THE GAME, THE TACTICS 2

Hello all, I'm still on my recent journey examining tit-bits on various tactics here and there. Last time out it was the MID-BLOCK DEFENSIVE SYSTEM in focus.

It's true that over the past decade and a half, football has evolved great, such that what was unthinkable back then, is now a norm these days. So if you suggested a two-man defence to folks in the 90s, they would count you as one out of your mind, but today it's common place, especially with some of the best teams.

We visit the world of the 2-3-5 ATTACKING FORMATION and see a bit of it's modus operandi. Actually it's an off-shoot of possession based, total football philosophy of football great, Johan Cruyff.

LET'S DELVE IN

Teams who use this system ordinarily line-up with the 4-3-3 formation ab intio, it is when they are in possession and surging into attack that things get interesting, as they transform into a 2-3-5 formation. Meaning:

1] Two defenders stay deep: They stand farther apart than normal and their job is to recycle possession and protect against counter-attacks.

2] The midfield three(generally consists of a holding midfielder and the two inverted full-backs): They are very alert, covering spaces, mopping up any mistakes by the front men and foiling counters. Indeed they protect the defence.

3] The attacking five( usually includes three forwards and two attacking midfielders)

Expanding number 3

The idea here is that first-off, the width of the pitch is divided into 5 parts- one attacker in the middle, two wide and the last two between the central one and the wide players. So that's 5 attacking players spread across all five vertical channels, which creates gaps between defensive lines, helps create overloads and also helps to recycle possession if the ball is lost.

Breaking it down:

a] The wide attackers(or wingers) stay wide to provide width, stretching the opposition's defence to breaking point.

b] The central striker could be an out and out striker, in which case he is a target man for goals or he could be a false nine, in which case he drops deep to create space for others, as well as facilitate link-up play to feed others wth goal scoring opportunities.

c] The two attacking midfielders or an attacking one and box-box one, operate in the half-spaces, and their advanced positions help to create overloads for shots at goal. They also exploit gaps in the opposition's defence, whenever it appears.

TO CONCLUDE

The formation is not as scary as the name sounds( especially the 2-man defence). Don't forget the name I mentioned above, the legend. This is in keeping with the total football culture, defending starts from the front. Every attacker is a defender and maintain a disciplined press system if they lose the ball.

Thanks a lot for reading, do have a blessed day.

Cheers

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