[Albion] Did… did we just play with a Libero?!

[Greg Bobkin]

Weah precisely?

I’ll get me coat.

We're Ghana see it more often, aren't we?

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

What language is "libero" and what does it translate to in english?

 

[jcdenton08]

What language is "libero" and what does it translate to in english?

I believe it’s Italian and translates to “free” (lit. probably “liberated”), referring to the lack of man-marking responsibility required in the role. They are able to roam within their position (as shown when Baleba spotted an opportunity to press much further up the pitch).

 

[Barnet Seagull]

A libero I see as being more Beckebauer-esque than where Baleba played.

I thought it was more of a defensive half-back and it worked very well

 

[GingerBeerMan]

With Dunk as the libero? Yes, could well be an idea.

That would be my wet dream

 

[Guinness Boy]

Two centre backs splitting and Baleba playing as a sweeper/libero. The two fullbacks both inverted, and Baleba playing behind the defence.

Not seen since the Mätthaus/Hoddle days.

Fascinating to watch in 2023!

Yes we did. Called it after a few minutes.

 

[Swegulls]

Didn't Greece win the EC with a libero, back in the early 2000?

 

[kelvinnewman]

Interesting the switch of sides with Gross on the left and Hinsh on the right as well.

Doing having a libero relies on Igor being fit and playing I assume?

 

[kelvinnewman]

And also not sure if would work in the same way with Pervis back, which I know is a while away

 

[tedebear]

Libero?? Sounds like some sort of Lounge Suit Larry with his fur coat, gold chains sitting in his convertible Lincoln Continental with his arm on the window....

 

[Lifelong Supporter]

Interesting the switch of sides with Gross on the left and Hinch on the right as well.

Doing having a libero relies on Igor being fit and playing I assume?

Yes with Gross on the left Mitoma got a lot more of the ball which increased our threat.

 

[kelvinnewman]

Yes with Gross on the left Mitoma got a lot more of the ball which increased our threat.

Yeah Gross/Mitoma did seem to work more like the Pervis/Mitoma interplay around the box

 

[Mr Bridger]

Do do do, football with Libero,
Do do do football with Libero.

 

[smartferndale]

Yeah Gross/Mitoma did seem to work more like the Pervis/Mitoma interplay around the box

Libero is an African nation. The government are in negotiations to set up another refugee agreement.

 

[7dialssouthpaw]

it was beautiful to behold the tactical flexibility we showed yesterday. Underlapping full backs and Baleba as a counter-counter.
Ultimately, their pen only came about because JPVH slipped and fell onto their atttacker, fouling him in the process.

 

[Oh_aye]

Two centre backs splitting and Baleba playing as a sweeper/libero. The two fullbacks both inverted, and Baleba playing behind the defence.

Not seen since the Mätthaus/Hoddle days.

Fascinating to watch in 2023!

Yes. With Hinsh and Gross coming narrow forming a sort of box shape. Giving 5 or 6 passing angles when you include Gilmour.

Hes a right crafty bastard De Zerbi.

 

[Withdean11]

I couldn’t figure out the formation tonight. Gross starting at left back but spending most of the game on the edge of their box.

Baleba sitting so the CBs could split and Hinshelwood could roam. Then the next minute Baleba pressing their GK.

Wonderful stuff from RDZ, don’t think other managers, except Pep maybe would try something like this .

Formations are pretty much irrelevant with modern day tactics. Teams have a different shape in/out of possession.

 

[One Love]

Ultimately, their pen only came about because JPVH slipped and fell onto their atttacker, fouling him in the process.

Think you need to watch the highlights.

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

With Mrs DCH watching his documentary on Netflix, what better time to revisit an old joke

David Beckham was playing against George Weah and kept running up to him and going "shhh" before running away.

Eventually, one of David's team mates had to tell him "no, he's a Liberian".

 

[Guinness Boy]

it was beautiful to behold the tactical flexibility we showed yesterday. Underlapping full backs and Baleba as a counter-counter.
Ultimately, their pen only came about because JPVH slipped and fell onto their atttacker, fouling him in the process.

Agree with most of that. The BBC had Gross at right back in their formation and he was in the group of defenders in the Albion app team sheet. We noticed straight away he was very much NOT at right back. 'Gross is actually playing everywhere' said the bloke in front of us, correctly. So who was covering? There was Baleba. playing libero and doing it very well. A lot of space created by the underlapping but also defensive cover and an occasional quick break from Baleba's cover.

Where I disagree is the penalty. JPvH was put on skates by a body swerve before the penalty area. He slipped because the attacker beat him all ends up. Slightly lucky to stay on the pitch.