Scotland's tactical shift under Pocognoli features a return to a back three

Sebastien Pocognoli's tenure as Scotland's head coach has brought a mix of results in his first four Nations League matches. Following Steve Clarke's departure, fans anticipated a shift in style. Pocognoli's approach has been characterised by front-foot, attacking football, although the execution has varied. Scotland's performances have ranged from promising to disappointing, as seen in their matches against North Macedonia, Switzerland, and Slovenia.

The tactical setup under Pocognoli has seen a return to a back three, reminiscent of Clarke's early days. This formation aims to utilise the squad's strengths, particularly the abundance of full-backs. However, the integration of creative wide players like Ben Gannon-Doak and Josh McPake has raised questions about functionality. The asymmetry of the formation has at times resulted in a lack of dynamism, leading to a more rigid attacking display.

In the attacking third, Pocognoli has experimented with formations, shifting from a 3-5-2 to a 3-4-2-1 against Slovenia. The inclusion of John McGinn and Ryan Christie alongside Oli McBurnie has shown potential, but it remains unclear how many of these players can fit into a cohesive starting XI. McGinn's recent scoring record positions him as a key player, especially with Scott McTominay's anticipated return from injury.

Billy Gilmour has emerged as a central figure in Pocognoli's tactical plans. The midfielder's role has evolved from a deep-lying playmaker to a more advanced position, where he can disrupt opponents and create chances. While this shift has showcased his versatility, it has also exposed Scotland's defence during counter-attacks. Gilmour's performance has been a highlight, indicating his importance in the new system, regardless of his exact positioning in future matches.

via Sky Sports