There have clearly been some changes in lifestyle, with Duffy himself saying that he has moved away from his negative influences. This will undoubtedly have helped him, especially since it appears one of his best mates is now Adam Lallana, a pro who has done it all and seems incredibly motivated. I also have no doubt he has worked on his fitness and ball playing over the summer, looking fitter and more assured than ever before.
However, the most interesting thing to me is his tactical integration. Almost everyone wrote Duffy off, claiming he is not a 'Potter centreback', and for the most part I'd have agreed. In a back four I could see this being true, with Poyyer requiring both centrebacks to be progressive. Most assumed the same applied in a 3, as we'd only ever seen white partner dunk and Webster. Yet thinking about it, why would we need 3 incredible ball players? Duffy suits this new system so we'll as he can win every 50/50, every header and every physical battle, but then when he gets the ball he can play it either side of him to 2 incredible ball players. I actually believe this 3 of Duffy, Webster and dunk is better than the one containing white, as white could easily be targeted as a 'weaker centreback'. However, with Duffy you get the assurance of winning every header, and whilst his distribution isn't world class, it doesn't have to be as he can let the other two do the playing. Oh, and he also provides immense aerial threat from corners!
However, the most interesting thing to me is his tactical integration. Almost everyone wrote Duffy off, claiming he is not a 'Potter centreback', and for the most part I'd have agreed. In a back four I could see this being true, with Poyyer requiring both centrebacks to be progressive. Most assumed the same applied in a 3, as we'd only ever seen white partner dunk and Webster. Yet thinking about it, why would we need 3 incredible ball players? Duffy suits this new system so we'll as he can win every 50/50, every header and every physical battle, but then when he gets the ball he can play it either side of him to 2 incredible ball players. I actually believe this 3 of Duffy, Webster and dunk is better than the one containing white, as white could easily be targeted as a 'weaker centreback'. However, with Duffy you get the assurance of winning every header, and whilst his distribution isn't world class, it doesn't have to be as he can let the other two do the playing. Oh, and he also provides immense aerial threat from corners!
