Michael Carrick keeps a close eye on the 1-4-2-3-1 shape, but cause of fluid transitions from defence to attack Middlesbrough evolve into a narrow 1-4-4-2 or wider 1-3-5-2 shape in the opponent’s half. Forced to play deeper they also employ a 1-4-4-1-1 set-up that is evident in the first phase of play.
Developing the attack Carrick’s team seeks width by moving the left defender up high (Giles) while the right one (Smith) moves down towards the centre to form a back three. The formation thus switches briefly to a 3-2-5, but only until full width is achieved and the rivals’ formation is stretched to its maximum. The asymmetrical movement of the right defenders to create a back three is a repetitive pattern that is difficult to press, as the team does not shy away from sending long direct balls towards the rotated forwards, so the rival not knowing which variant of play Boro will adopt is unable to counter with effective high pressing.
Once the first line of pressure is forced through they usually choose one of two attacking options: entrances into the penalty from both wings (Forss, McGree) into the open channels between the defenders or a fast transfer to the centre. In the latter variant the team gains two further options for penetrating the offensive third: if the rival does not react quickly enough to the change of attacking direction, they play through the centre to the strikers (Akpom, Archer) who rotate strongly in their positions and if the rival closes and overloads the centre they return to the wings, which are open thanks to this, into which the wing-backs descend from the deep.
In defence Carrick’s team is more predictable. Apart from their first attempts of high active pressing they try to play in a medium block by compacting the middle third and limiting to aggressive pressing attempts at every opportunity. In deeper defence they look for an overloading by moving the central midfielders towards the ball on whose perform they depend to receive the ball effectively.
