Due to Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s injury, Coventry City has had to adjust.
Observing him in action this season, it is evident that he is a cunning player who can outplay full-backs and contribute to the Championship.
After Viktor Gyokeres and Gus Hamer left, he was a much-needed addition to provide additional firepower to the attacking, and in his debut season, he has adjusted to the English second division very well.
He will, however, be sidelined for the duration of the season, which is unfortunate for the winger, who would have been eager to contribute to the Sky Blues’ bid for a top-six spot.
| Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s 2023/24 campaign at Coventry City | |
|---|---|
| (All competitions) | |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 2 |
However, in order to defeat teams like Norwich City and Hull City and go to the play-offs, Mark Robins’ team had to immediately adjust.
Currently, Coventry is using a 3-4-1-2 formation, which is recognizable to a lot of their players.
After using wingers in the past, Sakamoto’s absence and their lack of natural wing options likely make this configuration adjustment wise.
How Coventry City could thrive in the 3-4-1-2 system for the long term
A back three configuration would be quite advantageous for many Sky Blues defenders, particularly the wing-backs.
Milan van Ewijk will undoubtedly welcome the opportunity to move forward with a little more freedom, while Josh Eccles might be a fantastic backup winger if needed.
On the other side, midfielder Ben Sheaf has a lot of experience playing in this system at the Coventry Building Society Arena, and Jay Dasilva might be just as helpful.
When healthy, Callum O’Hare can serve as the primary liaison between the midfield and the offense; this is a duty he can assume. Should he leave, Kasey Palmer might take over.
Ellis Simms and Haji Wright have the potential to be the lethal combination at the top that leads the Sky Blues to promotion.
It might be difficult for Tatsuhiro Sakamoto to break back into the starting lineup at Coventry City.
Sakamoto’s playing time may be restricted when he returns to action the following season if Robins sticks with the 3-4-1-2 system and it turns out to be a true success.
He could play wing-back, but his best play is usually when he’s driving forward and willing to take chances, which he won’t be able to do as much of if he has to play in a deeper position.
Additionally, the Sky Blues have options at right wing-back, with Eccles capable of filling in and van Ewijk probably serving as Robins’ long-term starter there should the Dutchman stay at the CBS Arena for an extended period of time.
Loanee from Northampton Marc Leonard appears to have found the ideal fit at Carlton Palmer, as he has been connected to other clubs.
Even though he could be able to operate behind the primary striker in a 3-4-2-1 formation, he might not even see much playing time.
O’Hare may choose to stay with his current team if the Sky Blues get promoted; if not, Palmer and Wright may play behind Simms.
Sakamoto is a talented player, so getting more playing time when he returns shouldn’t be a problem. However, if a back three is kept, he might have a harder time getting the minutes he desires, which could worry him while he recovers from his injury.
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