On the other hand, if you make one or two changes here and there to the side when the team is on a roll, you can breed that successful mentality and experience into every member of the squad. In this way, when the inevitable injuries, suspensions, and/or absences [say for African Nations Cup in January] occur, those deputizing for the missing are better equipped and there should be a lesser drop in overall performance.
In fact, if done correctly, there will be little to no drop, and those making up the XI would not be considered ‘deputies’ at all. There is a saying about top level managers and coaches that they don’t rebuild [each season after player departures], they reload. There is an opportunity to achieve this cycle even within the season, if the squad and players are used properly.
