da betobet： This article is part of Football FanCast’s In The Pipeline series, which takes a look at some of the most promising young talent either linked with clubs or emerging from their academies…
da cassino： Manuel Pellegrini has been encouraged to switch to a 4-4-2 at West Ham United, with Roshane Thomas of The Athletic using the second half against Newcastle United as evidence for why this should happen.
The Hammers were toothless in the first half but by Ciaran Clark’s own admission they were a rejuvenated force following Pellegrini’s decision to switch to 4-4-2.
While speaking to The Athletic, Clark said: “They changed their formation after the break so that caused us a lot more problems. We knew, coming out in the second half, that they would be up for it, so to get the third goal kind of disheartened them a little bit. But they caused us more problems in the second half and we found it more difficult, which shows because we conceded two goals.”
That the Newcastle centre-back has publicly acknowledged West Ham’s notable improvement with two strikers up front suggests there is something for the Chilean manager to consider moving forward.
As is often the case with tactical switches, there will be some players who consequently rise up the pecking order and others who fall down.
If Pellegrini is to change his system to accommodate two strikers, Anthony Scully could be one of the main beneficiaries.
Summer signing Albian Ajeti hasn’t been given much of a chance as of yet but if he’s put into the starting lineup, it could open the door for the youngster to make it onto the substitutes bench.
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If Scully earned promotion into the first-team squad, it would be a thoroughly deserved opportunity.
The Irishman, who was only converted to a striker at the beginning of this campaign, was awarded Premier League 2 Player of the Month for September, scoring eight goals in that month, as reported by the club’s official website.
He hasn’t lost any momentum since then, taking his overall total at PL2 level to 10 goals and 5 assists in 9 games, having not scored in any of his first three, getting at least one goal in each of his seven matches as a striker, per Transfermarkt.
The 20-year-old has also shown that he can play against senior opposition, having got a brace in the U21s’ 5-4 win against Newport County in the EFL Trophy.
Tony Carr sung his praises while on Love Sport Radio [21:17], stating: “He’s always had an eye for a goal and he’s always had that little bit extra that you need sometimes in and around the box and can score something different.”
Scully has been lethal this season, so should definitely be next in line if the encouraged tactical change does come into play.