Topic: What is the best current formation/tactics in modern football?

[lankyguy007]

4-3-3? 4-2-3-1?

I know they often change depending on the opposition's formation but overall which is the hardest to deal with? I personally think that Barca's 4-3-3 is the hardest to deal with due to many different things that I may well write a detailed blog on. But it is mainly down to the quality of players and the understanding between them that they are able to play that way. Overall I think 4-2-3-1 is the best all round formation

Thoughts?

[Caeciro]

I'd agree with you about the 4-2-3-1 at the moment. It's a brilliantly well-rounded formation suited to current European and international football. Mourinho's Real use it at present and it seems to be working fairly well.
4-3-3 is by far a more inherently 'beautiful' formation to watch, due to its attacking nature. Barca have got the style down to and absolute T. They are the best team. Ever. So to judge 4-3-3 on Barca would be unwise.
A personal favourite of mine, however, is the 3-4-2-1. I've never seen it deployed as an attacking formation effectively, as it more often than not turns into a 5-2-2-1 with the RM/LMs turning into wing-backs. I believe, with a technically excellent, attacking side it could be deadly though. Basically a 3-4-3 but the wingers tuck inside, allowing the wide midfielders to run the flanks.

[iamrobk]

Totally agree on the 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 being the best formations currently.  I think the only problem with them is you really need at least one of your central midfielders to be an Alonso/Xavi playmaker type, or else it can be very hard to create and be exciting (look at us, or even City).

[gamble]

i think football formation/tactics is a lot like rock, paper, scissors.

[Caeciro]

i think football formation/tactics is a lot like rock, paper, scissors.

So you'd just randomly select where each player goes on the pitch?
it could be a 2-1-7. Don't think it would fair well against a 4-4-2 to be honest

[Matt8Pie]

I can see where you're coming from with the question, but it all depends on the players you have at your disposal.

[Snej]

Why are people saying wingers are becoming a thing of the past when it seems that they fit well into a 4-2-3-1?

[kilgore]

Why are people saying wingers are becoming a thing of the past when it seems that they fit well into a 4-2-3-1?

Depends what you mean by wingers. If you mean it in the old school sense of the word - a wide forward - then they can fit perfectly. If you mean it how most people in England have come to mean it - a run in straight lines, get to the byline type - then not so much.

[scatman]

i think football formation/tactics is a lot like rock, paper, scissors.

Agreed, it can be any formation, it really does depend on the players, how each individual approaches his role and the instructions from manager and coaches.

Barcelona have no fixed formation, sometimes they only have 1 CB, who is actually the defensive midfielder dropping back and the centre backs stepping up. The answer to your question is probably a long and lengthy essay.

[Filler.]

For me it's 4-2-3-2. Yep, that's not a mistake... 4232.

[The 92A]

I can see where you're coming from with the question, but it all depends on the players you have at your disposal.

i think football formation/tactics is a lot like rock, paper, scissors.

The Answer.

[God9]

I reckon Kenny should go on editor and give Liverpool £200 million, then buy Messi and play him as trequartista.

[lfc_fan2005]

4-2-3-1 is my favourite, and seems equally effective for home and away games as it can be adapted so easily. A lot depends on the lone striker though. 4-3-3 with wing forwards is also good and adaptable.

[rednich85]

Depends on what players you have really, don't it?

[lfc_fan2005]

Depends on what players you have really, don't it?

Definitely. The 4-2-3-1 we played from 07-09 with Torres as the lone striker, Stevie in behind and Xabi and Masch sitting was a joy to watch. Shame really that we never had two top class wingers.

[SFiasco]

Whatever suits Rooney or Wilshere is clearly the best formation ever thought of. Obviously.

[Our No.9 never dives]

For me it's 4-2-3-2. Yep, that's not a mistake... 4232.

Does ur formation include the referee ?

[Frank.]

2-3-2-3

[Vinay]

A fluid 4-4-2. Many of the 4 in the middle should be able to run, tackle, track back and score.  further, 'total football' is under-rated; that's where we ought to be looking.

Simples.


PS: However, nothing beats the Brasilian 2-2-2-2 + 2 roaming full backs. However, many countries do not have the balls, skills and intelligence to adopt that.