Wesley Sneijder Opinion Poll

By: Corey | June 23rd, 2009

With the signings of Kaka and Ronaldo, the retention of Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart and Royston Drenthe so far, and the possible return of Ruben de la Red to the first team, where does that leave Wesley Sneijder? It can rightfully be argued that Royston Drenthe does not offer much competition for Sneijder, and that Ronaldo and Robben are fundamentally different players then Sneijder so they are not in competition either. But with Manuel Pellegrini preferring a double pivot with a winger and a creator as his flank men, is there space in the team for Sneijder given all of the options Pellegrini has to choose from? Lets do some formation speculating shall we….

Pellegrini uses a typical 4-4-2, but he positions his wide players differently depending on the opponent. He also likes to tinker with the positioning of the secondary striker, and sometimes slots a playmaker into the hole if the situation calls for it. Although not very likely, a 4-4-1-1 is also used. My recommendation is to use a 4-3-2-1, so lets compare said formations and see where Sneidjer could possibly fit in:
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4-4-2 Traditional Wingers

———-Hunter/Ruud—Higuain/Raul———- (Negredo)
Robben—–Gago/DLR—-Lass/Diarra—-Ronaldo

With such a lineup, the creative play comes from the wings. The point is to stretch the opposition so that there is more room across the pitch to operate. The problem is that unless its DLR at one of the center midfield positions, there is no one to adequately control the space afforded to Real if the width is provided. Sneijder may be an option in the highlighted spot where Gago/DLR currently occupy. His vertical ball movement and long range shooting abilities make him a threat from a central location going forward, but he provides far little coverage on the defensive end of things. And with two very wide players on the flanks, the center is left exposed.
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4-4-2 With Winger/Playmaker Combo

—————-Hunter/Ruud——————— (Negredo)
————————Higuain/Raul————-
Kaka/VDV—–DLR/Guti—-Lass/Diarra—-Ronaldo/Robben

Again, a solid center pairing with any of the four players working together to defend primarily, but also distribute intelligently. The width provided by Ronaldo or Robben will stretch a team wide right, and with the overlapping of Sergio Ramos, defensive efforts must be focused on this flank. Therefore a playmaker who is playing off-center of sorts such as Kaka or VDV will still have space to work without crowding the pitch to much. A deeper lying Higuain or Raul will also aid in any defensive efforts through the middle and if a tag team of Diarras or Gago is used, they will be the main distributor of the ball from the hole. Sneijder can essentially play on either the left in the off center role, or next to the DM such as Guti or DLR.
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The 4-4-1-1 With A Playmaker In The Hole

————–Negredo/Hunter/Ruud/Higuain————– (Raul)
———————-Kaka/VDV————————
Robben/DLR—–Gago/Parejo—Lass/Diarra—-Ronaldo/Guti

This one can go either way. Although the playmaker is not restricted to Kaka and VDV, it really should be. Sneijder can fit into the spot primarily because of his vertical ball movement. He could also be used which ever side does not have the winger in place of DLR or Guti. The weakened center with Gago or Parejo as the water carrier (although DLR again can slot right in there) allows for less width, but will this prove to be to much congestion? One winger, preferably on the left, would keep things spaced properly, and the playmaker would be tasked with drifting right form time to time. The problem I see for Sneijder here is how he can justify himself as being better then any of the players out there. Surely Kaka, Guti and DLR on a good day are better then Sneijder.
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The 4-3-2-1 Collapsable Width

————–Negredo/Hunter/Ruud/Higuain————– (Raul)
Robben/Kaka————————————Ronaldo/VDV
———-Guti/Gago—Lass/Diarra—DLR/Parejo————

This to me presents not only the best opportunity for Sneijder to get in to the team on a regular basis, but an easy way to fit in all of our talent in midfield without upsetting the positional balance. One or two Diarra’s can play depending on Gago, while DLR or Parejo can really be though of as the center midfielder who runs the length of the field doing attacking and defending. Guti can be the ball distributor if picked ahead of a double Diarra/1 Diarra-Gago combo. Width is readily available although playmakers like Kaka and VDV can be used. The problem here is using one striker when we have five good ones. Sneijder can slot in to highlighted position where he offers like Guti, vertical ball movement with the support of two players behind him. Probably the best way for him to thrive as such a formation is used by the Dutch national team, where he does his best work.
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Considering the talent we now have in several positions, it seems likely Wesley will either be on the bench or sold this summer. Of course that is if De la Red is healthy enough to play, Guti can stay consistent throughout the year, Parejo is not loaned out, and Gago or Mahamdou Diarra is not sold. And of course Van der Vaart remains a huge question mark. Sneijder of course is seen by the fans as a very committed player, and thy admire his passion for the shirt. Sneijder himself has spoken of his delight at playing for Real and wants to stay to see out his contract.

So my question to you is whether or not Wesley Sneijder has a place in the team any more? He is entering his third season, which makes him some what of a veteran considering the squad turnover we are use to, but if he is not to play much, should he be sold? Let me know in this weeks poll:

Is Welsey Sneijder Still Needed By Real Madrid?(survey software)