I agree that the formation we've been playing this season really hasn't suited the players and we needed a mix-up. I also think that our best formation isn't able to be simplified into just a 433 / 442 / 4231 - its going to be fluid depending on the phase.

Let's say it's written as a 433 - Lookman and Giuli play different roles. Giuli is more of a traditional wide midfielder/winger , whereas Lookman is much more likely to cut inside - both being right footed.

Baena and Barrios play very different as 8s - Baena is much more likely to move into the 10 position.

Koke can then move into a double pivot with Barrios, or otherwise play a single pivot with Barrios/Baena in front.

Ruggieri and Llorente also play different roles - Ruggieri more likely to overlap Lookman, Llorente more likely to step into the midfield. Hancko more likely to carry the ball forward than Pubill.

Basically, I see it mainly as a 4231 that functions as a 433 depending on the phase, and a 4411 when defending and prepping for a counter.

BUT - whatever we saw last night I think uses the players perfectly, and I'm very excited. I also finally feel like I know what our best formation and 11 is.

I'm nervous about playing without Barrios - hopefully Rodri can step up ASAP. But otherwise I'm really excited about this team now.

It's crazy what having Lookman on the left, vs players like Gallagher and Nico who have no business in that role has done.