There are several formations that are currently employed much more frequently than others. Before we begin the process of selecting our team, we need to find the perfect formation for modern European football. Remember, our perfect team is not meant to play against other Premier League teams. Instead, it will be embarking on a series of matches against the best Europe has to offer – La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A, so, when selecting a formation, consider the talent on offer and also the different challenges that those leagues will present before making your selection for the best formation for our team.
Traditional 4-4-2: Invented by the Russian Victor Maslov, the traditional English formation of two banks of four behind a big man/small man combination up front has lost some its appeal over the years. 4-4-2 was what I was raised watching and in a way, all I knew in terms of formations at an early age. The formation depends on partnerships and working in pairs all over the pitch. The relationship between the centre-backs needs to be almost telepathic. Likewise the partnership each of them has with his full back. The full backs then need to be on the same wavelength as the wide man ahead of him, as well as the central midfield player closest to him. If the two attackers mesh very well together and are both adept at using their movement to create both space and chances for his partner then the system is tried and true. That said, there are risks in the centre of the pitch if one or both of the central midfielders are caught out of position. One or both of the forwards will also be tasked with defending from the front, pressuring the defender in possession in order to cut out moves in their infancy.
Defensive 4-5-1: Considering the behemoth teams that the Spanish and German leagues in particular could muster, perhaps having that extra defensive midfield player sitting in front of the centre backs might be a good idea. In this formation, much pressure is placed on the lone striker to hold the ball up and provide lay offs to midfield runners, so a bigger more physical presence is possibly required. Clearly a defensive formation, there are not the same opportunities for full-backs to join the attack as positional discipline is critical. Isolation of the forward is also a major problem and the more attacking members of the midfield will have the responsibility to join the attack and offer support where possible. Often utilised by teams playing away from home at a bigger club, a hard-working, well-organised approach is a necessity in order to restrict space in the final third of the pitch.
Modified 4-4-1-1: If you don’t think our team has two out and out strikers worthy of playing a 4-4-2, perhaps a 4-4-1-1 would be a good compromise? Those who choose this option perhaps see there being a perfect creator that would fit well behind a proper poacher, the archetypal ‘Number 10’ if you will. This formation is basically an adapted 4-4-2 (aren’t most of them) where the second striker drops deep when not in possession in order to fortify the central midfield areas and close off the gap between the opposition defence and midfield lines. The second striker also causes a nightmare for defenders with regards to who should pick him up as he is free to roam a little more than in the 4-4-2, therefore pulling both defenders and any sitting midfielders out of position, ready to be exploited by a box-to-box midfield type or a winger cutting in from the flanks.
The Popular 4-2-3-1: Becoming a very widely-used formation, the 4-2-3-1 provides a good balance of defensive stability, whilst not sacrificing offensive opportunities either. Perhaps the key to this formation is in the holding pivot who will be responsible for breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball. Usually employed with three attacking midfielders behind the forward, this is an extremely fluid formation which can change from 4-5-1 to 4-3-3 with just one good through ball. A creative number 8 type in the middle of the attacking 3 in midfield can be the master craftsman and lock-picker extraordinaire of the team. Also note the freedom it affords the full-backs to attack the corners and deliver deadly crosses. Full backs are becoming increasingly important in the modern game and this formation possibly offers them the best opportunity to get forward, knowing that one of the sitting midfielders will be there to cover in behind. Many international sides have been employing this system, including our eventual opponents, the Germans.
Risk-Reward 3-4-3: While many might be scared off by a 3-man defence, there is the dual benefit of both an extra physical presence at the back as well as what can be a lethal attack too. For it to work however, there would need to be three very strong, intelligent defenders as there will be much more space to manage. The wide midfielders have the responsibility of not allowing wingers to get in behind, thus pulling one of the central defenders out to meet them, whilst still performing their attacking duties. A fluid front three, employing good movement and interchanges between themselves can create havoc for the defence. A couple of good all-round central midfielders are key to making this formation a success.
The Maverick 3-5-2: If you thought the 3-4-3 was risky, try the 3-5-2. If you are confident that our team will have two capable and intelligent wing-backs, then this system could work. The difference between this one and the 3-4-3 is that with the 3-5-2, the wing-backs have an incredible amount of pressure with no players directly in front or behind them. There is, however, one extra player in the crucial middle of the pitch, so if you are considering a 3-man back line, it will all come down to if you think our midfield strength is in the middle or on the wings. When employed correctly, the 3-5-2 offers a sound defensive base from which to attack, allowing the wing backs to operate almost as wingers when in possession.
All images courtesy Wikipedia Commons
