Cruyff Diamond 3-4-3

[Lukeeggy]

Hi All,

I worked all night last night replicating the cruyff diamond, I am just 50/50 with one team instruction RETAIN POSSESSION

I have gone with a 3-5-1-1, when in play resembles the following


GK
CB CB CB

DLP

CAR CAR

AM

IW F9 IW


I think I am nearly there with the instructions

Play out from the back
Play through the middle
Short passing
Normal Width
More expressive
Work Ball into Box
Normal tempo

More Urgent pressing
Counter press
Counter
Prevent GK Distribution
Higher line, High Engagement
Tight Marking


I have averaged 60% plus possession in my first few games, noticed a few long range shots, and wingers were staying too wide, so added work ball into box and changed to Inverted Wingers. Next game was much better, averaged 70% possession

I feel how I am setup, is already enough to maintain a possession based game. Would adding "retain possession" just make me keep the ball for the sake of it, and not have the odd risky ball to split a defence like City etc in real life.

Considering using it for games where I am a huge underdog though, were I won't be dominating possession as much as usual?

 

[kotovsyndrome]

Retain possession is probably redundant there but the only way to find out is to experiment. Play a few games with it and a few without against roughly equal opposition and with roughly the same lineup (i.e. controlling other variables).