Revolution expected to experiment with 3-5-2 formation

The Summer Transfer Window brought two additions to the New England Revolution in Claude Dielna and Krisztian Nemeth. More than upping the level of competition at practice, these players could prompt a change in formation.

When Dielna signed with the Revolution on Jul. 28, head coach Jay Heaps noted that the 29-year-old gives him “a lot of options.” Although he could slot in as a center or left back in the Revs’ current configuration, Heaps hinted that we might see a three-man back line.

The Revs have used this look before, primarily when searching for a goal late in a game. Dielna’s size, experience, and left foot could mean that we see it more often.

“I think it’s very important to get a left-footed central defender, so maybe we can also start to play with three in the back,” Antonio Delamea told The Bent Musket after Saturday’s 1-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Playing with a three-man defense would allow Heaps to get more attackers on the field. On Saturday, the Revs brought three potential starters off the bench in Juan Agudelo, Scott Caldwell, and Xavier Kouassi. With Nemeth now in the fold, Heaps has to find the best way to get the most out of his team. One potential solution is playing a 3-5-2.

“I think it will be good for this team to start playing with three in the back because we can then push our wingers higher and we will be even more dangerous,” Delamea explained.

The Revs are expected to test out the formation during practice this week. If it works, we could see it in an upcoming game.

“I think this team has a potential to play in this formation and I think we can do great things with the 3-5-2,” Delamea hypothesized.