In recent decades, the 4-3-3 formation has become highly popular. Many top coaches and teams have used it to dominate at home and abroad.
In this article, we will look at why the 4-3-3 is so widely used and the pros and cons of the formation.
How do teams set up in a 433 formation?
The 4-3-3 is set up in a way that attempts to provide balance for the team. It starts with a flat-back four of two centre-backs flanked by full-backs, or more likely, wing-backs in the modern game.
The three-man central midfield can be a mix of defensive and attack-minded players. At least one of those players is usually a defensive or ball-winning midfielder who may not venture that far forward in attack.
They are the link between the defence and midfield. If the wing-backs venture forward, then they will be the player expected to shuffle across and stop the attack.
This can be a difficult job, which is why number sixs, such as Manchester City and Spain’s Rodri, are so highly rated. The former Atletico Madrid star recently won the Ballon d’Or, which illustrates his importance in his teams’ recent success.
The other two midfielders are variable. Depending on how attacking a team wants to play, another of the centre midfielders could sit deeper alongside the defensive midfielder to form a double pivot.
The alternative is that two of the central midfielders are attack-minded and venture forward, often taking turns at when to join in the attack.
The front three can be set up in several different ways in the formation. The most popular set-up is that of two wingers and one more central forward.
The wide players stay wider to provide the attacking width and supply the central forward. However, the alternative is that the forward line is almost a straight front three.
In this style, the front three often rotate positions and can have more freedom. In a 4-3-3, the central forward can often come deeper to receive the ball or, at times, almost play as false number nine.
A classic example of this is Harry Kane, who, despite playing as the central forward, comes deeper for the ball, creating space from the position he left behind.
Another was Roberto Firmino at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. The Brazilian was selfless in the number role, coming deeper and creating space for his two forward partners, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
When was the formation first developed?
The formation is initially believed to have been used by Brazil in the 1962 World Cup, which evolved from the 4-2-4 that the Selecao used in the previous edition of the competition.
The formation then became popular throughout the world game. However, the use of the formation by legendary Dutch boss Rinus Michels with his great Ajax and later the Netherlands national team in the 1970s made the formation far more popular.
The formation helped facilitate the “Total Football’ style of play, with which that era of Dutch football is so synonymous. Michels’ use of the tactic also influenced his star pupil Johan Cruyff to use it during his own coaching career, with the 4-3-3 being one of the formations that brought him great success at Barcelona.
What are the pros and cons of the 4-3-3?
No formation is perfect, as if one were, most teams and head coaches would use it, and other deciding factors would settle games. With that in mind, the 4-3-3 formation has pros and cons.
One of the main pros is that the formation allows teams always to have at least three players in attacking positions. This can be the difference between winning or losing games.
It also helps if a team is looking to play counter-attacking football. Two fast wingers can get the team up the pitch at speed and hit the opposition when they are at their weakest when it comes to numbers.
In an attacking 4-4-3, the wing-backs often join in the attack, which can give the team five players in the attacking area of the pitch.
If a team is set up to attack, at least one of the central midfielders could also be in an attacking position, which only increases the threat to the opposition goal.
The three-in-midfield set-up can also be vital in dominating the centre of the pitch, which is often where the game is won and lost.
The midfield three can overload the centre of the pitch and gain a numerical advantage. A central forward dropping deep will give the team an even bigger overload.
A well-executed 4-3-3 with all the players following instructions can be a highly effective formation.
One downside to the 4-3-3, if not using wingers, is that the team can lack attacking width. The width then needs to be provided by the wing-backs, which leaves massive spaces behind them if they are not able to get back into their primary position. This leaves the team open to counter-attacks.
That is why an intelligent number six or defensive midfielder is needed to plug the gaps, especially if the other two central midfielders are caught higher up the pitch.
Another possible disadvantage is if a team plays a relatively defensive 4-3-3 with wingers, the central forward can lack support if the wide players or central midfielders are slow to get up in attack.
Is it popular on FM?
As in real-life football, the 4-3-3 is a popular formation in Football Manager. Anybody who reads my articles regularly knows that I love my balanced formations.
In FM, the 4-3-3 can provide excellent balance for your team. A good example of the formation working was Odd 433 by Franklyfm84 in FM23.
However, I haven’t tested many 4-3-3 tactics in FM24, as it’s just a personal preference. My go-to formation is usually a 4-2-3-1 or variations on it (boring, I hear you all cry!).
I am sure people have had success with the 4-3-3 on FM24, though, as it is a classic formation which is likely to endure for years to come.
What are your thoughts on the 4-3-3 formation in real life or on FM?
