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In attack, football heavily relies on three key concepts: ball movement, movement off the ball and quality.
The formation of a team in attack can determine a team’s ability to put the ball in the back of the net and whether or not they dominate the possession of the game.
Over the years, football has changed from a slower game relying on skill, to a more intensive game relying on speed, ball movement and agility.
This is evident as the number of sprints per person has nearly doubled since 2002. As a result, the formation of many teams has changed from a standard 4-4-2 formation to a now modern and more beneficial formation of 4-3-3.
The 4-3-3 formation is one that takes time to adapt to and requires maximum fitness. There are many ways this formation can be played. There could be a false 9, two holding midfielders, one holding midfielder or even a flat three in midfield.
Barcelona use the 4-3-3 formation with one holding midfielder, and considering they are the current champions of Europe, this formation is evidently most beneficial and efficient.
Starting from the back is the goalkeeper. Goalkeepers in the modern day game are key aspects to a team’s performance. Compared to past years, they now act as a sweeper for the back line.
This, in turn, relieves the pressure off the back four if they know their keeper is reliable and vocal. An example of a keeper who performs as such is Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer. In the current 2015-16 season, Neuer has kept 13 clean sheets out of the 20 games played and has made 33 saves.
Additionally, Neuer has attempted 486 passes and completed 406 of those, which gives him an accuracy of 83 per cent. It is essential for a keeper to act as a sweeper along with having the ability to read the game and give an option to restart the play.
In attack, the centre-backs should essentially spread out wide, almost as far as the touchline. This allows the full-backs to push up and act as left and right midfielders. In the gap between the two centre-backs, the defensive midfielder should sit in the centre, level with the centre-backs.
If the striker is pressing high on the back line, the defensive midfielder must be able to create an option for the centre-backs to pass the ball. A player who suits this position is Andrea Pirlo. Andrea has the ability to read the game like no other, constantly turning his head looking to receive the ball and ensuring he has space around him.
Moreover, his distribution is also the reason he suits this position as he can create chances out of nothing.
As for the two centre-midfielders, they sit in the middle of the park. However, if one goes forward, the other must sit back. The reason being is that the one sitting back reduces the chance of a counter-attack occurring.
These two midfielders are designed to be the most free-roaming players and must have the capabilities to attack and defend. The left and right fullbacks are an important part of the offence. By having the ability to press forward – due to the centre-backs spreading wide – they can create options for the centre-midfielders, left and right wingers and the striker.
Additionally, the width provided allows the midfield to be open and free for the midfielders to roam. The left and right fullbacks have recently increased in their importance to a team.
Barcelona’s pair of fullbacks, Jordi Alba and Dani Alves, are perfect examples. They both have the ability to push up and create options for Ivan Rakitic and Andreas Iniesta and relieve the midfield by drawing players out wide. In turn, Ivan and Andreas have the ability to keep possession and create shooting opportunities.
Up front, the left and right-wingers must stay wide. Wide – meaning as wide as the touchline. The reason being is that they can provide a switch of the play opportunity and also creates space for the striker to run into by drawing out the left and right fullbacks.
The wingers must be in line with the striker, unless the striker comes forward to receive the ball.
Wingers must also provide one-two opportunities with the striker and midfielders, and must have the confidence to cut in on appropriate occasions. Additionally, they must have the ability to swap positions with each other if there is no flow in the game.
Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr carry out such actions. These two, along with Luis Suarez, are considered to be the deadliest trio up front in the history of football. However, this isn’t achieved just due to quality. They have the tactical awareness and play as their manager requests and they understand each other’s weaknesses and strengths.
If every team member is on the same page, the style of play will flow with ease.
The type of striker required for this formation is a sharp and agile one. This allows quick touches and keeps the flow of the game consistent. Therefore, the amount of crossing should be low as there would be no aerial threat within the box.
However, there are ways around this such as quick one-twos and triangles being formed around the opposition’s penalty box, resulting in space for the striker to run onto a ball. An example of a suitable striker for this formation is Suarez. Luis has the ability to find and penetrate gaps between defenders. He also has the ability to create his own space due to his quick and sharp movements off the ball.
Ultimately, the attacking formation of a team can determine whether they are successful or not. Many common teams use the 4-3-3 formation such as the Socceroos, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Real Madrid and many others.
The formation is one that is played all over Australia as the lower leagues seek to spread the style of play the Socceroos undertake. This is a big step forward for Australian football as they are now adapting and matching their football to those in Europe.
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