For those who think formations and tactics don't make a difference, try playing a lone striker against a formation that has a five-man defense; it will not be easy.
Choosing the right formation to counter an opponent is just one of the tools a coach must use if he wants to win the game.
Some formations are more complex to break than others, especially those with an emphasis on having more players behind the ball. Therefore, choosing a formation that can attack and keep the opponent at bay can make all the difference.
With regard to the 5-3-2 formation, it is essential to be aware of the danger zones, especially the wings.
A compact looking 5-3-2 formation can be dangerous as there is always the threat of the two full-backs moving forward and connecting crosses for the two forwards to latch onto. Without possession of the ball, the two full-backs tuck themselves into the bottom line, creating a more solid defense that is difficult to break.
There are ways to tackle this tactic and prevail, and today we're going to look at four of the best formations to use against the 5-3-2 formation.
1. 4-3-3 Attacking
The number one formation that we've found works wonders against the 5-3-2 formation is the ultra-flexible 4-3-3 formation.
There's a lot to love about the 4-3-3, particularly its versatility; with a defensive midfielder and two attacking midfielders, it is the ideal formation to combat the 5-3-2.
The 4-3-3 is all about pace; the object of the game is to win the ball back, funnel the passes to DMC and two central midfielders, and feed the two wingers.
Once in possession of the ball, the wingers cross to the striker or run towards the goal. Clipping off the wings has two benefits; scares the defenders to death and forces the full-backs to retreat quickly.
The 4-3-3 formation ruins everything that's good about the 5-3-2, and that's exactly what you want from a tactic; play to your strengths and make it difficult for your opponent to play to theirs.
The lone attacker can be a striker or, equally valuable, a poacher. If the wingers shoot, the poacher takes the rebounds or lurks in the area looking for a simple touch.
Used correctly and with the right players at your disposal, the 4-3-3 is one of the most offensive, exciting and penetrating formations in use today.
Fans love to watch, players like the fast attacking game and the opposition hates it; it's the best way to play against a team that uses a 5-3-2 formation.
Pros
- The 4-3-3 is one of the most fluid attack formations out there.
- DMC and wingers are vital and offer width, attacking style and defensive structure.
- It is one of the most popular formations around.
- Fans like to see the attacking phases that the formation brings.
- Out of possession, players can quickly recover the ball and initiate attacks.
Cons
- Less talented teams may struggle to adopt the 4-3-3 formation.
- It has good wingers and a mobile and tactically astute defensive midfield.
2. 4-4-2
When in doubt, it's always a good idea to revert to tried-and-true training. They aren't much more orthodox and familiar than the classic 4-4-2 formation.
There are noticeable advantages to using a 4-4-2 formation when facing a team set up at 5-3-2; the two midfielders can combat the marauding full-backs.
With full-backs tagged out of the game or, better yet, forced back into a defensive position, the two midfielders can try to cross to the two forwards.
Should the full-backs outrun the two midfielders, there's a four-man defense line to contend with, making the 4-4-2 a strong candidate to prevent teams from scoring.
Sometimes the two central midfielders can revert to a diamond formation, so that one is in a more advanced role, supporting the attackers, and the other can drop deeper into a defensive midfield position.
The 4-4-2 has a reputation for being old-fashioned and inflexible, but that's not true; the midfield four have multiple options for moving into defensive or offensive positions.
Pros
- The 4-4-2 is a formation that many players can quickly adapt to.
- It's a formation that can contain opposing full-backs.
- The team has defensive coverage as well as a solid attacking threat.
Cons
- Many coaches are reluctant to use the 4-4-2 tactic as it is seen as outdated.
- Although flexible, the formation tends to be invaded; Incisive passers can cut through midfield.
- If the midfielders don't fight the full-backs, there's room for plenty of crosses into the box.
3. 4-2-3-1
A much more modern formation to use against the 5-3-2 is an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. The team still maintains the defensive coverage of having four defenders, but having four forwards forces the opponent to return to their midfield.
Unlike a formation with two attackers, the 4-2-3-1 uses three attacking midfielders, one in the center and two on the wings.
Having two wingers is an excellent choice as it makes the full-backs spend more time looking over their shoulders; instead of attacking the wings, they are forced to fall back to fight the opposition wingers.
The two central midfielders are invariably midfielders or defensive midfielders; their only job is to quickly press, tackle, and recycle the ball back to their more attacking teammates.
The 4-2-3-1 is one of the most versatile, flexible and attacking formations out there. There are six players defending the goalkeeper, and the ball can pass quickly to the attackers.
Pros
- It is one of the most offensive formations out there.
- But it also provides excellent defensive coverage.
- Fans enjoy watching their team play in this style; fast passers can cause confusion.
- Assuming they are fit, the wingers force the full-backs away from the danger area.
Cons
- A weaker or less technically talented team will struggle to maintain cohesion.
- You cannot shoe players in some of the positions; all must be fit for the role they are to play.
4. 5-3-2 (Mirroring the opposition)
They say that mime is the highest form of flattery, but in this case, it's about denying the other team's goal threat.
If your opponent lined up in 5-3-2 and you don't have the players to fight him with another formation, why not play as equals? Your full-backs against theirs and your midfield against theirs becomes a war of attrition.
If you decide to copy the opponent's formation, it will be up to who wants more or who has the most talented players in key positions. If you're blessed with fast, talented full-backs, you've already won half the battle.
With two excellent strikers but a weak midfield, focusing on the wings and crossing after cross could pay dividends.
Since the formations are the same, each player will essentially mark one opposing player. This is a good formation to use if your players are better defensively than attacking or if you just don't have the manpower to try a more intuitive formation like 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
Pros
- Being able to tag each player restricts the opponent's attacking threat.
- If your players are more talented, or you have better players in critical areas, you can overwhelm the opposition.
Cons
- There is a chance for the two teams to cancel each other out, leading to a stalemate.
- If you have weaker fullbacks there is a chance of being overtaken.
- If the teams cancel each other out, the game is sad to watch and the fans soon lose patience.
