Inter Miami Vs New York City FC: 3 things we learned – Miami crashes out

1. Diego Alonso must stick to a formation

So far into his Inter Miami career, Diego Alonso has proved to be pragmatic. It is no surprise that the Uruguayan, well, plays a very Uruguayan style of soccer: direct, defensive, and sometimes rather depressing.

In the MLS is Back Tournament, Alonso used two formations: 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1. When he was at Monterrey and Pachuca, he switched between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1. In all of these systems, however, the overarching style remains similar: defend fiercely and compactly and counter-attack ferociously.

At Inter Miami, however, it is clear that Alonso’s constant shift between a back three and a flat back four is a personnel issue. Miami, besides Rodolfo Pizarro, lack the dynamic midfielders to play a 4-3-3. Instead, they have is a bevy of wide men. It’s clear that the wingbacks that Diego Alonso’s has on this roster aren’t necessarily the greatest at defending, but a good number of them can attack quite well – the modern-day full-back, essentially. To squeeze such players into the team, Alonso has adapted his formation.

In the future, it is perhaps in Miami’s best interest to continue to use variations of the 3-4-3, keeping Pizarro high up the pitch where he does his best work. Bringing in an eight who can dictate tempo, retain possession, and put in tackles will be crucial in a formation like that.

Sticking with a 3-4-3 will also give players the time to adapt to a set system where they know their roles and can comfortably grow into the team, and yes, eventually win some games. It is time for Alonso to implement his system.