patroc3-5-2
27.05.2008
patrocThis formation was popular a few years ago and can be an effective way of switching between defence and attack.
The 3-5-2 has three defenders, five midfielders and two attackers.
The two wide defenders are really attacking full-backs, so you could almost call it a 5-3-2 formation if you wanted to.
Across the back line there are three central defenders - occasionally with one acting as a sweeper - so it provides good cover at the back if the two central defenders are vulnerable.
The two wing-backs, who operate up the flanks, play a key role in this line-up.
It allows them to attack and Brazilians Cafu and Roberto Carlos were masters at this.
It is their job to work the full length of the pitch, supporting both the defence and the attack by getting crosses in and tackling back respectively.
If these two attacking defenders struggle with the pace of the game, the team can be left short of support, be it up front or at the back.
It does put a lot of responsibility on to the shoulders of just two players.
They do need to be very fit.
27.05.2008
FeriAtsThis formation was quite popular among German teams a decade ago or so. The main problem with this one was the scarcity of good sweepers. These guys had to be extra capable with the ball as they were on the field at the expense of an attacking midfielder. They were expected to be play-makers.
Not many footballers have the physical and technical ability to play the sweeper. This tactic was abondoned for various 4-4-2 variants where teams could employ no-frills defenders cheaply.
27.05.2008
