In football, there are always different styles of play and ways to pick up points and victories. Some teams are set up to attack, whereas some are set up with defence as the first priority.
One formation that falls into the latter category is the 5-3-2, which has been a popular defensive formation over the years.
How do teams set up in the 532 formation?
As the title suggests, a 5-3-2 formation consists of five defenders, three midfielders and two forwards.
The back five defenders are usually set up with two full-backs flanking three centre-backs.
Depending on how adventurous the instructions are, they become wing-backs and support the team’s attack or sit back alongside the three central defenders.
If the full-backs venture forward, the centre-backs split to cover the gaps left by the centre-backs. Alternatively, one of the central midfielder’s shuttles across to fill the vacant space.
The central midfield three plays a crucial role in the formation. They can be pretty flexible and fulfil different duties, and their positions can dictate whether a team plays defensively or offensively.
The midfield could play as a tight flat three in order to be difficult to break down and create an overload. However, the midfield lines up, at least one of those central midfielders will be a defensive midfielder who protects his backline.
Some teams will play with a double pivot of defensive midfielders, leaving the third midfielder to play a more attacking role.
It is also possible that a team uses one midfielder as a defensive player, and the other two venture forward to aid the attack. However, this is only if the team is attempting to be more attack-minded.
Last but not least, in this formation are the two forwards. These are the players the team depends on to get the goals, especially if they are playing a 5-3-2 ‘Catenaccio’ style, which concentrates on defence and looks to hit teams on the counter-attack.
In many 5-3-2 formations, one of the forwards will remain in an advanced attacking position while one may drop deep to receive the ball.
There are lots of combinations of two-player forward partnerships. However, many consider having a physical striker partnered with a dynamic and pacey forward the right blend in attack.
When was the formation first developed?
The 5-3-2 is believed to have been first used in Brazil in the 1960s by the national team. It was designed to get the best out of the Selecao’s technically gifted players, such as Pele and Garrincha.
However, one of the most famous 5-3-2 formations was used by Argentinian head coach Helenio Herrera at Italian giants Inter when using the aforementioned ‘Catenaccio’ style of play.
From 1960 until 1968, the Nerazzurri were wildly successful, as the style was designed to defend tightly and hit teams on the counter-attack.
Former Chelsea and Italy head coach Antonio Conte has used the system during his managerial career. However, in possession of the ball, the formation usually changes into more of a 3-5-2.
Brazil’s head coach, Felipe Scolari, used this formation to win the 2002 World Cup.
The formation worked so well because the Selecao had fast full-backs, Roberto Carlos and Cafu, supporting the supremely talented front two of Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
If a head coach is more adventurous, then the formation, more often not, turns into a 3-5-2.
What are the pros and cons of the 5-3-2?
The biggest pro of this formation is that when the opposition has the ball, a team can remain compact, with a bank of five in defence and three in midfield protecting their goal.
With three central midfielders and even a forward dropping deeper, a team is unlikely to get outnumbered in the centre of the park.
If a team wants to be offensive in transitions, then it can be a highly useful formation for quick counter-attacks, especially if the midfield and full-backs support the attack. It benefits the team if the full-backs are fast and have a strong level of fitness.
As we have previously discussed, the formation is also relatively flexible. If a team wants to be more attacking, it can quickly become a 3-5-2 when it has the ball.
The main con with the 5-3-2 is if the central midfielder or the full-backs don’t get up in support of the two forwards, then they are left isolated, and it can invite pressure from the opposition.
With fewer players in attacking positions, the ball is likely to come straight back at the team’s defence.
The formation also requires a lot of the central midfielders, as they have to get up to support the front players and also get back into shape when the opposition counters. This can mean the team is out of shape in transition.
Is it popular on FM?
For me, this is a formation you would use if you are an underdog team or playing a big away game against a difficult opponent.
However, I haven’t come across many players using the formation on FM24 while visiting FM sites and doing the tactic testing.
If they are going to use a similar formation, then they will usually use a 3-5-2, but in this set-up, the full-backs would be in more of an advanced position as wing-backs.
In theory, this could be a good formation for FM, but like any formation, you would have to have the right players in order to make it successful.
Do you use a 5-3-2 formation on FM? Let us know via our socials.
