Overlapping centre backs

[Khazard]

Hi,

So Chris Wilders Sheffield United have been getting a lot of plaudits for the use of overlapping centre backs while using a 3 man backline.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jack O'Connell fill these roles brilliantly, only one centre back will overlap leaving a 2 man backline that will shift to the centre to cover for the missing CB.

Also sometimes the wingback on the side of the overlapping defender will roam back to the CB position and cover for him until he gets back.

Overlapping Centre backs will make runs out wide or in the half spaces while overlapping the fullback/wingback, Jack O'Connell can often be seen moving up the pitch playing one-twos whilst the team is in possession positioning  himself on the fly as a fullback, wide midfielder or even a winger putting crosses into the box.

Would it be possible to implement this as a new role or tactical/personal instruction for 3 man defenses in the future or will this be to complicated?

This makes 3 man defenses a lot more versatile on the attack but also creates the weakness that the player needs to sprint back to their position when possession is lost making the back line temporarily weaker to counter attacks.

[tiago_wakabayashi]

Sorry @Khazard, you any video talking about it?

[Neil Brock]

We appreciate  the suggestion and it's something we'll consider.

Reviewed so locked.