Martinez: I prefer to not play with two strikers
Everton Manager Roberto Martinez says that he prefers to not play with two strikers and says that using that tactic can often leave a side wide open.
The Catalan does say that he will use two strikers in the right match though and against the right opposition, if the strikers are in form and he believes it can help his Everton side win the match.
“Some games need that sort of platform to play around a player like Arouna, who can hold up the ball and so we’ve played him and Rom in a front three and a front two,” Martinez said.
“The flexibility of the players allows you to do that.
“But it depends on the opposition and the moment of form of the players and fitting them into a system because of the moment of form they are in.
“It is great to have Arouna fully fit now because we’ve not seen him make those right decisions or that final pass because he has been out for so long.
“Now, he is medically fully fit and he has been really strong for a few months.
“I do look forward to seeing him fully match fit because his understanding with Rom is quite natural and that makes football very enjoyable for both players.”
“The modern game has gone into a different trend,” he said.
“Two strikers can leave you a bit exposed at times but when we used it was in moments we could allow that to happen.
“I thought they (Lukaku and Kone) were magnificent against Newcastle and that was the best moment they had together.
“In the first-half at Queens Park Rangers they had a real impact and the more playing time they get together we will get the benefit.
“But in the modern game, it is true, you need to be careful.
“It is something you need to use at the right time because it can leave you exposed in other areas of the pitch.”
Martinez added: “If you have got two strikers you are going to be a bit more open in other areas in the pitch.
“The way the game has gone now, teams know how to use the ball well. It is a trend in the game and those trends change from season to season. We have seen more teams playing with two strikers this season.”
Do you prefer Everton to play with 2 strikers?
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I prefer a two up front one to hold the ball and to stick the ball in the net aswell, If Kone ever gets 100% fit and can hold it, and feed Lukaku, who can score all well and good, but if you don’t play em you’ll never know Roberto! Graham Sharp for me was a master and held the ball up really well, feeding it in for Liniker Heath, Gray,ect, as well as scoring himself! I like 4-4-2 or a diamond with one just behind the other! COYB