´

´

Out of the soccer formations, the 5-3-2, though quite recent, is not really as popular as the 4-4-2 so you might not see it as often.

In definition, there are five defenders, three midfielders and two strikers (as well as the goalkeeper of course!)

This formation borders on overloading the defence so its main focus is to prevent goals from being conceeded. Really this is to its credit as the defence is well covered with left and right full backs and no less than three central defenders.

BUT!!! In having lots of defenders the rest of the team’s game suffers. Having only three midfielders is not really enought to dominate the middle of the pitch and this is required to go out and win any game.

Having said that, there are still enough forwards, it is just the midfield that is weakened by having such a packed defence.

Now that I’ve gone through all the advantages and disadvantages of playing in a 5-3-2, I’ll let you know why some teams who play this formation don’t stick to it throughout the game.

Because there are so many defenders there is a shortage of attackers right? Yes. So when the team is attacking they can switch to a 3-5-2 formation to give them extra force going forward. Then when they are defending again they can revert to their usual system. Simple!- in theory at least.

´

Return home from soccer formations…