There is a subtext to every lineup choice, and every tactic a coach employs on the field. Beyond scoring and preventing goals, there is an intent that can’t be communicated by a player’s name or position alone. In that dearth of communication, there’s uncertainty as to what, exactly, a coach is trying to do.
Consider the recent evolution of Giovanni Savarese’s choices in central midfield, which included Sebastián Blanco and Andy Polo playing above Diego Chara in a 5-3-2 formation this past weekend at Los Angeles FC.