For the entirety of his MLS coaching career, Frank Yallop has been known as a strict adherent to a 4-4-2 system. His championship-winning teams in San Jose were founded on that system, and after myriad changes in the system under Steve Sampson, Yallop installed that scheme when he took over the Los Angeles Galaxy last season.
But the Galaxy in 2007 will have a significantly new look. Not only will there be a lot of new faces in the Green-and-Gold, but Yallop has also decided to put out his team in a 4-3-3 system.
Yallop has been tinkering with his lineup through preseason thus far -- and when David Beckham arrives later this summer, he is expected to be slotted into the center of midfield. But Yallop won't be waiting until July to implement the new lineup. Even without Beckham he feels as though he has the right personnel to make the switch.
"For me it's a good system for players to express themselves and not be static and have to stay in certain areas," said Yallop. "It's a good revolving system."
Yallop definitely has options available to him, and as camp has progressed several players have started to step into their roles.
"We need a target up front and Landon (Donovan) plays well with that. Alan (Gordon's) one, Nate (Jaqua) can play there. Nate can play wide. I think Alan is a central player and he's good at that," said Yallop. "Obviously our focus is making sure Landon gets what he needs to get done because he's so dynamic in everything he does."
Another player who should enjoy the freedom and attacking style of the 4-3-3 is Santino Quaranta. Quaranta is a versatile player who can play on either wing or even up top. While his role this year isn't completely clear yet, he shed some light on why the team is adjusting to the new tactics so quickly.
"Last year we finished up a bit in the 4-3-3 with me and Cobi (Jones) on the outside," said Quaranta. "I played up top a bit (in the Galaxy's scrimmage with the Chicago Fire over the weekend). I've been playing on the right and the left. I guess it boils down to what fits the team best."
Things aren't completely set, but they are progressing nicely. Yallop is starting to be able to settle on a core first-team group now that the team is starting to get match-fit. The Galaxy have been getting plenty of games in recent weeks and according to Quaranta there is still plenty of time to iron out any wrinkles.
"I think Frank's just trying to get the right mix of players," said Quaranta. "We've still got a month to sort that out tactically, but I think we're coming along well."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
