In the latest article on our journey through the world of football formations, we look at the 32221, also known as a “double-wing” or “double-pivot” used by a select group of modern bosses at the top of the football tree.
How is the 32221 formation set up?
The 3-2-2-2-1 starts with three defenders, with two defensive midfielders in front. Further up the field, there are two central or attacking midfielders. Two wingers operate on the flanks, supporting a lone forward who is the focal point of the attack.
The three centre-backs will be the players who are responsible for keeping the opposition from scoring. The two wider centre-backs will split into wider areas to cover any gaps on the flanks. They will also be available as an option for the goalkeeper when the play starts from a goal-kick.
The two defensive midfielders, or ‘double-pivot’, operate in front of the backline. They protect the defence in transition and are the link between the defence and the midfield by being an option for the ball. With no full-backs, they will also attempt to cover any defensive gaps out wide in transition.
Playing slightly further forward in the formation will be either a central midfield two or two attacking midfielders. The specific roles of the players will depend on how adventurous a head coach wants to be with his tactics.
Whichever way they decide to play, the pair’s primary responsibility is to get forward and support the main striker and the wingers. That could be as a playmaker or by getting into the box to score goals.
The wingers also play an essential part in supporting the lone forward. They will be another supply for the forward, but they will also be expected to contribute to scoring goals. Depending on the score of the game, wingers may also drop deeper to provide defensive cover out wide if necessary.
The lone forward’s primary role in the team is to score most of the team’s goals. However, their job entails more than just goalscoring. They have to hold the ball up to bring their teammates into play, as well as be the first player to press if the team is playing a high-pressing style.
When was it first developed?
As it is not a conventional formation that is that popular amongst managers, it is hard to pinpoint when the formation was first used. However, it seems to be a formation that has been adapted from the 3-4-3.
The 3-4-3 formation evolved from the 3-5-2, which is believed to have first been used in the Italian game. However, it was popularised by Dutch great Johan Cruyff in the 1980s and 1990s at both Ajax and Barcelona.
The formation slightly evolved in more modern times to a 3-2-2-2-1. It is one of the formations that Manchester boss Pep Guardiola has used in his career. The Catalan’s use of the formation is not surprising, as he played under Cruyff at Barcelona.
Other bosses have used the formation, such as Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler and former Seagulls boss Roberto de Zerbi.
Pros and Cons of the 32221 formation?
One of the main strengths of this formation is that it provides a balance between defence and attack, with five players defending and five attacking.
With the potential number of players in midfield, a team playing the formation can easily overload the opposition in the centre of the pitch.
With potentially five players in potential attacking positions, it’s perfect for pressing teams high up the pitch, meaning that they may have problems building their attacks in their final third.
The biggest weakness of this formation could also be part of the strengths, as there could be too many players in the centre of the pitch. That leaves gaps elsewhere.
This brings us on to our subsequent weakness, which is gaps out wide that teams can exploit in a quick transition. These gaps are often there due to no full-backs or wing-backs.
The formation puts a lot of pressure on the players in the ‘double-pivot’ to be disciplined and shuttle over to ensure teams don’t get counter on the counter-attack.
Is the formation popular on Football Manager?
As this is a slightly unconventional formation, I haven’t seen it used much in Football Manager. However, there was a tactic I used for my testing articles that was similar, although the positions were slightly tweaked, called DDaRkNeSs 3-2-2-2-1 by DaRkNeSs.
The differences between the formation described above are as follows: The two attacking midfielders were wide-midfielders. Further up the field, instead of playing with two wingers, the team played with two attacking midfielders or number tens.
The tactic was pretty successful, as it helped an Everton team that was predicted to finish 16th in the table finish fifth place.
The formation is undoubtedly one that would be interesting to try out on Football Manager. Like with most formations, though, you would have to have the right players to make it work to its optimal level.
What do you think of the 3-2-2-2-1 formation? Let us know via our socials or by leaving a message here.
