As You Can See, The 4-3-3 Opens Up So Many Variations of Attacking Movement That It Can Be Very Difficult To Con-Tain

As you can see, the 4-3-3 opens up so many variations of attacking movement that it can be very difficult to contain.
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CHAPTER 2 STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
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STRENGTHS OF THE SYSTEM One of the primary strengths of the 4-3-3 system is the 3 man central midfield which offers both offensive and defensive attributes. Along with the back 4, the 3 players that form the midfield triangle, whatever its configuration, offer a very effective central screen, guarding the dangerous areas of the offensive central part of the pitch.
When considering how to play against and beat the 4-3-3 system, it is imperative that we devise ways of disrupting this midfield screen, using flank positions to attack to stretch the cover they offer so that gaps appear in between and behind the midfield trio that can be exploited. Even if the flanks are used to good effect, any lead can be defended resolutely or an opposition contained by the ease in which the 4-3-3 drops into a very compact 4-5-1, conceding space in the opponents half and allowing the opposition onto it where the distances between the players is such that closing down in groups can be effected easily and efficiently.
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Again, finding ways to make stretch this shape and always have options with which to circulate the ball is paramount if we are to overcome it. Another strength that the 4-3-3 possesses is the anchor man can often find himself on the ball in front of the back 4 with time and space in which to assess his options and make his choice of pass.
All the time he has on the ball enables all kinds of movement and interchange in front of him with potential runs made which can stretch any defensive block. 19
It is essential that this player is never allowed to have the time on the ball with which to play a pass and if he ever does for any reason, the dangerous areas behind the defense need to be protected at all costs. In protecting the areas behind our back line, space can be created for one of the other midfielders to receive the ball behind our midfield and in front of the defense, thus compounding the problem of giving the anchor player time on the ball.
A look at the potential options with movement in front of him that the anchor player has when he has time on the ball shows how important closing him down in an effective manner is.
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Coming too narrow as a unit to combat the space that the midfield trio may have can result in the full backs being isolated against the wingers of the 4-3-3. These wingers will invariably be very quick and adept in 1v1 situations, such as Arjen Robben of Chelsea & Holland who faced with this scenario would be more than capable of beating the player he came up against.
Marking positions to avoid the winger getting a run at the full back coupled with sufficient cover need to be addressed if this is not to become a problem area in playing against the system. Another potential problem area is the counter attacking positions that the wingers in the system can take up if they wish to play in a bold manner. Upon winning the ball, a swift transfer to one of the players circled can result in a dangerous situation arising.
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If the manner in which the 4-3-3 is adopted is a bold one as shown, provision for marking these players when in possession of the ball has to be made. WEAKNESSES OF THE SYSTEM If the method of playing against the 4-3-3 is successful, it can result in any coach who adopts it having to make most of his players drop off to defend. A team that can keep the ball against the 4-3-3 and progress into its final third can peg back the system, making offensive players such as the wingers track back and defend.
This has the effect of isolating the lone striker who can be dominated by the two centre halves which negates the 43-3 from having a platform from which to build attacks.
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In a similar fashion any ball played into the lone striker requires the other players to get forward and support him to avoid him becoming isolated. This can lead to opportunities to counter attack against the 4-3-3 as players move forwards beyond the ball.
Another problem that the 4-3-3 faces is when the wingers are not goal scorers and they do not get into the penalty area for any cross coming in. The striker is often the only player inside the area and can therefore be dominated. Although this is a negative for the 4-3-3, if a midfielder times a run into the box for any cross then he has to be picked up otherwise he may arrive free. Equally important is the players who are on the edge of the box waiting for any knockdowns, they must obviously be picked up and closed down immediately should the ball only be half cleared from the cross.
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As You Can See, The 4-3-3 Opens Up So Many Variations of Attacking Movement That It Can Be Very Difficult To Con-Tain

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As You Can See, The 4-3-3 Opens Up So Many Variations of Attacking Movement That It Can Be Very Difficult To Con-Tain

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As you can see, the 4-3-3 opens up so many variations of attacking movement that it can be very difficult to contain.

CHAPTER 2 STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES

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