totalvoetbalThis is the 4-3-3 that revolutionized football in the 70s by Ajax and the Dutch national football team with mastermind Johan Cruyff in the headrole, playing as a CF in what he called "the diamond". (Take in mind the 4-1-2-1-2 with a CAM and two STs isn't the same kind of diamond, this is only about the 4-3-3)
The arrows depict how the 4-3-3 transforms into a 3-4-3, and why it's a formation with a lot of diversity. In modern times it has been developed by Barcelona, Ajax, Villarreal and more. Often common is a possession/short passing style of play because of the way the formation fits for that. Another thing that's connected to the 4-3-3 and 3-4-3 is the positional play and how players rotate positions in a very fluid manner.

Let's discuss positives and negatives, and explore more about the 4-3-3 and the 3-4-3?

13.08.2013

totalvoetbal
The normal image of a 4-3-3 with an ST instead of a CF. Barcelona tried this variation in 2009 with Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is more of a static targetman kind of player.


Let's take a Barcelona example. Anchorman Mascherano moves down to form a 3back line with Puyol and Pique while offensive and quick Alba and Alves take a step higher up in the pitch.


Here is the 3-4-3.


This picture depicts the positional play and how fluid it can be. Pedro can play on both wings, Messi can play on both wings but prefers RW cutting in with his left foot. Iniesta can play in the midfield together with the left wing and Fabregas has been playing more as the CF/false nine since coming to Barcelona.



Combine the defensive and offensive diversity and you have this.

13.08.2013