Premier League transfers: The tactical gaps and where the big clubs need to fix to compete at the top

Alex Keble looks at the tactical gaps the big Premier League sides need lớn fix whenever the next transfer window opens- According lớn the football tip page!

It has been a difficult year for the ‘big six’.

Liverpool aside, none of the Premier League’s wealthiest clubs have enjoyed a successful season by their recent standards, with big tactical holes appearing throughout the 2019/20 campaign.

The league’s hiatus might be a beneficial time for the likes of Mikel Arteta, Jose Mourinho, and Pep Guardiola to brainstorm some creative solutions lớn the issues plaguing them in recent months, although they will also have one eye on the next transfer window.

It looks set to be a busy one for all six clubs. Here, we take a look at the most prominent tactical flaws of the Premier League ‘big six’ and suggest the transfer targets that could fix them. You can refer lớn the soccer tips every day page!

Man Utd

• Right wing upgrade, goalscorer, & combative central midfielder

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s lack of tactical acumen might not be a problem for much longer. His ability to win ‘big six’ matches with a cautious low block and quick counter-attacks means all Man United need lớn learn is how to beat the mid-table clubs, and Bruno Fernandes’s immediate impact at Old Trafford suggests Ed Woodward can buy this success without a complex strategy coming from the manager.

If United use their financial power lớn build their own 'Galacticos' outfit, then Solskjaer’s side can flat-track bully the majority of the Premier League, not unlike Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

With that in mind, if the Red Devils can sign Jadon Sancho, Saul Niguez, and Lautaro Martinez they will have a genuine chance of lifting the title.

Solskjaer has a well-organised defence. Plonking these world-class stars into the starting 11 should give United the individual strength required lớn overcome a lack of tactical sophistication in the collective.

Arsenal

• An inverted right-back & consistent centre-back

The most complex position in Mikel Arteta’s 2-3-5 on-the-ball shape is right-back.

Although nominally a 4-2-3-1, when Arsenal have possession the right-back is instructed lớn drift into central midfield while the left-back becomes a winger and the left winger darts diagonally infield to join the striker; it is a swarming hybrid system that already looks very well drilled.

But the new manager needs better players for his sophisticated tactics lớn lead to more positive results.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has performed OK, although Arsenal could do with a more athletic and technically gifted player lớn slot into midfield. Ricardo Pereira of Leicester, for example, would raise their game.

They also need at least one new centre-back, preferably someone with the pace to make recovery tackles when Arteta’s high line is beaten - and with the leadership and consistency lớn pull the back four into shape. Dayot Upamecano or Samuel Umtiti would be ideal.