FanPost

Secondary Formation 1

While 4-3-3 is a good reliable formation, we need to be ready to use a few other formations so that we can transition when needed, and the players are comfortable with it. The first one of these is a 3-4-3. We used the 3-4-3 in quite a few matches, and it provides good defensive cover, along with a good strong attack of 3 men. The only flaw with this formation is that it provides for only 2 midfielders.

Now unlike the 4-3-3, this is a comparatively straightforward formation, with simple tactics. In a 4-3-3, we switched to something of a 2-1-4-3 in transition, 2-1-2-5 in attack. In the 3-4-3, it's much more simple. This will be our basic structure. Also, sometimes Frenkie can play as the Central Centre back, and Araujo on the right, like we did this season. Then we can freely switch the formation a 4-3-3 if trailing.

We play with three defenders. The Central defender will play slightly ahead of the other 2 as he is good in the air, and will be the main force to stop the counter attack. We play with two wing backs, who can progress further forward as there are 3 at the back, though they will still have to move back. This time, I have included Emerson instead of Dest as he's a natural RWB. Mingueza played as RCB this season, and he will take the same role, or Pique can play in the centre, Araujo on the right, whatever the manager chooses.

In attack, we will move the defence line higher up, like in the 4-3-3, Alba and Emerson move up as RM, LM, then as we move further up, they provide the width an become the LW, RW, as Fati and Messi operate as Inside Forwards while drifting in.

The structure remains somewhat the same, with only Wing Backs becoming midfielders, then moving up as Wingers, to form something of a 3-2-5. One benefit of this formation is that there are not many spaces which can be exploited. If in case however teams manage to find spaces, from the wings, Emerson is strong defensively. Alba cannot be counted on, but Laporte surely can. From the middle, they'll have to pass a strong Frenkie and the wall Araujo. All our centre backs are fast so that further reduces the chances.

As for the defence, this will be our structure-

Laporte and Mingueza retreat, so do Alba and Emerson, then form a back 4. Pedri shifts a little into the middle, while Ansu drops to the LM. Frenkie shifts outwide as RM. Then these 3, along with Araujo, who will operate as DM will look to get the ball back. Aguero and Messi obviously won't press, so they stay up, for the counter attack, as we form a 4-1-3-2. If Griezmann start though instead of Aguero, then we can switch to a 4-1-4-1, with Grizou moving in the middle with Pedri as he has a high work rate.

This is the kind of formation we would use against teams when we need to defend more. Like this is what we would have used against Liverpool, when we have a comfortable lead, and can defend more. In between matches, Frenkie can move into the centre of the defence, if we start with a 4-3-3.

<em>This does not represent the views of Barca Blaugranes or SBNation</em>