3-4-3 formation
The 3-4-3 puts three centre-backs behind a midfield four and a front three. It is an attacking formation that floods the final third with players while keeping a back three for cover.
How the 3-4-3 works
The two wide players in the midfield four act as wing-backs. When they push forward, the team attacks with five across the front: two wing-backs, two wide forwards and a striker. The two central midfielders hold the middle and connect the back three to the attack.
Without the ball, the wing-backs drop in to make a back five and the wide forwards tuck in to help the central midfielders, so the shape becomes a 5-4-1.
Strengths
- Lots of attacking players, with up to five across the front line.
- Three centre-backs give cover against counter-attacks.
- The wide forwards can press the opposition full-backs high up the pitch.
- Good for passing out from the back, with three defenders spread wide.
Weaknesses
- Only two central midfielders, so a three-man midfield can overrun the middle.
- Each wing-back has to defend a whole flank alone.
- Needs centre-backs who are comfortable stepping out with the ball.
- Gaps can open up between the front three and the midfield.
Player roles in the 3-4-3
Goalkeeper
Often acts as an extra passer behind the back three.
Back three
The outside two centre-backs often step into midfield with the ball.
Wing-backs
Provide all the width and drop into a back five without the ball.
Central midfield
Two midfielders who must cover a lot of ground.
Wide forwards
Press, cut inside and score.
Striker
The focal point, holding up play for the runners around them.
Famous teams that used the 3-4-3
Barcelona's Dream Team under Johan Cruyff
Won the club's first European Cup in 1992 with a 3-4-3 built around a midfield diamond.
Chelsea under Antonio Conte (2016 to 2017)
Switched to a 3-4-3 early in the season and won the Premier League with Hazard and Pedro behind Diego Costa.
Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel (2021)
Took over mid-season and won the Champions League with a back three, wing-backs and a front three.
Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini
An aggressive back-three side that won the Europa League in 2024.
Example lineup: Netherlands legends XI
A Total Football tribute: Koeman, Stam and Rijkaard at the back, Gullit and Davids in midfield, and Cruyff, Van Basten and Bergkamp up front.
- ST Marco van Basten
- RW Dennis Bergkamp
- LW Johan Cruyff
- LM Clarence Seedorf
- RM Arjen Robben
- CM Ruud Gullit
- CM Edgar Davids
- CB Jaap Stam
- CB Frank Rijkaard
- CB Ronald Koeman
- GK Edwin van der Sar
Then swap in your own players, change the theme, and download it.