In an MLS Cup final the margins for error are smaller, the expression is cagier and the tempo is higher. The battle for who lifts the cup is one of matchups, or groupings of players, pinned against each other.
Although a side’s cohesion and connective tissue is important to consistent success, the ability to concentrate on matchups in situations of heightened intensity separates such sides.
As Columbus and Portland have displayed their ability to win matchups throughout Major League Soccer’s regular season and playoffs, the most recent representation of each team has created the potential for some interesting matchups in the final. The most interesting, as Portland has seemed to have found a home in the 4-3-3 formation, is the battle of the six central midfielders who will be pitted against each other in Sunday’s MLS Cup.
Collective player maximums for Columbus Crew midfield trio
As Columbus has deployed the same formation essentially all season, they have had more time to collectively learn the nuances of the shape.
The starting, ‘on paper’ formation is a 4-2-3-1, with Wil Trapp and Tony Tchani pairing in front of the defense as Federico Higuain occupies the tip of the triangle, in between the two wide midfielders. As the game changes the shape shifts depending on ball possession, game state and personnel.
When defending against possession the 4-2-3-1 remains compact and true to shape. When Columbus wins the ball, Tchani tends to occupy more advanced spaces, Trapp shifts to a more central position halfway between each sideline, and Higuain spatially accommodates Tchani.
The three members of the triangle occupy the traditional roles in a tree-man midfield: Trapp as the holding No. 6, Tchani as the box-to-box No. 8, and Higuain as the attacking No. 10.
As the No. 6 defensive midfielder, Trapp is mainly responsible for ball maintenance and distribution, tackles and interceptions, and structural balance. He is the cornerstone of Columbus’ offence, which is predicated on possession and central dominance.
A box-to-box midfielder is another name for “you’re fairly good at everything, we trust you and you have a motor like a diesel engine,” and Toni Tchani embodies this all. As the best all around midfielder in the MLS Cup, Tchani contributes in every phase of play for Columbus.
When Higuain shows up and puts in the necessary effort, he is the connective tissue of Columbus Crew. As a more distributive hub of a No. 10, he is one of the best in MLS at switching the points of attack in the final third of the pitch, allowing for Columbus’ wingers the luxury of isolated defenders and space from which to create.
Collective player maximums for Portland Timbers midfield trio
Portland’s midfield has struck a successful, working harmony and it’s down to players accepting and flourishing in new roles.
As formations and positions have changed throughout the season, the Timbers have landed comfortably with a 4-3-3 shape (let’s hope they play that in the final for this article’s sake). The balance is struck between Diego Chara and Diego Valeri remaining disciplined in their distances, as Darlington Nagbe has licence to float and work where he needs to be. When you have a player such as Nagbe at your disposal it is best to let him affect the game as he sees fit.
Although Chara and Valeri are two of the most underrated midfielders, in their respective positions, in the league, the key is Nagbe’s expression. With the freedom to roam horizontally in order to pick up the ball, and the determination to outwork and eclipse the technique the opposing team’s best midfielder, Nagbe is maturing in front of our eyes.
Within their midfield three, two of the roles are traditionally defined as Chara sits in the hole as a No. 6 and Valeri plays under the striker as an attacking No 10. Nagbe fulfills the third midfield role, but it less rigidly defined, as coach Caleb Porter has openly admitted.
As a lone No. 6, with not a lot of consistent defensive help from the other two central midfielders, Chara is tasked with defensively controlling a lot of ground. His combination of tackles, interceptions and timing of when to chase defensively has been consistently superb in his new role.
As a floating midfielder without rigid positional responsibility, the onus to produce performances worthy of such a role is great—Nagbe deserves this role. His natural tendency to tuck inside a formation and demand the ball to his feet allows him to contribute in possession maintenance, but his speed and technical ability encourage him to get into dangerous spaces around the opponent’s box. The combination has worked in a free role.
Similarly to Higuain’s presence in Columbus’ structure, Valeri is not a goal scoring No. 10, but a provider and a chance creator. Although he enjoys finding space just shy of the 18-yard box, he’s at his best beyond the striker and usually skewed to one sideline, to provide a key pass to an advanced teammate.
The matchup of midfield trios in evident, but there are intriguing individuals battles within the groups as well.
For Portland: Can Nagbe physically cope with Tchani and be as effective defensively as he was against FC Dallas and Mauro Diaz? Will Chara be able to continually be correct in his defensive timing to handle Higuain’s ability in half-spaces, Columbus’ wing presence and Tchani’s willingness to bomb forward.
For Columbus: Seemingly simple but, can they figure out Nagbe? Will the distribution of Trapp and Tchani be effective enough against a robust, work-heavy, Portland midfield?
Radar quantities per game. Maximum quantities per category based on individual, league maximum.
Terms key:
KeyP = Key Pass
Through P = Through Pass
Long P = Long Pass
SuccDrib = Successful Dribble
SoT = Shots on Target
G+A = Goals + Assists
T+I = Tackles + Interceptions
Quantities courtesy of WhoScored.
Radar template courtesy of Kyle Boddy.
Coleman Larned is soccer analytics writer based in Antwerp, Belgium. Follow him on Twitter