There are lots of advantages to having a signature tactic for top clubs. Carry on reading for more information about this.
Perhaps among the most used football formations over the last 10 years, the 4-3-3 is a timeless tactic that features effective offensive dynamics that are tough to beat. This tactic is deemed one of the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reasons. The genius in this formation lies in the synergy in 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 appears like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder staying near the back line. This enables more defensive strength when it comes to sudden 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 need to be technically-skilled in regards to shooting and crossing.
Widely regarded one of the first and most dependable defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a strategy that is still popular to this day. What makes this tactic more effective than other defensive tactics is how well balanced it is. This is due to the fact that the four midfielders tend to inhabit and dominate the midfield by maintaining possession of the ball. In so doing, they control the pace of the game and choose when to push forward and when to fall back. In the attacking position, 2 midfielders advance up the pitch to feed the centre forwards through balls and accurate crosses that can make a distinction in the box. Long balls sent out from the midfield or perhaps defense can also be utilised, something that the Aston Villa former owner would understand. When defending, the midfield stance changes into an arch that acts as a secondary buffer or layer of defense that protects the back line.
There are some essential aspects that influence the manager's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For example, ranking on the table and considering the team's objectives for the season are main factors to remember. Clubs that are seeking to secure a place within the leading four endeavour to win as many games as possible, specifically versus direct competitors who have similar goals. This is why the best football formations are typically the ones that prioritise long-lasting goals instead of specific games. Internally, the availability of particular footballers in key positions can typically inform what formations to go for. This is simply since there are specific strategies in football that only work in the existence of key players with a specific skillset. This is another reason why injuries can be extremely disruptive, requiring coaches to consider alternative strategies, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is most likely aware of.