The 10 shirt is a reserve, but the lack of brilliance could be linked to how the player was selected
This Monday (16th) marks two months since Payet arrived in Rio de Janeiro to start his career at Vasco. More than five thousand fans went to Galeão early in the morning to welcome the Frenchman. The fans’ celebration underlines the importance of the purchase, undoubtedly the most popular in recent years. But so far the number 10 has still failed to live up to all the expectations surrounding his football.
Payet made his debut on September 2, in a 1-1 draw against Bahia, at the Arena Fonte Nova. The number 10 came on in the second half and, despite the lack of pace, made a good impression. The Frenchman was the protagonist of the match, when he fed Jair to score, but the midfielder kicked the ball out. The show is still remembered today by Vasco fans.
Since then, Payet has been used in every match by manager Ramón Díaz, but has only played in two, in victories against Coritiba and América-MG. In the 5-1 against Coxa he provided an assist, the Frenchman’s only intervention in a Vasco goal. The number 10 has come on the bench in the last two games and the tendency is to remain on the bench also in the match against Fortaleza, Wednesday (18th), in São Januário.
What does Payet have left to take off?
According to Vasco, Payet is still adapting to Brazilian football and is finding his best physical condition. Before his debut with Cruz-Maltino, the Frenchman had not played for more than 100 days and this is affecting his performance on the pitch. Furthermore, coach Ramón Díaz is still looking for the ideal formation to play with the number 10.
In the first two matches, against Bahia and Fluminense, Payet entered the field in the second half and played as a link midfielder, with freedom of movement and behind two attackers, in a 4-3-1-2. The number 10 had a good performance, being important in setting up the plays and dictating the pace to the team.
In the match against Coritiba, Payet played as a left winger, defending the position more. Despite the assistance, number 10 behaved with discretion. It is worth noting that the fragility of the opponent meant that the Frenchman did not put much effort into recovery. Against América-MG, Payet had many difficulties and was replaced at half-time, even though Vasco had an extra player after Iago Maidana’s dismissal.
After that match, Payet lost his starting place, but was used against Santos and São Paulo. In both, the number 10 also played on the left, more as a striker than a midfielder, but not very brilliant. Against the Tricolor the Frenchman still had a great scoring opportunity, but he preferred the pass to the shot, even though he was face to face with the goalkeeper.
How should Payet al Vasco be selected?
Analyzing previous years, it is clear that Payet is no longer a winger, but a link midfielder. The Frenchman was used in attack last season, his last with Olympique Marseille, and did not establish himself as a starter, scoring just 4 goals and providing three assists in 27 games. This season’s movement map is similar to that of Vasco’s player.
In the 2020/2021 season, as a midfielder for Olympique, with freedom of movement on the pitch, Payet stood out. The Frenchman started 41 of the 46 matches played, scoring 14 goals and 13 assists.
What are Ramón Díaz’s options?
The Argentine coach’s challenge is to find a place for Payet at Vasco, but the mission is not easy. The team is already used to playing with the 4-1-4-1 and thus proved to be competitive. In this formation the Frenchman would play in place of Praxedes. However, Ramón Díaz does not seem willing to change the midfield trio of Zé Gabriel, Paulinho and Praxedes.
The other option is to remove one of the wingers and change the tactical formation to 4-3-1-2. In this way the midfield trio would be maintained, Payet would play centrally, behind two attackers, Vegetti and another, who could be Gabriel Pec or Rossi, currently starting attackers on the sides of the pitch.
Source: Terra
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