Positions and tactics have actually become really fluid in contemporary football. This short post will explain the factors behind this.
There are some key aspects that affect the coach's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For example, ranking on the table and considering the team's objectives for the season are main aspects to remember. Clubs that are seeking to secure a place within the top 4 endeavour to win as many matches as possible, particularly against direct contenders who have comparable objectives. This is why the best football formations are typically the ones that prioritise long-lasting goals rather than individual matches. Internally, the presence of specific players in key positions can often indicate what tactics to opt for. This is simply because there are particular strategies in football that only work in the presence of key players with a specific skillset. This is another reason that injuries can be extremely disruptive, forcing coaches to consider alternative strategies, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is most likely aware of.
Perhaps among the most used football formations over the last 10 years, the 4-3-3 is a classic strategy that includes efficient attacking characteristics that are difficult to beat. This tactic is deemed one of the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reason. The genius in this tactic lies in the synergy between the midfield and the offensive line. While there are different variations of the 4-3-3, most count on one defensive midfielder and two attacking midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield position looks like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder staying near the back line. This enables more defensive solidity when it comes to sudden and fast 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 must be technically-skilled in regards to shooting and crossing.
Widely regarded one of the oldest and most dependable defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a tactic that is still common to this day. What makes this formation more effective than other defensive strategies is how balanced it is. This is due to the fact that the 4 midfielders tend to inhabit and dominate the midfield by maintaining possession of the ball. In so doing, they control the pace of the game and decide when to attack and when to fall back. In the offensive stance, 2 midfielders advance up the pitch to feed the centre forwards through balls and exact crosses that can make a difference in the area. Long balls sent from the midfield or even defense can likewise be utilised, something that the Aston Villa former owner would know. When in defense mode, the midfield stance changes into an arch that works as a secondary barrier or layer of defense that protects the back line.