By Matt Carroll
In both the 4-3-3 and the 4-2-3-1 there are three central midfielders that can be aligned in a variety of ways to create a variety of effects. The 4-3-3 can be played flat, but can also be played in a bowl shape where the central midfielder sits slightly behind the two wider central midfielders, or in an arrow shape with the central midfielder sitting in front of the wider players as the focal point of the attack and the wider midfielders providing support or overlapping options.
In the 4-2-3-1 the formation starts with two CDMs but one, or either, of the CDMS can be moved forward in attack creating a 4-1-4-1 formation in attack and the 4-2-3-1 in defense, or in a more conservation group stance the CDMs can move wider rather than forward creating more width, but also providing defensive cover should the attack stall. Both concepts of the bowl v. arrow have merit and depend ultimately on what a team is attempting to accomplish. Now a look at the bonuses and drawbacks of each.
In the bowl formation in both formations, the obvious bonus is attacking options. Two forward options is can play of each other while still having a negative option to playback to reset the attack. They can also provide a bonus when looking to press/counter-press an opponent. By funneling the opposition to one side with the press, the remaining CDM can more or less judge where the next play can happen and only needs to cover one side of the field with a centerback or outside back sliding in to cover the other half.
In the arrow formation, the advantage is defensive cover and options in the overlap. In the bowl, the opposition can pick up the two forward midfielders because they are already in place. In the arrow the midfielders sit deeper and can make their overlap runs once the opposition has over pursued or is caught ball watching.
In addition, they don’t need to slide to one side or the other, with two CDMs both sides of the field are covered and this can lead to defensive wins that can start counter-attacks towards the forward midfielder/forwards/wingers.
By Matt Carroll
