In the latest of our articles on popular formations, we look at the 3-1-3-3, which many modern-day coaches have used to achieve success in recent years.
How is the 3133 set-up?
The formation begins with three centre-backs, whose primary role in the team is to prevent the opposition from scoring. However, like with most modern formations, the defenders also play a part in the team’s building up attacks from the back.
They can sometimes also split with the wider centre-backs, moving into positions usually occupied by full-backs.
In front of the back three, in the formation, is a central defensive midfielder who will protect the defence and also move wider to cover any gaps left by the wing-backs raiding forward.
The two wing-backs operate up and down the flanks. If the team is defending, they will drop alongside the three centre-backs to form a back-five.
Alternatively, when the team is attacking, the wing-backs supply the attacking width. They raid forward and help support the attack. As they need to get up and down, the wing-backs must have great stamina and work-rate.
The formation also usually includes a central midfielder or an attacking midfielder who supports the attack or play as a playmaker, creating chances for the attackers. If they are playing as a straight central midfielder, they have to defend and attack.
The front three consists of two wingers and a lone forward. The wingers are regarded as the players who are the primary support to the lone forward. They are likely to chip in with goals and also create chances for the lone frontman.
The lone forward’s main goal is to be the focal point of the team’s attack, holding up the ball and bringing their teammates into play. They are supposed to be the players who score the majority of the team’s goals.
When was the formation first developed?
The system was adapted from the Ajax and Netherlands 4-3-3 formation and has changed over the years. No specific individual has been accredited with inventing the formation.
However, the formation gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. In the late 1980s, coaches such as the legendary Dutchman Johan Cruyff made the formation popular with Ajax, the Netherlands national team and a variation of the formation with the famous Barcelona ‘Dream Team’ in the early 1990s.
In recent years, Atalanta’s head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has used a variation of the formation in Serie A. Their style of attacking play has made the Nerazzurri one of the most exciting teams in the Italian game.
Another modern boss who has used a variation of the formation is Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. The formation is ideal for the way that the Catalan boss likes to play, as he likes his team to be fluid, and this formation allows great flexibility.
When Italian head coach Antonio Conte was at the Italian giants Internazionale, he used the formation to achieve great success.
England’s boss, Thomas Tuchel, also used a variation of the formation during his time at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League in 2021, amongst others.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the formation?
One of the formation’s main strengths is that the three centre-backs bring solidity to it. This makes it difficult for teams to attack through the middle of the pitch.
Another positive is that the formation gives the team an overload in the middle of the park, as the central or attacking midfielder often supports the defensive midfielder. At the same time, one of the centre-backs can also join the midfielders.
The formation is highly effective when it comes to attacking. It means that the team will attack with the two wingers, the attacking midfielder, and, of course, the lone forward.
One of the formation’s main advantages is that it is flexible. It allows players to move into space and rotate, which can confuse the opposition.
When it comes to weaknesses, one of the biggest weaknesses is that it can be vulnerable to counter-attacks down the wings if the wing-backs get caught up field.
The second significant weakness is that the midfielders can be outnumbered if the team plays against a team that uses three central midfielders.
The flexibility and fluidity of the formation means that players could be out of position, which can leave gaps for the opposition to exploit.
Is it popular on FM?
During my travels through the Football Manager community, I have not seen any successful 3-1-3-3 formations for recent FM editions.
However, looking at the formation, I could see it being successful in Football Manager. As I have talked about in the strengths section, it gives a team great flexibility and numbers in attack, which can make for an entertaining formation.
If anybody has used a successful 3133 formation on FM, please let us know via our socials
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