Tony Pulis has been confirmed as the new Wednesday boss, so we took a look at what could potentially be his ‘ideal’ XI based on the way that he set up in his most recent games.
In his final season at Middlesbrough, he varied mainly between 3-5-2, 3-4-2-1 and 4-3-2-1 over the course of the campaign, also using 5-4-1 or 5-3-2 on a couple of occasions.
If it’s 3-5-2, this is potentially what it could look like…
5. LWB - Adam Reach
In his 3-5-2 at Boro, Pulis regularly used all central midfielders in his five-man midfield. Reach has the bonus of having played as a wide player and centrally, so could fit the bill. Photo: Steve Ellis
6. DM - Massimo Luongo
Luongo could well be tasked with playing the Jon Obi Mikel role if Pulis comes on board. The Nigerian played 19 times under Pulis at Boro and was given the captaincy for the end of the season. Photo: Simon Galloway
7. CM - Barry Bannan
Quite a lot has been made about the history between Bannan and Pulis given the fact that it didn't work out for the Owls skipper at Palace, but as captain, a club favourite, and one of the best deliverers of a ball in the Championship, it may be better this time around. Photo: Steve Ellis
8. DM - Joey Pelupessy
Pulis often played two defensive midfielders at Boro, with Muhamed Besic partnering Mikel in the midfield five on many occasions. Pelupessy and Luongo are both tough tacklers, so can do a job there. Photo: Steve Ellis