The criticized Masopust asked for a basis. How is he better and why does he get priority over Hložek?

Lukáš Masopust is one of the most controversial members of the Czech national team. Some of the fans would prefer not to see him in the nomination, but he has claimed the starting line-up with his performance. Jaroslav Šilhavý knows why to bet on him, because the midfielder of Slavia has qualities that may not be visible at first glance.

Jaroslav Šilhavý repeatedly bets on Lukáš Masopust. He has coached 26 matches for the national team, and in 21 of them he has sent the midfielder to the field.

He also enjoys great trust in Slavia from Jindřich Trpišovský. So why is he so often criticised? Masopust is the type of player who does an awful lot of invisible work for the team. A fan watching football as a whole won’t notice that, but a coach studying the details will. That’s why he’s deployed so often.

Many would rather see Adam Hložek in his position. But in the 4-5-1 formation and Šilhavy’s style of play, Masopust’s deployment is much more logical. Maybe he doesn’t have the technique, the finishing like Hložek. However, that’s not the primary concern in this right midfielder position.

We have to remember that we are not France, Portugal or Italy, who can afford to play three strikers who don’t have to defend. In our system, we also need to think about securing and good cooperation between the fringe players and the outside backs.

Hložek, if he played on the wing in Sparta, had a completely different role than he would have had in the national team. In the Fortuna League, 80% of the teams against Sparta crawl into the block and Letenski conquer. Thus, there is not as much pressure on the wingers to defend, as breakaway situations often just need to be snuffed out by defenders or defensive midfielders.

Of course, against England, Croatia and quite possibly even Scotland we won’t see such a picture of the game. England will hold the ball a lot against us, so it is expected that we will be without the ball the vast majority of the time. And that is Masopust’s strength, not Hložek’s.

You could see this strength against Albania, when in the first half he didn’t skip a step, caught the visitors’ cross and headed it alone at goal, but his chance was disposed of by the keeper. Masopust is really strong in this activity, anticipating, taking the ball away, balancing the ball out of a crowded area. But it’s the details that make the team’s job a lot easier.

Hložek is an offensive star, no doubt about it. In terms of offensive skills, he may be the best on the team. However, that’s why he would be better suited for the tip of the attack or on the sub, not as a right midfielder.

If Patrik Schick is going to play at the tip of the attack, as he will, it is difficult to put Hložek at right midfielder. After all, look at who plays the opponents’ left backs. Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), Borna Barisic (Rangers) and Luke Shaw (Manchester United). All extremely offensive midfielders who constantly support the offense.

Do you really want Hložek to spend most of the game defending these “riders”? Absolutely not. That would negate his offensive qualities, as he would have to focus much more on defense than he is used to.

That’s why this position is most often occupied by Masopust, who is perfectly able to balance offense and defense and is trained for this position. Against Albania he showed that he can play forward (1+1). He is also perfectly matched with Vladimir Coufal, which is also extremely important.

“Not only these two players deserve praise. But their chemistry from Slavia is still evident, even though Coufal is playing elsewhere now. And Lukáš Masopust? That’s how we would imagine the winger’s performance, getting involved up front. He created chances, passed for goals and scored one important one. This is a good finding for us,” said Jaroslav Šilhavý about this duo.

Although many people don’t see it or don’t want to see it, Lukáš Masopust is a very important part of the team and both coaches know it very well.

Source: Livesport