Watching Juventus as much as I do, I know pretty much everything about playing 3-5-2. I think it is a fantastic formation and a way forward with modern football, that said it does require the right players and high fitness levels.
The first line of the defence starts with the strikers as they always have to be on their toes closing down the opposition in their half of the pitch. If they fail then the five in midfield will use their numbers and intensity to win the ball back, if under pressure the RWB and the LWB back drop back to form 5 defenders at the back.
Out of the 3 at the back the LCB and RCB can be your standard meat and drink defenders but the Middle CB needs to be composed on the ball and be able to read the game well to intercept any loose balls. It effectively can work as an extra defender at the back as even if the LCB and RCB get beaten the Middle CB should be able to recover.
Going forward it is a very attacking formation as it's usually played with 2 box-to-box midfielders with an anchoring midfielder to dictate play and then with the Wing Backs pushing forward as well.
With regards to Charlton Solly and Wiggins would be great for RWB and LWB, I'd expect Dervite to play the Middle CB role, the only question would be do we have a good enough holding midfielder to support Jackson and Pritchard the 2 midfielders I think would thrive from playing this formation. Also this doesn't leave any room at all for Green and Harriott as they would have to track back and defend.
I think that Llorente and Tevez will really suit this formation, but will be interesting to see where they fit in Quagliarella, Vucenic and Giovinco. Juve's problem is the same as Italy's - what to do when you don't have Pirlo anymore. And that's a problem for any other team playing this position: where do you get a defensive midfielder that can pick an attacking pass from his own penalty area. Does Jaccarion play LB for Juve or through the middle? Can't understand why he's not more rated.
Seems we are set up 3-5-2 vs St. Mirren today. Personally I have always liked this formation providing you have the quality in the full backs which in Wiggins and Solly we have in abundance. You also need at least one very mobile centre back which we have recently struggled with. Is Wood that player ?
As a formation it's not one I like - you give the wing backs far too much space to cover as they have to be wingers and full backs. That means they have to be good at pinging over reasonably accurate crosses in attack and yet must also be adept at doing the defensive work and might occasionally find themselves doing both jobs within a few seconds of each other. Then you cramp the the centre of the pitch with three midfielders and three central defenders.
I prefer 4-4-2 - inevitably whenever a coach starts introducing new formations they return to this or some variant.
I think that Llorente and Tevez will really suit this formation, but will be interesting to see where they fit in Quagliarella, Vucenic and Giovinco. Juve's problem is the same as Italy's - what to do when you don't have Pirlo anymore. And that's a problem for any other team playing this position: where do you get a defensive midfielder that can pick an attacking pass from his own penalty area. Does Jaccarion play LB for Juve or through the middle? Can't understand why he's not more rated.
Where do you watch by the way.
Giaccherini mainly played in a central midfield role last season which I don't think suited him that well, as his pace and work-rate are much more effective on the wing, disappointed to see him go but can't help but think if he didn't have a great Confederations Cup then I wouldn't be too disappointed, Sunderland have got a really good player though. I watch Juventus on ESPN at home or in Turin when I get the chance!
With regards to 4-4-2 I think that it is becoming a bit of a dated formation, can't think of many top teams that use it. However I don't blame managers in the Championship for sticking with it because I think moving away from 4-4-2 for teams lower down is harder due to players' skill and intelligence on the pitch and I think that it needs cultured management.
Seems we are set up 3-5-2 vs St. Mirren today. Personally I have always liked this formation providing you have the quality in the full backs which in Wiggins and Solly we have in abundance. You also need at least one very mobile centre back which we have recently struggled with. Is Wood that player ?
As a formation it's not one I like - you give the wing backs far too much space to cover as they have to be wingers and full backs. That means they have to be good at pinging over reasonably accurate crosses in attack and yet must also be adept at doing the defensive work and might occasionally find themselves doing both jobs within a few seconds of each other. Then you cramp the the centre of the pitch with three midfielders and three central defenders.
I prefer 4-4-2 - inevitably whenever a coach starts introducing new formations they return to this or some variant.
Full backs that are mobile and attacking are one of the most important positions on the pitch. I agree that your full backs need to be made of the right stuff but there are plenty out there that can play as wing backs very well. This formation is not he answer to every situation but if you can effectively add it to your armoury of tactics because you have the personnel to do so then it's a very valuable option.
Watford played 3-5-2 for most of last season and scored 86 goals in the league. It CAN leave gaps behind the wingbacks of course, so you need quick and disciplined players in the centre and high levels of fitness. But it CAN be fabulous to watch.
Formations are about the players. If your full backs are good going forward and your midfield could do with the extra body - it is a decent formation. There is an argument that this sounds like us! Personally, I'm not decided, but is worth looking at as an option -which is what Chrissy is doing.
Personally, I'm not decided, but is worth looking at as an option.
Agree with you, Muttley.
Both Solly and Wilson on the right, and Wiggins and Evina on the left love to get forward - and are effective (good cross from Evina to set up Pritchard's goal at Pompey, for example).
I just worry that we may not close the gate behind them, if they are caught up field as opponents counter.
Personally, I'm not decided, but is worth looking at as an option.
Agree with you, Muttley.
Both Solly and Wilson on the right, and Wiggins and Evina on the left love to get forward - and are effective (good cross from Evina to set up Pritchard's goal at Pompey, for example).
I just worry that we may not close the gate behind them, if they are caught up field as opponents counter.
A good 3-5-2 works only with the right balance. As long as both WB don't go charging up the pitch together, it still leaves a solid back 4 in case of a counter attack. Also, a good covering DM is a must (IMO) who is ready to step back and help out when needed.............
Comments
Where do you watch by the way.
I prefer 4-4-2 - inevitably whenever a coach starts introducing new formations they return to this or some variant.
With regards to 4-4-2 I think that it is becoming a bit of a dated formation, can't think of many top teams that use it. However I don't blame managers in the Championship for sticking with it because I think moving away from 4-4-2 for teams lower down is harder due to players' skill and intelligence on the pitch and I think that it needs cultured management.
How about a 3-6-1 formation?
Cassano and Balotelli were up top.
Midfield of Marchisio, montolivo with pirlo the playmaker.
Balzaretti at LWB and I think it was Abate at RWB.
Defence was Chiellini and Bonnucci as big boys and De Rossi sat as the ball player in the middle of the two with Buffon in goal.
Both Solly and Wilson on the right, and Wiggins and Evina on the left love to get forward - and are effective (good cross from Evina to set up Pritchard's goal at Pompey, for example).
I just worry that we may not close the gate behind them, if they are caught up field as opponents counter.