Positions and strategies have ended up being very fluid in modern-day football. This short post will discuss the reasons behind this.
Perhaps among the most used football formations over the last 10 years, the 4-3-3 is a timeless tactic that includes efficient attacking dynamics that are difficult to beat. This strategy is considered among the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reason. The genius in this tactic lies in the synergy in between the midfield and the attacking line. While there are various variations of the 4-3-3, most depend on one defensive midfielder and 2 attacking midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield position looks like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining close to the back line. This enables more defensive strength in the case of abrupt and quick counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is most likely familiar with. In order for this work to bear fruit, the wingers and centre forward need to be technically-skilled in terms of shooting and crossing.
Widely considered among the oldest and most dependable defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a tactic that is still prevalent to this day. What makes this tactic more efficient than other defensive strategies is how balanced it is. This is since the four midfielders tend to occupy and control the midfield by retaining ownership of the ball. In so doing, they control the pace of the match and choose when to push forward and when to fall back. In the offensive stance, two midfielders advance up the field to feed the centre forwards through balls and precise crosses that can make a difference in the area. Long balls sent out from the midfield or even defense can likewise be utilised, something that the Aston Villa former owner would understand. When defending, the midfield stance changes into an arch that works as a secondary shield or layer of defense that covers the back line.
There are some essential elements that affect the manager's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For instance, ranking on the table and thinking about the club's goals for the season are primary elements to keep in mind. Clubs that are aiming to secure a place within the leading 4 endeavour to win as many matches as possible, especially against direct competitors who have comparable objectives. This is why the best football formations are often the ones that prioritise long-term objectives instead of individual games. Internally, the availability of specific footballers in crucial positions can typically inform what formations to opt for. This is just due to the fact that there are particular strategies in football that only work in the presence of key players with a specific skillset. This is another reason why injuries can be incredibly disruptive, forcing coaches to think about alternative strategies, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is most likely knowledgeable about.