THE TRIO OF DREAMS
Mohun Bagan have by now sorted out their attacking lineup for the upcoming season. With Armando Sadiku getting a spot at FC Goa, Greg Stewart getting announced yesterday, Maclaren scheduled to be announced on Mohun Bagan Day (which also happens to be his birthday too), and Cummings and Petratos being retained, it will be an elite combination along with the blistering wing based Liston and Manvir and the Centrally effective Thapa.
This article focuses on the particular trio of Jamie, Dimi and Greg Stewart, how their inter-linking can help the Mariners to challenge some of the best teams in Asia as well as continue the Domestic Dominance.
1. Attacking Threats:
Defenders must contend not only with Maclaren's goal-scoring threat but also with the creativity and playmaking skills of Petratos and Stewart. Petratos as a Second Striker and Stewart as an Attacking Midfielder can interchange positions fluidly during the game. This interchangeability can confuse the opposition defenders, making it difficult for them to mark specific players.
2. Creativity and Chance Creation:
Both players are known for their ability to create chances. Petratos excels in linking up play between midfield and attack, while Stewart can operate effectively in the midfield, providing key passes and through balls. Their vision, passing ability, and positional awareness allow them to find spaces to exploit and deliver key passes to Maclaren or other teammates. This trio's understanding of each other's movements can lead to intricate build-up play and increased chances on goal.
3. Goalscoring Threats:
Jamie Maclaren's role as a proper No 9 adds a direct goal-scoring threat. His finishing ability, aerial prowess, physicality, and speed make him a complete striker capable of converting chances from various positions. Petratos and Stewart's ability to supply him with quality service enhances Maclaren's effectiveness in the penalty area.
4. Adaptability and Tactical Adjustments:
Their ability to play multiple positions allows the team to adapt formations based on the opposition. They can switch between a 3-5-2 / 4-4-2 with Petratos as a second striker or a 4-2-3-1 with Stewart in the attacking midfield role, giving the team tactical flexibility, they can easily switch roles during the game. This fluidity makes it harder for opponents to predict and defend against their movements.
5. Defensive Press and Transition:
Beyond their attacking contributions, Petratos, Stewart, and Maclaren can contribute defensively through pressing and disrupting opponents' build-up play. Their work rate and tactical awareness allow them to press high up the pitch, forcing turnovers and quickly transitioning into counter-attacks.
6. Set Piece Proficiency:
Maclaren's aerial ability combined with Petratos and Stewart's technical skills make them valuable assets during set pieces. They can pose a threat from free kicks, corners, or even scoring directly from set pieces, their diverse skill sets provide additional dimensions to the team's offensive strategy.
Author : Abir Chowdhury
