Best Soccer Formations: The Philosophy, History, Pros and Cons Behind the Numbers
Take a look at the best soccer formations that are synonymous with the sport and have marked entire eras.
Leading 4:0 at half-time in a Champions League knockout round game is a feat. To do it against a team that is boasting one of the best players in the world, is tremendous. Yet, Pep Guardiola was still not satisfied with a 5:0 victory over Sporting.
The Manchester City manager issued high praise for the Portuguese side, and especially singled out Matheus Nunes, saying he's one of the best footballers in the world.
"Sporting are a fantastic team, they are the champions of Portugal, which have a very strong league, with Porto and Benfica, they change the ball well, they have fast and intelligent players. I would say that Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today. Despite the difficulties and some mistakes, I have to be very satisfied because we took a big step towards the next round," stated Guardiola.
Big words for the 23-year-old Nunes who plays as a central midfielder and has 86 caps for Sporting, scoring six goals and making eight assists. Nunes is on a long-term contract until 2026, yet Pep's words can be viewed as an early luring call for the Portugal international. His market value is currently at €22,000,000 but that number will sky rocket after the praise by the world’s best manager.
Practically already through to the next stage, Pep did reiterate Sporting is far better than the result shows.
"We saw in the first five minutes how good Sporting are and the difference between both teams, believe me, isn’t 5-0. Up front we were so clinical, we defend well and they attack with a lot of players in front of the ball and we punished them on the counter-attack."
Yet Pep was unsatisfied with some his own players despite the rout.
"Some Manchester City players were underwhelming. We are very happy because I know the team we faced, but we can do better."
