By Soren Schamberg
The 4-3-3 formation is known for it’s flexibility and defensive prowess when being used at the highest level. In most cases, teams use a 4-3-3 with a defensive or strong midfield mindset, almost leaving the CF up front to play the role of a false 9 as a target man to get the ball up the field and then distribute to the wide players pursuing the run of play. However, placing the fluid strikers, not defined to one role or place in the front line, can create extremely potent attacks, keeping the opposition guessing where the threat will be coming from.
Reviewing two instances from Liverpool vs. Arsenal on November 20, 2021 shows how exceptional the right arrangement of players in the front 3 can be.
Liverpool were already up 2-0 thanks to a goal from a free kick and an Arsenal defensive error in the back. In the 67’, Salah is released by a ball played down the right side by Alexander-Arnold. This triggers the other two forwards, Mané and Jota to begin making runs to get into the box.
Using a couple of feints, Mané presents the illusion in the 18 that he is the target, ultimately changing his direction to the near post. Meanwhile, Jota has adjusted his run to arrive in the box behind Salah.
Mané’s run and Salah’s well placed cross, leaves Jota with a lot of space in the 18. His one touch effort is deflected by an on form Ramsdale in the Arsenal goal, but it’s easy to see how the threat is always present.
Fast forward a couple of minutes, and we are in the 72’ minute. A lobbing ball played out from Allison, is headed on into space at half field where an oncoming Jota triggers Mané to begin running down the left side in behind the Arsenal defense.
This run by Mané draws all three trailing defenders while Salah moves into space and maintains an onside position.
From here, it is just a tap in for Salah.
Having three strikers at the top of a 4-3-3 formation allows any one of them to be the threat that can win them games.
By Soren Schamberg
