3-1-1-2-3 "Custom Formations" Part 1

3-1-1-2-3

"Your nontraditional Italian 3-back"

Intro:

Traditional Italian formations of Juve and Napoli.

Juventes & Napoli:

You've seen the resurgence of the 3-Back in Italy in recent year’s right? This system or formation has been a potent formula for success in the past 2-3 years for both Napoli and Juventes. Juve’s success has been evident and they have been on the rise ever since the Calciopoli Match Fixing Scandal. As you see above Juve use a modified 3-5-2 that can be unpredictable.

They operate with 3 centre-backs, all which push up at times leaving two or even one centre back there for support. They could be classified as a BPD (Ball Playing Defender) in this formation. You then move up to the midfielders and reach the ever so present Andrea Pirlo. We all know his job and that is to create a connection line between the defense/midfield. He “spits” balls left and right across the pitch to create scoring chances for everyone. He also holds a bit of the defensive workload as well. Here’s where it gets complicated, Juve play with 2 wingers out wide on the pitch. These two wingers can be classified as “Defensive Wingers”, they run up and down their respective flanks performing their defensive and attacking duties. They spread the pitch wide so the centre-mids can “spit” balls to them. The two centre-mids sort of do the same things as Pirlo, but they are more box-to-box and attack-minded. 

The final two players in this extensive explanation of this formation are Giovinco and Vucinic. The atomic ant’s role is to connect with the centre-mids, flanks, and the lone attacker. The reason why this isn’t called the 3-5-1-1 is because Gio is sort of an “engache”. He’s a classic false 9 and helps to supply the lone forward. The forwards job is to be a target and create runs along the forward line. As I explained before about this formation Napoli is basically the same. The only difference is that they play a flat 3 centre-mids instead of a triangle like Juve.

The formation:

 GK:

The keeper is there to fend for himself. Just kidding the keeper should be a passing option for the whole team.

Centre-Backs:

I’ve placed 3 in the back, but the catch is that they are more together. I chose to do something different instead of them being spread out. Preferably you would want a mobile CB who can play the ball from the back in the center. He is the one who should be considered BPD (Ball Playing Defender). The outside defenders should be able to control the ball under pressure and be able to play the ball up front as well.

Defensive Mid:

This role is crucial as you need a reliable player back there. This player should be able to “spit” the ball up to the midfielders and forwards. Preferably like a Pirlo or sort of a De Rossi at Roma. This player should be deeper lying to support the defense.

Center Mid:

This position is also crucial because this is where the defense fully connects to the offense. The only difference is that this player is in a more advanced position. This player is also a deep lying mid too.

Playmakers/Engaches: 

In an ideal Football world you would want some of the best playmakers in history; Riquelme, Zidane, Bergkamp, etc. This can work at any squad so try to find a player suitable for these roles. These two players need to be deceptive with the ball and put deadly through balls at key moments. The reason why this is crucial is because they need to help play good balls to the three up front. These two players could be played a box-to-box mids too.


The Three Forwards:  

This is where everything comes into play. You have a centre forward who is a Trequartista and helps the playmakers out with passing. This player should be creative in the attack and help score goals too. The two outside forwards operate as inside forwards. The break inside when the centre forward drops deep. These two outside players should be able to dribble the ball effectively and put in deadly crosses when needed.



Conclusion:

BY AARON WILLIAMS

© AaronWilliamsRBSJORNALISM