Positions and strategies have ended up being very fluid in modern-day football. This short post will explain the factors behind this.
There are some key elements that affect the manager's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For example, ranking on the table and considering the club's goals for the season are primary aspects to bear in mind. Clubs that are seeking to secure a place within the leading four endeavour to win as many matches as possible, specifically against direct competitors who have similar goals. This is why the best football formations are typically the ones that prioritise long-term goals instead of individual matches. Internally, the presence of specific footballers in key positions can frequently indicate what formations to opt for. This is merely because there are specific strategies in football that only work in the presence of key players with a specific skillset. This is another reason that injuries can be incredibly disruptive, forcing coaches to think about alternative strategies, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is likely familiar with.
Extensively considered one of the first and most trusted defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a tactic that is still prevalent to this day. What makes this tactic more effective than other defensive tactics is how balanced it is. This is due to the fact that the four midfielders tend to occupy and dominate the midfield by keeping ownership of the ball. In so doing, they control the tempo of the game and decide when to push forward and when to fall back. In the attacking stance, two midfielders advance up the field to feed the centre forwards through balls and exact crosses that can make a difference in the box. Long balls sent from the midfield and even defense can likewise be used, something that the Aston Villa former owner would understand. When in defense mode, the midfield position changes into an arch that serves as a secondary buffer or layer of defense that covers the back line.
Possibly among the most used football formations over the last ten years, the 4-3-3 is a classic tactic that features efficient attacking characteristics that are tough to beat. This strategy is considered one of the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reason. The genius in this formation is all to do with the synergy in between the midfield and the offensive line. While there are various variations of the 4-3-3, most rely on one defensive midfielder and two attacking midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield stance looks like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining near the back line. This permits more defensive strength when it comes to abrupt and quick counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is likely familiar with. In order for this formation to bear fruit, the wingers and centre forward should be technically-skilled in terms of shooting and crossing.