Perhaps best showcased by Thomas Tuchel´s Chelsea, or Roberto Martinez's Belgium, the 3-4-3 has
become an intriguing option for any side looking for a solid balance between defence and attack.
Whether referred to as a back three or a back five, it is widely accepted that systems which
employ three centre backs increased in popularity and usage during the 1980s.
With most teams utilizing two strikers against the two centre backs,
the addition of a third central defender allowed for a spare man in defence for extra cover.
There are different types of three-at-the-back system, but the 3-4-3 is the most common, with
its three centre backs, two modern wingbacks, a double pivot, two free roaming 10´s and a striker.
But what are the natural advantages and disadvantages that come with the 3-4-3?
This is a formation which offers a well-balanced setup.
With many sides choosing to create a structure in-possession which allows for five players to
attack, and five players to maintain balance, the 3-2 shape at the back which is created by
the three central defenders and the double pivot is a great foundation.
The front five is then created by the two wingbacks, the two attacking midfielders and
the striker. With the wingbacks maintaining width on each side to stretch the opposition laterally,
and the striker making runs in behind the backline to stretch them vertically,
there will then be spaces opened between the lines for the attacking midfielders to operate in.
Depending on their role within the team, the wingbacks in a 3-4-3 can be utilised in
various ways, which is something that can allow the system a degree of tactical flexibility.
In-possession they will often have the freedom to both push forward simultaneously,
knowing they have defensive coverage behind them in the form of three centre backs. This allows for
the side in possession to hold width on each side, and always have a threat on the back-post. And
when the side is out of possession the wingbacks can be deployed in varying roles as well.
A team looking to press the opposition high up the pitch can push the wingbacks forward allowing for
a more aggressive approach in a high-block, or in the instances that the team gets pushed back
into their low-block shape, the wingbacks can drop back into the backline creating a 5-man defence.
With the natural width provided by the wingbacks in the attack,
and the addition of the attacking midfielders drifting wide, creating
overloads in wide areas of the pitch is often a key component of breaking down the opposition.
Creating situations in wide areas of the pitch which can shift the opposition block
to one side will also allow for quick switches of play to the opposite flank where the other
wingback can find themselves in 1v1 or 2v1 situations. A concept which is typically known
as overload to isolate and is a very viable way of creating chances through this system.
Rotations amongst the front three is also a common approach for teams setting up in a
3-4-3. Whether that means two players stretching the backline with one player dropping underneath,
one player up top with two players finding space between the lines,
or one of the attacking midfielders dropping even deeper into the midfield to create
central overloads, there are many positional rotations which can occur within this structure.
One final key foundation of this formation, which is important in ball progression, chance
creation and counter-pressing, is the strength of the box-shape created by the double pivot
and the attacking midfielders. Cohesion among these four players is a component for success.
While the 3-4-3 offers an array of strengths,
it is not to say the formation is without potential deficiencies.
Any formation in modern football which lines up with just two natural central midfielders
will always run the risk of being outnumbered in the centre of the pitch,
which could make it difficult to control the tempo of the match.
The space being ceded on the wings, on the outside of the centre-backs, is another
potential issue. With both wingbacks pushing up into the attack, these wide areas may become
susceptible to opposition counter attacks. This will require the wide centre-backs to be mobile,
and capable of covering larger areas of space and defending 1-on-1 in wider areas of the pitch.
When compared to a more traditional centre back pair, the wide centre
backs will also have more responsibility to progress the ball into the midfield,
whether that is through carries or line-breaking passes. Finding defenders who possess the
necessary attributes and are capable of this role can also present challenges – and great cost.
Positioning for the two players who are deployed in the double pivot
may also be an area for concern if they are not disciplined.
It is often up to them to maintain a sense of balance in the side both in and out of
possession, and a lapse in judgement by these players could leave the backline exposed.
While some may choose to call it a 5-4-1 or a 3-4-2-1, the 3-4-3 has become a fashionable
system for many top sides and coaches. A formation which offers balance, and can be
exciting going forward while also maintaining strong foundations for defending at the back.
The formation may require players who are more specialized in certain roles compared to
other formations, but when executed properly the 3-4-3 is capable of overwhelming the opposition.