanese likes to play in a more classical right wing role, where he can receive the ball out wide, then cut inside to shoot or cross – like he always did at SC Freiburg. Even though I’m sure Doan is capable of playing in a variety of roles and tactical setups, I believe he’s best when playing on the right wing in a 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2 or even a 4-3-3 formation. Kristensen could be a great partner for the Japanese, supporting him with overlapping runs. A similar pattern could be seen on the left side, as Nene Brown and Niels Nkounkou also like to drive forward from their left back position. They could help Jean Matteo Bahoya and Can Uzun (also with overlapping runs), who both like to cut inside from the left. Uzun being used as a left winger could be another interesting change for this season – the Turkish international has looked very promising in his new role so far.
To cover for the attacking wing backs and support the center backs in build-up, one of the defensive midfielders (Larsson and Hojlund) occasionally dropped deep into the defensive line, forming a back three.
Another pattern, we‘ve already seen a lot over the past two seasons, is Hugo Larsson dropping into the right back position during build-up, enabling the actual right back to push higher up the pitch.
The effects
So, what do those changes mean for our game? The main difference I’m expecting to see, compared to last season, is a more controlled approach. This mostly has to do with the departures of both Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike, who were world class in quick attacking transitions last season. With most of our counterattacking strength gone, Toppmöller might opt for a more possession-based system this season. Some players, who didn’t quite meet the expectations last season, like Hojlund, Chaibi or Uzun could profit from this style of play.
In the match against Aston Villa, Eintracht were in possession 57% of the time. This was not only due to their strategy in possession, but even more so to their intensity out of possession. Toppmöller’s team pressed relentlessly, with a very high defensive line. They constantly disrupted Villa‘s rhythm, forcing many turnovers.
Robin Koch winning the ball just a few meters away from the opponent’s box to assist Wahi‘s goal was the perfect example of this aggressive approach.
After all, I must say that this analysis is based mainly on just two friendlies. Considering the departures of our two top strikers and the signing of Ritsu Doan, though, the switch in strategy and formation looks like the most reasonable move – and it would definitely make sense.
