The 4-3-3 Is the Best Formation In Football

Popularised by the Dutch teams of the 1970s the 4-3-3 formation is one of the more well-established and revolutionary formations in world football.
Managers across the globe from non-league football all the way to the international level implement the 4-3-3 as the foundation for their teams.

This classic system has been around for years now and I'm here to tell you why it's still the ultimate formation for success.

The Midfield Triangle

One of the main cogs in the 4-3-3's machine is the midfield. Having three players in the middle of the park is designed to create a numer- ical superiority by outnumbering the opposition leading to easier chances of winning the ball back. This also aids in keeping possession as the opponent can't mark your three midfielders without leaving gaps in other areas,
Possession is massive in today's game with some of the best teams of the modern era adopting this style of play to win games. Just a decade ago the Spain national side dominated international football winning two European championships and a World Cup playing possession-based football in a 4-3-3.

The illustrious midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets were the key reason for Spain's supremacy, hav- ing the ability to keep hold of the ball while advancing up the pitch.
These triangles are seen all over the field in a 4-3-3 and allow more fluidity when in possession. The re- petition of triangular passing com- binations breaks down opponents both mentally and physically. Play- ers will not only begin to tire as they are constantly running after the ball but they'll also become frustrated with the lack of possession for their own team and eventually mistakes will be made. Essentially, passing them to death.

Balance- Now a lot of formations are known for being very defensive e.g. 4-5-1 and some are known for their attacking nature e.g. 3-4-3, but not many have the balance of both. This is where the 4-3-3 excels.

With a midfield consisting of a De- fensive Midfielder as well as a Box- to-Box and Attacking, the central zones of the pitch cover all bases.
If we look at some of the top teams right now we can see this tactic being deployed.

Arsenal with Partey, Xhaka and Odegaard.

Man City with Rodri, Gundogan and De Bruyne.

Bayern Munich with Kimmich, Goretzka and Muller.
The style of play that consists of these three midfield archetypes working together means that their teams are supported both offensively and defensively with strength in numbers on both sides of the ball. The key being that the box to box helps both attack and defence. Teams that use two hold- ing midfielders, say in a 4-4-2, tend to struggle on the transition and link-up play.

Wingers

The typical winger is known for their ability to beat a man with pace and dribbling, to attack defenders one-on-one and create chances for their team. But the attributes of a wide player don't solely have to be just that. Their position on the pitch is a crucial part of the 4-3-3 and it involves more than just creativity on the ball.
Having wide players in football duces space pro- and more importantly gaps. With a winger on each side, the defensive structure is spread and loses its compactness opening up lanes for attacking runs and passes.

Manchester City are a perfect example of this; take a look at Jack Grealish's heat map this season (below). With Grealish hugging the sideline, players like Ilkay Gundogan have more space and opportunities to play and create inside.
Making the pitch as wide as possible also gives more options when play- ing out from the back as the winger is another option for counter attacks and other outlet passes the defence and goalkeeper. from

False Nine- the false nine is proof of how adaptable this formation is. Instead of playing an out-and-out striker teams will play a more creative striker/attacking midfielder in that role but allow him to drop slightly deeper and work between the opposition's midfield and defensive lines.

This tactic adds more bodies to the midfield numbers for improved link-up play but now there's space in behind for 'inverted wingers' to run into,
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool teams of the past have flourished using this strategy with Roberto Firmino play- ing the false nine, taking advantage of the blistering pace of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.
And last but not least, the high press. This one is fairly simple, having both wingers so high and wide you can press the oppositions back line deeper in their own half.

Most defenders are known for being below average on the ball, to put it nicely. If you can win the ball in the other teams half, or even their own
third, it gives you an instant threat on goal and the back line panics.

Winning the ball back quickly and high up leaves no time for the defence to set and get into shape causing havoc. Of course this re- quires a high amount of fitness and work ethic but teams at the peak of professional football can play at that intensity.

Well, I think I've made a compelling argument for the 4-3-3 there. An outnumbering, balanced midfield three combined with wide, pressing wingers is tough to beat. But that's why it's the best (in my opinion).