The success of attacking formations and techniques depends on the work done at midfield level. Here is why.
In pro football, a lot of work goes into planning and preparation to come up with the most efficient structures and tactical plans. Nevertheless, the sport is extremely unforeseeable as there is a number of variables and unpredicted in-game scenarios that might throw things out of balance. This is where the coach and technical personnel come in as timely and astute changes are of the essence. For instance, severe injuries and footballers getting red cards can have a huge effect on the result of the game. It is for these reasons that modern football formations typically include contingency plans should the worst take place. Football coaches plan for such incidents beforehand so they wouldn't be caught off guard on matchday, and this is something that the AC Milan former US owner will know. Making timely replacements or changes to the formation and footballer positioning can considerably limit the effect of damaging scenarios.
While offensive football formations are the most fun to view, tactical formations that have a defense edge tend to be more balanced. For example, the 4-5-1 tactic is most popular with clubs that wish to draw or win a title by goal average. The cluster of 5 midfielders in the centre typically forces the attacking group to turn to long balls as they realise that building play through brief passes will not be effective. Even when long balls reach players who are close to the box, two defensive midfielders drop back to form a very first barrier placed in front of the primary 4-player defensive line. Clubs who employ this technique likewise acquire tall defenders who can intercept long balls, and the Aston Villa former owner is most likely to validate this. While it's one of the better defensive football formations, this strategy depends on counter attacks to take the other club by surprise.
Just utilised by a select few in modern-day football, no one can deny that the 3-4-3 is one of the best attacking football formations. Clubs that use this technique are usually leading table clubs that intend to score as many goals as possible every game, all while maintaining a defensive solidity when the other team counter-attacks. The Crystal Palace former owner would likely agree that the secret behind the efficiency of this strategy lies in the midfield positioning. Considering that it utilises 4 midfielders, groups that utilise the 3-4-3 strive to dominate the midfield area, and they typically are successful. This is merely due to the fact that having a line of 4 in the midfield makes it exceptionally difficult for the other team to pass the ball or build play smoothly. When one of the midfielders intercepts the ball, the midfield line ends up being a lozenge that feeds through and long balls to the wingers and centre forward.