Positions and tactics have actually ended up being very fluid in modern-day football. This short post will explain the factors behind this.

Possibly one of the most used football formations over the last ten years, the 4-3-3 is a traditional strategy that includes effective attacking characteristics that are hard to beat. This tactic is considered one of the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reason. The genius in this formation lies in the synergy in between the midfield and the offensive line. While there are various variations of the 4-3-3, the majority count on one defensive midfielder and 2 offensive midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield position appears like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining near the back line. This permits more defensive strength when it comes to abrupt and fast counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is most likely knowledgeable about. In order for this work to flourish, the wingers and centre forward need to be technically-skilled in regards to shooting and crossing.

There are some crucial aspects that affect the coach's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For example, ranking on the table and thinking about the club's goals for the season are main elements to keep in mind. Clubs that are seeking to secure a place within the top four endeavour to win as many games as possible, especially against direct competitors who have comparable objectives. This is why the best football formations are typically the ones that prioritise long-lasting goals rather than individual games. Internally, the availability of particular footballers in crucial positions can frequently inform what formations to choose. This is merely due to the fact that there are particular 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, forcing coaches to consider alternative strategies, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is most likely familiar with.

Commonly considered one of the first and most trusted defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a strategy that is still popular to this day. What makes this formation more effective than other defensive strategies is how balanced it is. This is because the 4 midfielders tend to inhabit and control the midfield by keeping 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 also be used, something that the Aston Villa former owner would understand. When in defense mode, the midfield stance changes into an arch that serves as a secondary shield or layer of defense that covers the back line.