Positions and tactics have actually become very fluid in modern-day football. This short post will discuss the reasons behind this.

Commonly considered among the first and most dependable defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a tactic that is still common to this day. What makes this tactic more efficient than other defensive tactics is how well balanced it is. This is since the 4 midfielders tend to inhabit and dominate the midfield by retaining ownership of the ball. In so doing, they manage the tempo of the match and choose when to attack and when to fall back. In the offensive stance, 2 midfielders advance up the field to feed the centre forwards through balls and accurate crosses that can make a difference in the area. Long balls sent from the midfield or perhaps defense can likewise be used, something that the Aston Villa former owner would understand. When defending, the midfield position changes into an arch that serves as a secondary shield or layer of defense that covers the back line.

Maybe one of the most used football formations over the last ten years, the 4-3-3 is a traditional strategy that features effective offensive characteristics that are hard to beat. This strategy is deemed one of the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reasons. The genius in this formation is all to do with the synergy between the midfield and the attacking line. While there are various variations of the 4-3-3, most count on one defensive midfielder and two offensive midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield stance looks like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining close to the back line. This enables more defensive strength in the case of unexpected and fast counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is likely knowledgeable about. In order for this work to bear fruit, the wingers and centre forward should be technically-skilled in regards to shooting and crossing.

There are some key elements that affect the coach's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For instance, ranking on the table and considering the club's goals for the season are primary elements to keep in mind. Clubs that are looking to secure a place within the leading 4 endeavour to win as many matches as possible, especially against direct competitors who have comparable objectives. This is why the best football formations are often the ones that prioritise long-term objectives instead of specific matches. Internally, the availability of certain players in essential positions can frequently indicate what tactics to choose. This is merely because there are certain tactics in football that only work in the presence of key players with a specific skillset. This is another reason why injuries can be incredibly disruptive, forcing coaches to consider alternative plans, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is likely familiar with.