Historical Background:

Football formations have undergone significant developments since the game’s inception. Traditional formations, such as the 2-3-5 “pyramid” and the 3-3-4 “WM,” ruled the early days of football. However, the evolution of tactics, coaching methodologies, and player roles paved the way for new formations.

The Modern Era:

In the contemporary game, one formation stands out as the most widely utilized – the 4-3-3 formation. This configuration places four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards on the pitch. It has seen tremendous success and popularity since its inception, mainly due to its flexibility and adaptability to different playing styles.

Tactical Advantages:

The 4-3-3 formation offers various tactical advantages that make it the go-to choice for many teams. Firstly, its balanced structure provides stability in defence by having two centre-backs flanked by two full-backs. This defensive solidity allows teams to maintain numerical superiority at the back while preventing openings through the central areas.

Moreover, in midfield, three central midfielders operate. One of them typically acts as a holding midfielder, shielding the defence and distributing the ball, while the other two engage in a combination of defensive and offensive duties. This central midfield trio enables effective control of the game, both in terms of ball possession and maintaining compactness.

The attacking trio in a 4-3-3 formation is equally influential. The presence of three forwards ensures constant pressure on opposing defences, creating various attacking options. Wide forwards offer width and pace on the flanks, while a central striker serves as a focal point, holding up play and providing a goal-scoring threat.

Success in Modern Football:

Numerous successful teams around the world have embraced the 4-3-3 formation and achieved remarkable results. Barcelona, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, garnered immense success employing this formation, with players like Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta thriving in their respective roles. Similarly, Liverpool, under Jürgen Klopp, have utilized the 4-3-3 formation to great effect, securing major silverware with their high intensity pressing and dynamic attacking trios.

Popularity Amongst Coaches:

The popularity of the 4-3-3 formation can also be seen in the widespread adoption by many top coaches. The flexibility it offers, combined with a solid defensive foundation and attacking prowess, makes it an attractive choice for teams to showcase their strengths and exploit the opposition’s weaknesses.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the most used formation in football is subject to change as tactical trends evolve, influenced by the innovations of coaches, individual player skill sets, and match situations.

Throughout the 2019/20 season and the most used formation was the 4231 and the classic 442, whilst the 433 was only used 90 times throughout that season, we saw a big change in usage throughout the 2020/21 season when we saw a major increase in the use of the 433 formation. We also saw an increase with the 3421 and the 352 show a big trend in adapting to a back three.