The essential issue concerning Monaco's central striker position is at stake
In a strategic move, AS Monaco's Austrian coach, Niko Kovac, has decided to line up both Mika Biereth and Folarin Balogun in a 4-4-2 formation for the upcoming match against Strasbourg. This will mark the first time this season that the duo has started a Ligue 1 match together.
Folarin Balogun was absent in the last match against Le Havre due to an injury in his thigh. His absence opened up an opportunity for Mika Biereth to take the center forward position, a role he also held against Lille in a 4-3-3 formation.
Biereth and Balogun's preference is to play together rather than one after the other. This decision by Kovac is a testament to the chemistry between the two, a factor that has contributed to the team's success in the past.
The duo's association has proven effective, with AS Monaco having a higher success rate in starting matches with two attackers (69%) compared to one (48%) according to Kovac's statistics over the past two seasons.
Mika Biereth, who scored 13 goals in 16 Ligue 1 matches during the first half of last season, is the number one center forward for AS Monaco. Folarin Balogun, who has shown promising form, is the number one alternative center forward.
George Ilenikhena and Paris Brunner are also alternatives to the top two center forwards for AS Monaco. The team's offensive strategy remains flexible, with the number of offensive midfielders used depending on the animation of the match.
The upcoming match against Strasbourg will not see AS Monaco line up with three offensive midfielders and one center forward, unlike previous matches. Instead, the team will field a balanced 4-4-2 formation, aiming to capitalise on the chemistry between Biereth and Balogun.
Myron Boadu, another promising center forward, has committed to PSV Eindhoven, reducing AS Monaco's center forward squad to four, which may decrease to three if Breel Embolo leaves.
The success of AS Monaco's offense often depends on the associations, the availability of players, the sensations of the week, and the way the opponents play. The match against Strasbourg is an important test for Biereth and Balogun's association, and a chance for them to further prove their compatibility.
In the last match against Le Havre, Biereth played 80 minutes without scoring, but his performance was not without merit. The upcoming match against Strasbourg promises to be an exciting test of the duo's potential.
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