On the rise of the 3-4-3, describing the benefits of the system, which has seen some success under Tuchel at Chelsea and R. Martinez with Belgium.
From the 4-4-2, to 4-3-3 and to the 4-2-3-1, we are now seeing more and more teams utilize a 3-back system, particularly the 3-4-3, or sometimes referred to as the 3-box-3. Tuchel´s Chelsea have just recently won the #UCL while almost exclusively using this system.
Some managers choose to use a 4-3-3 (single pivot) in order to prioritise passing angles & triangles in possession. This shape is one of the most natural when it comes to creating a fluid system with these desired attributes, & progressing play from the backline to the midfield.
Deploying just the single pivot can make the shape susceptible to central attacks and does not offer the same defensive balance and protection of the double pivot.
Other managers choose to prioritise defensive solidity with the use of a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1. The box shape created with the double pivot & 2 CBs creates a strong foundation, & can be difficult to break down in transition moments as well as when the defending in a block.
While the double pivot makes for a solid shape for protecting & controlling central areas, it can create problems while attempting to progress the ball as more players are often found on the same vertical & horizontal lines, which in turn creates poor passing angles to progress.
What the 4-3-3 lacks (solid foundation out of possession) the 4-2-3-1 offers. What the 4-2-3-1 lacks (angles in possession) the 4-3-3 offers. So what would a coach who wants to play expansive football in possession while also creating a balanced foundation out of possession do?
You guessed it, setup their team in a 3-4-3. The 3-2 shape created by the back 3 & the double pivot is one of the most balanced & structurally sound, not only for controlling defensive transitions but also when defending in a block.
In addition, this 3-2 shape is also fantastic for creating progressive passing angles from the backline into the midfield, as well as allowing for the central defenders to progress via carries while will maintaining balance with the other 2 CBs.
The 3-4-3 is perhaps one of the most dynamic shapes when it comes to both balance & solidity when out of possession, as well as its ability to remain expansive and fluid controlled when in attack.
One final key component of the 3-box-3 is the actual box shape created by the double pivot & the two 10´s. A fantastic tool for creating central overloads as well as remaining in close proximity centrally for & developing strong preconditions for counter-pressing.
#GER also deploying the 3-4-3 with the 3-2 shape in the in first two attacking phases. Offering lots of angles into the midfield from the backline while also stretching the opposition both vertically and laterally.
A few more layers on the 3-4-3 from earlier this year 👇
For anyone interested, I put together this small project on Jesse Marsch´s philosophy and tactical concepts in in the autumn, during his time at RBL. Information from various podcasts & webinars, and analysis from matches.
Known to many as the German equivalent - "gegenpressing"; counterpressing is a tactical concept in football, which refers to the immediate moments which possession is lost & the team tries to recover possession as quickly as possible.
🧵THREAD
Though counterpressing is a sub-principle of the phase of play "defensive transitions", they are not the same. Defensive transitions can also occur when the team losing possession prioritises defensive balance & simply drops back into their def. shape instead of closing down.
Keys to effective counterpressing
•Prepare to defend during the attack (maintain short distances between players)
•Press as a unit
•Continuous movement towards the ball
•Quick reactions & aggressive mentality
•Recover the ball as quickly as possible upon losing possession
In possession 1. Build up 2. Progression 3. Creation
Out of possession 4. High block 5. Mid Block 6. Low Block
Transitions 7. Attack->Defend 8. Defend->Attack
Set Pieces 9. Offensive 10. Defensive
Each phase, both in possession & out of possession, is interdependent on the opposition being in the accompanying phase.
•Build Up vs High Block
•Progression vs Mid Block
•Creation vs Low Block
•Attacking Transition vs Defensive Transition
•Off. Set piece vs Def. Set piece
1. Build Up
•Build up play is an approach which attempts break the opposition first line of pressure & progress play vertically into the next phases through controlled passing sequences.
- +1 in front of opp. pressure
-Lateral & vertical support
-High tempo, few touches
Since arriving at Manchester United, Edinson Cavani´s movements in the box & ability to create separation & space for himself have not gone unnoticed, rightfully so. Not only is he smart in his movements, but just as importantly he is willing to make the runs.
*SHORT THREAD*
Getting a bit of daylight between himself & his marker has allowed for Cavani to come to some big chances this season, while scoring on a few of these occasions. Off the ball movements can often go unnoticed, with 22 players on the pitch & much of the focus on the ball.
While working on a recent article discussing space on the pitch, Cavani was a focal point for a lot of the ideas for this article, as he is seemingly constantly in motion looking for space.