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The Ramos Blueprint!!

'All war is based on deception'..... so said the great philosopher Tsun Tsue in his classic work 'The Art Of War'..... no coach in the Prem lives by this article of faith more so than Senor Juande Ramos - The Emperor of Sevilla.....

The last few weeks/months have been full of speculation

1) On the great players we will be bringing in to play alongside Keane and Berbatov.... or if Berbatov leaves: What great striker will be brought in to replace Him?

2) Will Dos Santos play left wing or right ??.... Are we keeping Lennon ??....

3) How will Modric be fitted into our 'great 4-4-2' formation....

Don't worry.... you were meant to think these thoughts.... Along with all the tabloid Media 'experts' and armchair-athlete's that have got an opinion to broadcast....

Firstly.... let me say that Ramos is fully aware of the real deficiencies in our teamplay... and also how to correct them and it may well surprise a few people.

There's another saying..... 'don't judge a man by his words, but by his actions'.... So what has Ramos been doing recently...

1)Berbatov is said to be wanted by all at the club.... but always with the dubious wordings ' at the moment'..... ' nobody has met our price yet'... et al..

Now imagine the same wording hypothetically used for someone Spurs REALLY want to keep... e.g.. Gareth Bale..... the club would just put out a simple, blunt categorical NO.... 'NOT FOR SALE'.... 'NOT FOR SALE AT ANY PRICE'..... do you see what it is yet ??.....

2) 4-4-2....... the great illusion of the Luddites..... nobody, that's NOBODY of note plays this out-dated system anymore... Too rigid, too defensive, over-reliant on crosses into the box etc etc.... not Man United... not Arsenal, Chelsea, Barca, Brazil, Argentina, etc etc....

Come August 16th, we will play with 1 central striker with technique, pace, shooting power.... in a 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 ..... Remember! Actions, not words.... what type of striker has Ramos been linked with in Farfan, Anelka, Cisse, Eto'o and even Cardozo.... strikers of pace, shooting power and technique...

Players like Dos Santos, Modric, maybe Bentley or Capel will be brought in to compliment Lennon, Jenas, Malbranque and Keane ... to play as attacking 'midfielders'.... with a deep holding midfielder behind..... the holding player will need to be experienced and competent hence the attempts for Albelda especially... Zokora will be reserve.....

This will allow for players like JJ and Modric especially, not to be tied-down in central midfield and wasting their all-round abilities... perm any 4 attacking 'middies' from JJ, Modric, Keane, Santos, Lennon Bentley/Capel (we will only get 1 of these 2) and Malbranque.... and we will be cooking..

4-1-4-1 will also allow both fullbacks in Bale and Hutton licence to go forward.

If we need 2 holding-midfielders we drop Modric or JJ to DM too.... the system allows for players of high intelligence, technique and mobility to flourish.. we will use these players to play 'between the lines'... between midfield and striker and also the channels between fullback and centre-half.... THAT'S where The Blueprint will come into its own....

Most importantly... it will cure our most glaring weakness from the last season or 2...... our huge inability to counter-attack with pace... in order to either score a goal that extends leads, or.... nearly as importantly.... to stretch the game back into the opponents half after we have scored the 1st goal, so that we are not under constant unremitting bombardment until we concede.... we can now relieve the pressure through pace in central attack.

Also, One player that may yet figure in the Blueprint is Kanoute......

One thing is certain though...... 4-4-2 under Ramos is dead!!!

Something vital to say about football on the Box?

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Writer: Gianni Blaze

Date:Wednesday June 18 2008

Time: 8:55PM

Your Comments

Nice article Gianni...

The Tailor

Nice article Gianni...

The Tailor

Great article!

BrooksySpurs

Great article!

BrooksySpurs

some terrific points here - let's hope Ramos' blueprint includes at least two of those players you mention. BTW, it sounds like Bentley is a shoe-ing.

waking_giant

some terrific points here - let's hope Ramos' blueprint includes at least two of those players you mention. BTW, it sounds like Bentley is a shoe-ing.

waking_giant

How about this team then; --------------------------------Boruc---------------------------------------Hutton----------King/Cuellar--------Woodgate-------------------Bale--------------------------------Albelda------------------------------------------------------Modric-------------------Jenas-----------------------------AL/GDS/Keane---------------------------------AL/GDS/Keane----------------------------------------Huntelaar----------------------------------

BrooksySpurs

spolied for choices as what formation we can play

123spurs

spolied for choices as what formation we can play

123spurs

Farfan??? Anelka??? Who are you really SIR GB? Good articulate piece but boored the pants of me.

cockeril

Farfan??? Anelka??? Who are you really SIR GB? Good articulate piece but boored the pants of me.

cockeril

i will laugh if we line up 4-4-2 in the first game of the season

WhiteHartYido

i will laugh if we line up 4-4-2 in the first game of the season

WhiteHartYido

"Most importantly... it will cure our most glaring weakness from the last season or 2...... our huge inability to counter-attack with pace.." Give it a rest! It was not a problem at all. Scoring goals was not a problem look at the stats it was conceding a s h i t load that was, did you watch Spurs at all?

cockeril

how the **** do you know what he's gonna do ?bit of a mystic meg article passed off as facts and incidentally I'm pretty sure Ramos's preferred formation at seville was 442

parklanebert

how the **** do you know what he's gonna do ?bit of a mystic meg article passed off as facts and incidentally I'm pretty sure Ramos's preferred formation at seville was 442

parklanebert

=================Akinfeev======================== ==Hutton=====Diaz/King==========Woody=========Bale== ==========Senna====================Modric========= ========Bentley========================GDS======= ============Keane==========Podolski=============== Not Great, and i'm not quite sure ma self but ive had a go eyy

BaleOut

damn baleout half your starting xl are new players

attwooll9

damn baleout half your starting xl are new players

attwooll9

The thing that you seem to have missed about Ramos is the fluidity of his systems. The formation during games changes several times, admittedly this is sometimes as simple as the wingers dropping back to make a 6 man defence when under pressure,but there are switches in the formations happening right through the game. You cannot say that Ramos plays a 442 or a 433 or a 721 because he plays all these and many many more. Whatever players Ramos brings in will be able to adapt as needed, and will have all the technical abilities required of the general position that player will occupy. And most of them will be quick.

JonnoRock

Well written Gianni, I hope your home work is up to the same standard. Total over complication and since when did Jenas have "all round abilities"? Left and right wingers who can cross, central midfielders who can pass forwards and tackle and a GK who can catch. 4-4-2, job done.

Scottspur

Interesting article, even if JR played 442 at sevilla, I think it's becoming clear that 442 teams are not doing so well against attack oriented midfields. Our major problem now is that in order to play such fancy formations we MUST get a good, solid, reliable defensive midfielder. Otherwise we'll have to stay 442. I'm sure they must have someone in mind, maybe we're waiting for the euros to finish?

shelf16

Scottspur

Just watched Russia beat Sweden and Arshavin was awesome. He was allegedly on our radar in the past, and would be a hell of a player in the PL.

Frank

Just watched Russia beat Sweden and Arshavin was awesome. He was allegedly on our radar in the past, and would be a hell of a player in the PL.

Frank

Some interesting points raised about the benefits of a more flexible formation, but I don't agree that we had trouble counter-attacking last season, or that it was a hinderance of any kind. We conceded too many goals, because of our poor defending as a team (not only the defenders) and the lousy goalkeeping, as well as giving the ball away far too often in midfield. - As for The Emperor of Sevilla, I'm sure he lined up a 442 most of last season while there, so I'm not convinced any of the article is accurately predicting things to come. I would certainly agree that we will have a squad brimming with versatile players that will allow us/Ramos to consider changing things around a lot more next season. Modric and GDS are both good examples and can both play very comfortably on the left if needed, so again, not sure we need Capel noe. Bentley is yet another who can play in various positions to good effect. If he does sgn, we'll be flush with attacking options. I'm far more concerned about GK, DM and CB in that order though.

wayne king

Arshavin would be class frank but we can only have so many of that ilk surely.As for the formation i think JonnoRock was about right as in Ramos does like to change his formations around depending on the game,still usually will start off 442 though imo

parklanebert

Arshavin & pavul...... what ever his name was looked very useful when ever I have seen him play would make a great 3rd striker. And they both would be amazing for counter attacking and solve all our problems..CL is ours....LMAO!!

cockeril

I kno, didnt think it through properly attlwood9, i think i'll change it soon, but not jus yet.

BaleOut

I kno, didnt think it through properly attlwood9, i think i'll change it soon, but not jus yet.

BaleOut

Forget Capel - Zhirkov is the business! Playing brilliantly for Russia Strong, quick, excellent left foot and can tackle as well as attacking for fun God knows what he'd cost from CSKA Moscow, but cannot believe it'd be over £10 mil which is what we're being quoted for Capel. And I definitely agree with Boruc rather than Gomes So, here we go: Boruc Hutton King Woody Bale Bentley Modric Zhirkov Keane Podolski GDS Bring it on!!! COYS

KingGlenn

BTW, also like the thought of Senna as DM, but funds are not unlimited, sadly........... Maybe Tom H could be cover for both DM and CB??

KingGlenn

BTW, also like the thought of Senna as DM, but funds are not unlimited, sadly........... Maybe Tom H could be cover for both DM and CB??

KingGlenn

BaleOut, don't change it, I like it, even though I don't know who Akinfeev is.

Scottspur

BaleOut, don't change it, I like it, even though I don't know who Akinfeev is.

Scottspur

Did I imagine Juande Ramos or Gus Poyet saying a few months back that next season would see the 3-5-2 formation being used more often? In his time at Spurs, Ramos has shown himself adept at altering tactics and formations and switching around players, and next season may not be much different although the players available will be Ramos-approved. There has been no problem scoring goals in recent seasons. I wouldn't like to see Kanoute or Anelka in the Spurs' colours, whatever the formation.

Airwave

Airwave,you shouldn't of written that last sentence.

Scottspur

Airwave,you shouldn't of written that last sentence.

Scottspur

Sorry Airwave, I thought you wrote "I would like...". Silly me.

Scottspur

Sorry Airwave, I thought you wrote "I would like...". Silly me.

Scottspur

how do you know ramos master plan? give me a break, you are one of those arm chair athletes.

WHL10again

how do you know ramos master plan? give me a break, you are one of those arm chair athletes.

WHL10again

what! is king glenn the only one who remembers the ever improving hundredstone?

Dram

what! is king glenn the only one who remembers the ever improving hundredstone?

Dram

even still, only bit part, the small detail of the bite in his challenge and he would be world class, defensive midfielders are supposed to break(up opposition play) and spread(and spread the ball), you'll see him pre season, lighter and even more mobile

Dram

GREAT PIECE!

silent_but_ledley

GREAT PIECE!

silent_but_ledley

I thought Poyet had said 3-5-2 too but maybe it was a commentator.

heatheris1

I thought Poyet had said 3-5-2 too but maybe it was a commentator.

heatheris1

great article GB but Kanoute should not comes into the picture.he does not fit a lone striker category,for me nistelrooy suits best in that 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-2-1

golron

great article GB but Kanoute should not comes into the picture.he does not fit a lone striker category,for me nistelrooy suits best in that 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-2-1

golron

Kanoute can take a hike no chance is he coming back to the Lane. Anyway man, didn't we concede 60 odd goals in the league last season? Hmmmm that tells me we need a new GK, CB and DM.

Real Deal

Kanoute can take a hike no chance is he coming back to the Lane. Anyway man, didn't we concede 60 odd goals in the league last season? Hmmmm that tells me we need a new GK, CB and DM.

Real Deal

I thought it was a genuiningly good article with some good thoughts. IMO I do agree with the lack of counter attacking football but I also agree we conceeded to many goals through poor defending and at time goalkeeping. it doesn't have to be one or the other, both areas IMO were poor. Yes we scored a lot of goals but I am still not convinced with the Berby keane partnership to be strong enough to take us to the next level. IMO Keane is not impressive in big games he goes missing and Berby is very tempremental and it shows when we are losing, two points Ramos as to consider! I think ramos will definately get in a striker with pace unless he sees Bent as the option! Another area poor was lack of creativity in mifdfield and Ramos has cured that problem with his latest signings. I think we could see a different formation but I'm not sure Ramos will predominately play one system!

loz

Great philosophers of white hart lane would say its all about points - Greatness will be measured on results and 65 points plus, with decent cup runs.

deanokeano

Great philosophers of white hart lane would say its all about points - Greatness will be measured on results and 65 points plus, with decent cup runs.

deanokeano

Loz where do you think we would finish if we had the defensive record of Liverpool, UTD or Chavs. It is quite simple, lets concede less goals and if it`s not broken why fix it..we have one of the most prolific partnerships around. Did Carew and Abonglohar get more goals than our front two. Did Drogba & Kalou? Did Rooney & Tevez?

cockeril

GB another good article mate. I agree 100% with the 2 formations 4141/4231, it's the way forward, 442 will always be used too but as we've all said it's all about flexibility and adapting to the situation we find ourselves in within the game, not to mention the opposition and their tactics. It's clear to see the type of player that Ramos and co are bringing in, good technical players that fit with the philosophy of hard working and able to play in many different roles. The problem now is getting in the personnel that are intelligent enough to play in that system because i have my doubts that certain individuals in the current side do not have the intelligence, the ability nor the right attitude to succeed.

Dr Yid

Good read. However, I have to disagree that counter attacking was a huge inability of ours. Leaking cheap goals has to be Ramos main problem to solve.

Paxton53

Good read. However, I have to disagree that counter attacking was a huge inability of ours. Leaking cheap goals has to be Ramos main problem to solve.

Paxton53

Good well structured article but I have to agree with others that the problem we had last year was defending! Set pieces and from the midfield especially. Still as we know Ramos will address this. I also agree that I think you will see a variety of formations next season depending on who we are playing, you saw last season Ramos would change the formation 2 or 3 times in a game depending on what was needed. Once the players get to grips with this I can see us giving a few teams headaches next year.

North Upper

Defending was our main problem last season as was keeping possesion, which is rarely mentioned. but I have to disagree with anyone who claims we were fine on the counter, we dod score a lot of goals, but these were pretty much all slow build up play, we rarely hit hard and fast, opening teams up on the break, the players ramos has brought in so far do give an indication that he will look to move away from the 442 as I have written for some time and have actually been pushing the team to do for the last 18 mths.

oxfordspur

Yes JonnoRock spot on about Ramos & how he plays a system within a system forever changing to suit the needs of the game. Absolutely nothing wrong with 4-4-2, it is so easy to change into any of the systems mentioned but you do need the right players to pull it off & that is where the main man Ramos comes onto his forte, people might begin to understand why Ramos was switching players around towards the end of last season & trying differing formations. The fog is begining to clear

Aussie'spur

Arshavin to compete with JJ for a CMF shirt. If you are concerned about counter attacking this is your man, he has an engine but guile as well. He would need a water carrier but we need to sign one anyway for Modric and GDS.

Frank

The game where we did play fantastic counter attacking football was when we destroyed the scum 5-1....

Real Deal

The game where we did play fantastic counter attacking football was when we destroyed the scum 5-1....

Real Deal

It is clear from last season that Ramos likes to change formation during games to keep the opposition guessing. Sadley last year I do not think we had players in MF that could change the way they play. Lennon, JJ, Hudd and Steed all play the same way regardless of formation. The one important thing with Modric and DS is that they are adaptable and I think any future signings will also have to be able to play in more then one position. As with most people on here though I do think we need a specialist holding MF'er

adeyido

Was watching the Russia game last night and was mightily impressed with the left back Zhirvov. Fairly strong in the challenge and looked to get forward with every opportunity. Think he would be a\ brilliant signing as, given a couple of years, I am sure he will be playing for a major club in one of the bigger leagues. David Pleat said that he was not convinced about him defensively but TBH, i think David Pleat knows sweet FA about football. Given JR's golden touch (Juande, not the guy from Dallas with the Ten-Gallon), I thnk he could be superb for Spurs. I know people will say we have got Bale, but Zhirkov would be excellent cover for GB 9or vic e versa) and, probably, available for a decent price.

Chris Hart

Sorry, typing like a retard this afternoon. Have a broken finger and it's like typing as a Ninja Turtle...

Chris Hart

Sorry, typing like a retard this afternoon. Have a broken finger and it's like typing as a Ninja Turtle...

Chris Hart

Read this, Juande Ramos talking about Luka Modric: http://www.guillembalague.com/blog_desp.php?id=38

Airwave

Read this, Juande Ramos talking about Luka Modric: http://www.guillembalague.com/blog_desp.php?id=38

Airwave

That was a very specualtive article. Some decent points, but you can not say for certain that 4-4-2 is dead under Ramos. Football formations do not involve people moving in perfect rows of 2, 3, 4 or 5. Football is a high-paced game in case you didn't know and people move around. Most of the formations you mention are all variants of each other and 4-4-2.

Adamyid

good points, for the formation, what about a 4-1-2-1-2 with Gio as an AM, modric more defensive and capel and lennon on the wings?

yiddo_4_life

good points, for the formation, what about a 4-1-2-1-2 with Gio as an AM, modric more defensive and capel and lennon on the wings?

yiddo_4_life

whatever the team, im sure he knows what he's doing

yiddo_4_life

whatever the team, im sure he knows what he's doing

yiddo_4_life

Yeah man totally agree with your points and great article - good to see someone talking sense instead of sprouting out tripe re-produced by the media. All we need is a solid defender and midfield general and depending on what happens wih Berba, a striker. with the addition of a few, like stated, 'intellegent' players - I also agree with Adamyid that 4-4-2 isnt dead - as different games call for different tactics. In Ramos we trust and im sure he'll make us all happy come Boro - got my ticket for the Roma match could be a good oppertunity to check it - Viva la revelusion...........

SUper Yido

Germany played a 4-4-2 system last night and were pretty decent

kernowboy71

Germany played a 4-4-2 system last night and were pretty decent

kernowboy71

KB, Germany have always bucked the trend in football, they played the 352 when everyone else played 442 and now everyone is moving away fron the tried and tested they begin to play it........

oxfordspur

KB, Germany have always bucked the trend in football, they played the 352 when everyone else played 442 and now everyone is moving away fron the tried and tested they begin to play it........

oxfordspur

KB71, where you been dude? Hate to say it mate but the Germans looked like that played in a 4141/433 formation, with Klose up front, Podolski on the left and Schweinsteiger on the right. Even ze Germans have changed from their traditional 442 so it's gotta be the way forward!

Dr Yid