The success of attacking formations and techniques depends on the work done at midfield level. Here is why.
In professional football, a great deal of work enters into strategizing and preparation to come up with the most effective formations and tactical plans. However, the sport is very unforeseeable as there is a number of variables and unanticipated in-game scenarios that could throw things out of balance. This is where the coach and technical personnel come in as timely and astute modifications are of the essence. For instance, severe injuries and footballers getting red cards can have a huge effect on the result of the game. It is for these factors that modern football formations often include contingency strategies should the worst happen. Football coaches plan for such events in advance so they would not be caught off guard on matchday, and this is something that the AC Milan former US owner will understand. Making prompt substitutions or modifications to the formation and player positioning can substantially limit the impact of damaging circumstances.
While offensive football formations are the most fun to view, tactical formations that have a defense edge tend to be more stable. For example, the 4-5-1 tactic is most popular with clubs that wish to draw or win a title by goal difference. The cluster of 5 midfielders in the centre typically requires the attacking group to resort to long balls as they realise that developing play through brief passes will not be efficient. Even when long balls reach players who are close to the box, 2 defensive midfielders hang back to form a first barrier positioned in front of the main 4-player back line. Clubs who use this tactic also buy tall centre backs who can block long balls, and the Aston Villa former owner is most likely to validate this. While it is among the better defensive football formations, this strategy depends on counter attacks to take the other side by surprise.
Just utilised by a select few in modern football, no one can deny that the 3-4-3 is among the very best attacking football formations. Clubs that utilise this method are normally top table clubs that aim to score as many goals as possible every match, all while keeping a defensive strength when the other group counter-attacks. The Crystal Palace former owner would likely concur that the secret behind the efficiency of this strategy lies in the midfield positioning. Considering that it utilises 4 midfielders, groups that use the 3-4-3 strive to dominate the midfield area, and they often succeed. This is simply because having a line of 4 in the midfield makes it incredibly tough for the other group to pass the ball or develop play efficiently. When one of the midfielders obstructs the ball, the midfield line ends up being a lozenge that feeds through and long balls to the wingers and centre forward.