Positions and tactics have actually become really fluid in contemporary football. This brief article will discuss the reasons behind this.
There are some crucial 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 objectives for the season are main factors to keep in mind. Clubs that are looking to get a place within the leading four endeavour to win as many games as possible, specifically against direct competitors who have similar objectives. This is why the best football formations are often the ones that prioritise long-lasting goals rather than specific games. Internally, the presence of certain players in crucial positions can often indicate what tactics to go for. This is merely because there are specific strategies in football that only work in the presence of key players with a particular skillset. This is another reason that injuries can be incredibly disruptive, requiring coaches to consider alternative plans, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is most likely aware of.
Commonly regarded 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 strategies is how well balanced it is. This is because the 4 midfielders tend to inhabit and control the midfield by retaining possession of the ball. In so doing, they manage the pace of the game 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 exact crosses that can make a difference in the box. Long balls sent out from the midfield or perhaps defense can likewise be used, 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.
Perhaps one of the most used football formations over the last ten years, the 4-3-3 is a timeless tactic that features effective attacking dynamics that are hard to beat. This strategy is deemed among the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reasons. The genius in this formation lies in the synergy between the midfield and the attacking line. While there are various variations of the 4-3-3, the majority count on one defensive midfielder and 2 attacking midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield stance looks like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder staying close to the back line. This enables more defensive strength when it comes to abrupt and fast 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 must be technically-skilled in terms of shooting and crossing.