Players simply not good enough to execute Ange’s ‘back three’ experiment, writes Robbie Slater

IF we’re looking at this experiment that is the back three - which appears to no longer be an experiment - we have to take note of the damning facts, writes Robbie Slater.

The Socceroos have let in 10 goals in four games. Picture: George Salpigtidis

IF we’re looking at this experiment that is the back three - which appears to no longer be an experiment - we have to take note of the facts.

In the four games we’ve played over a short period of time against Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Germany and Cameroon, we have conceded 10 goals.

The reality is that it’s been difficult for the players, who haven’t looked comfortable, and have struggled in transition down those wide areas, which is where the opposition have attacked us.

If you’re going to play a back three you’ve got to have, technically, the highest quality players there who are comfortable on the ball. Trent Sainsbury is our best but, no disrespect to Milos Degenek and Bailey Wright, I don’t think they’re good enough to play it. Obviously Ange has seen something different and believes they can, but for me it’s a problem and I’m not out on my own in saying that.

SAINSBURY: Socceroos have lofty ambitions

Germany obliterated us down the flanks in the first half and we were lucky to get away with a draw against Cameroon, though reading the reports from Australia after the Cameroon game you’d be mistaken for thinking the Socceroos were the better team. We might have controlled the ball, but that’s because Cameroon let us. The African champions are devastating in transition and it was only because they didn’t finish their chances that the match ended 1-1.

The Socceroos have let in 10 goals in four games. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The result keeps us alive going into the must-win match against Chile, but really, it’s a long shot.

These four games - and the fifth (Monday morning AEST) - have been about preparing for World Cup qualification. Unless there’s a miracle against Chile, I can’t see that our preparation for the match against Japan - where we need a point - has been all that positive.

The bonus is that our players have been exposed to a fantastic level of international football and Ange has been able to work with them on a full-time basis. That’s something Japan haven’t had the benefit of, but we can’t say the preparation has gone exactly according to plan.

Despite winning the Asian Cup with a back four and playing with that same system until half way through the qualification process, Ange has made the decision to change it.

We’ve been outplayed and I hope recent results haven’t been detrimental to the confidence of the back three because it looks like this is the system Ange is sticking to.

Originally published as Players simply not good enough to execute Ange’s ‘back three’ experiment, writes Robbie Slater