Let’s assume we use Steve Bruce’s preferred 4-3-3.
In this scenario, Mile Jedinak most certainly anchors the midfield. The Aussie is the metronome that freely allows the latter two to attack and create incessantly…
Conor Hourihane is one of the first individuals in the team sheet week in and week out. Finding a proper position for the Ireland international is a must. Is it as a number eight? Is he a deep-lying playmaker? Is he possibly Villa’s best choice out at left wing? All valid questions.
The farthest forward central midfielder, Henri Lansbury, operates as a forward destroyer. The way Lansbury is deployed under Bruce is very similar to how Jurgen Klinsmann utilized Michael Bradley. An athletic, box-to-box midfielder deployed high on the pitch to cause havoc and cycle the ball out quickly.