Frank de Boer’s first season as manager of Atlanta United has been one of ups and downs. And this is no different on the tactical side of things, where fans, pundits and even players criticized the Dutchman for what they saw as a more rigid and slow style of play, representing a direct split with the Atlanta United that won an MLS Cup after just two seasons of existence under Tata Martino.
De Boer began the season in a 3-4-3, before moving to a 4-3-3 and even a 4-4-2, all the while asking his team often to look to slow play down, possessing the ball while the team shape moves forward as one.