The fans didn't have to wait too long.

Lineker stared at the Leeds United starting lineup on the computer screen and read aloud, "Leeds is using his favorite 4-2-3-1 formation today. The starting goalkeeper is this summer's new signing, the young Spanish player De Gea. In defense, captain Kompany and Cannavaro partner in central defense, with Lahm and Sun Jihai on either side. In midfield, young German player Toni Kroos and Mascherano form the double pivot, with Modric and Bale on either side in front of them. Kaká, the most expensive signing since the summer transfer window opened, plays as the attacking midfielder. And up front is the €35 million Brazilian striker, Adriano!"

After reading out Leeds United's starting lineup, Lineker looked at Jon and raised an eyebrow: "It seems that Lee has not disappointed us. Apart from Rodriguez, who plays in the same position as Kaká, all of Leeds United's signings in this transfer window have been given the opportunity to start!"

"It seems Lee prefers to use this match to fine-tune the lineup." Jon ignored the smug Lineker and continued his analysis. "And did you notice that Ribery didn't play today? Leeds United deliberately abandoned their well-practiced two-wing attack today. Seeing Modric placed in the right winger position, I suddenly have a guess!"

"How so?"

"You said it was impossible, but today Li is trying to pull the same tricks as Ancelotti!"

"Christmas tree?"

"Yes!"

“Impossible.” Lineker frowned slightly. “Leeds United doesn’t have a defensive midfielder like Gattuso.”

Although Lineker immediately refuted him, Jon disagreed with his point of view. He pointed to Mascherano in the defensive midfield position and said, "How can you say no! If we're talking about looks, Leeds United certainly doesn't have anyone who looks more menacing than Gattuso, but in terms of tackling ability alone, I don't think Mascherano is weaker than Gattuso!"

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As is widely known.

The advantage of the Christmas tree formation lies in its large midfield, which facilitates midfield control and passing combinations. Furthermore, the five-man midfield is achieved without sacrificing the number of defenders. This formation is a good option for teams that prefer possession-based play, as there are always more defenders available if a passing error leads to a quick counter-attack.

However, this style of kicking also has extremely high requirements.

First, the defensive line. This tactic requires the two full-backs to have strong attacking abilities. Second, because the playmaker drops back, in addition to requiring the playmaker to have a very high sense of position and passing ability, it is also necessary to provide sufficient protection for this player. At the same time, the players in the central midfield must have a relatively strong awareness of making forward runs, and the center forward must also have a certain ability to create and protect the ball.

AC Milan's Champions League title win last season was not only due to Kaká's outstanding performance, but also largely due to his favorite formation.

Among the three defensive midfielders, Pirlo is the brain of the team, undertaking the important task of organizing the attack. Gattuso and Ambrosini, who are next to him, play a crucial role in protecting him during the game. The two attacking midfielders are both highly skilled. They can not only deliver sharp passes to the forwards, but Seedorf's long-range shots and Kaká's breakthroughs are also formidable weapons that opponents fear. The forward, Inzaghi, will then deliver the final fatal blow in the penalty area.

Most importantly, in Ancelotti's mind, Kaká is both an attacking midfielder and another striker.

From the moment the players returned to the team and Kaka participated in the team's first joint training session, Li Shiguang began to lead the players in practicing this tactic.

In his vision.

First of all, there is no problem with the ability of the two starting full-backs. Lahm and Alves are both players with excellent attacking abilities.

However, compared to AC Milan, Leeds United's current midfield may be more creative.

In Li Shiguang's view, in terms of contributions on both offense and defense, Modric, Alonso, and Kroos might be better than Pirlo in overall ability. This is because, in addition to their playmaking ability, they also have the ability to sweep up defenders that Pirlo lacks. Compared to the physically weak Pirlo, the three of them can make a greater contribution to the team on defense!

With Mascherano already possessing abundant energy and decisive tackles, Leeds United could definitely try playing with three defensive midfielders!

For example, in today's match, Modric had more freedom in his position. When defending, he would drop back to the defensive midfield position, while when attacking, he would form a double attacking midfield partnership with Kaká.

As for the attacking third, needless to say.

Apart from Podolski, any of Leeds United's key players could perfectly fit into the core of this style of play.

The most important Kaka is already in place.

Now, just as Jon said, after bringing in Kaká, Lee Shiguang wants to copy this style of play and see if it works in the Premier League!

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really.

After the game started.

Leeds United used their numerical advantage to control the midfield.

Even when Mourinho moved Phillips and Malouda back to midfield to help with the defense after realizing the problem, it didn't work.

Once these two return, Kaká and Modric will switch positions, and then Sun Jihai and Lahm will also push forward very far, allowing Leeds United to once again use their numerical advantage on the flanks to threaten Chelsea's two sides.

Under this kicking style.

Chelsea struggled to create many attacking opportunities.

They can only threaten Leeds United's defense through occasional counter-attacks.

But just as Lineker questioned before the match.

Joe Cole's relatively slender physique was not enough to pose a threat to Kompany and Cannavaro.

Chelsea had two relatively threatening counter-attacks, but both failed because Joe Cole couldn't act as a target man after receiving the ball; he couldn't turn and couldn't pass the ball out, ultimately resulting in a hasty long-range shot.

Neither of these shots hit the target area, so De Gea didn't even try to make a save. After anticipating the ball's trajectory, he simply stood on the goal line and watched it fly out of bounds.

From the moment he joined Leeds United, De Gea knew he was Neuer's backup.

Therefore, he cherished this starting opportunity today, thinking that in a match between strong teams, he could at least get a chance to show himself! But now the game has been going on for almost fifteen minutes, and Chelsea, who are known as one of the Premier League's BIG5, haven't even had a decent shot on goal.

This greatly disappointed De Gea.

But there is also an ironclad rule in football.

If the goalkeeper misses his chance to shine, then the attacking players will definitely get their chance to demonstrate their skills.

Not long after De Gea sighed in disappointment.

The situation in the attacking third has finally changed!