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OM
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Eric Chelle is known for his attacking philosophy and preference for a 4-4-2 formation, but how many Super Eagles stars can fit into this style of play?
Chelle’s coaching style is about free-flowing football, with a strong reliance on midfield domination and fast breaks. He believes in a proactive approach to the game, often deploying two strikers to maintain constant attacking pressure on the opposition.
During his time with Mali, Chelle's teams were well-organized defensively while maintaining an aggressive offensive stance. His belief that "attack is the best form of defense" was evident in Mali's ability to score consistently while also keeping a solid defensive record.
Overall, Chelle’s approach blends disciplined defending with an attacking mindset, making his teams both entertaining and difficult to break down.
How many Super Eagles stars can play Chelle’s expansive football?
1. Victor Osimhen
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Osimhen is an ideal striker for Chelle’s setup. His pace, strength, and finishing ability make him a perfect fit in either a two-striker system (4-3-1-2) or as the lone forward in a 4-3-3. His pressing and movement will also help Chelle’s high-intensity attacking play.
Osimhen is used to playing a fast-paced quick break style along with intense presses, having done so at both Napoli under Luciano Spalletti and currently at Galatasaray under Okan Buruk.
2. Ademola Lookman
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Lookman’s dribbling, flair, and versatility suit Chelle’s attacking approach. The reigning CAF Player of the Year can play as a second striker in a 4-3-1-2 or as a winger in a 4-3-3, cutting inside to create goal-scoring opportunities. His ability to press and track back will also be valuable.
A potential partnership with Osimhen upfront also looks promising, as both players are lethal in front of goal and are fluid with their movement.
3. Alex Iwobi
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Iwobi is a creative midfielder who can dictate play from a deeper role in Chelle’s system. In a 4-3-1-2, he can operate as the attacking midfielder behind the strikers, linking midfield to attack.
He can also play as one of the two wide central midfielders, due to his ability to progress the ball via passing and carrying. His vision and passing range will help maintain fluidity in possession.
4. Samuel Chukwueze
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Chukwueze’s pace and dribbling ability make him a strong option when Chelle opts for a 4-3-3 system. He can stretch defences from the right wing and provide width, while also cutting inside to shoot. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one will be crucial against deep-lying teams.
5. Ola Aina
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In a 4-4-2 diamond, wing backs are situationally required to offer width, which means they have to bomb forward several times. Aina has proven over the years that he is great in 1 v1 situations both when he is attacking and defending, He is also comfortable in all phases of the game, which would make him a good fit for Chelle’s system.
With the World Cup qualifiers lined up for March, Nigerians will get to have a first taste of Chelle’s football style and we can have a better view of other players that will deliver well in this system.
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