Football formations go through eras and periods of time where they are extensively used; since the mid-noughties, the 4-5-1 and its variants (including the 4-2-3-1) rule the roost, monopolizing football at the highest levels. Eventually, however, it will be confined to history, much like many other tactics. The 2-3-5 had its day, however long ago, and has been banished as a relic of the sport's early days. Herbert Chapman's revered WM formation, the cornerstone of war time football, is know only found in history books. And indeed the 3-5-2, the dominant tactic of the late '80s and early '90s, seemed to be dying out with many people questioning its suitability in modern football.
Developed by Carlos Bilardo, manager of Argentina's 1986 World Cup winning squad, the 3-5-2 not only suited an Diego Maradona-led attack, but also proved to be defensively stable. The back three were organised so two of the centre backs man marked the opposition forwards, leaving one centre back, the libero or sweeper, to be free to sweep up any opposition balls and dribble forward. The new formation spread like wildfire across Europe and beyond until it was extinguished by Arrigo Sacchi, a bald shoe-salesman. After becoming the Milan coach in 1986, he enlightened the world to the merits of pressing and zonal marking with a back four, which is still in use today.
The 3-5-2 then teetered on the precipice of tactics history and became used less due to the emergence of the 4-5-1. A working back three relied on the opponent fielding two forwards, as then they would have one spare man at the back. With only one forward needing to be marked, however, the other two centrebacks had no role to do and this led to a shortfall of players further up the pitch. The 3-5-2 became out of date, just as the Sony Walkman and '70s football shorts.
Somehow, the back three has recently lifted itself up off the precipice and has fled to the safety of Italy, the birthplace of catennacio, the homeland of conservative football and the desolate land bereft of wingers. Udinese, Parma, Siena, Napoli, Lecce and more recently Fiorentina have been employing it, whilst Juventus have been flirting with it, looking for nothing more than a one-night stand. Bielsa and his disciple Sampaoli have also been using it and the 3-5-2 has emerged as the staple diet of Chilean football. But why has it emerged, and what are the consequences of its revival?
Let's start in Italy. Delio Rossi replaced Siniša Mihajlović (who's every mention conjures up these highlights) in November and has since managed a strong Fiorentina defence; they are currently second last in the number of goals conceded, despite being eleventh in the table. Delio Rossi has also changed Fiorentina formation to the 3-5-2 and it has suited them well. While Valon Behrami has been transformed into a defensive midfielder and leads Serie A in tackles per game, Fiorentina's back three has also shone. In Gamberini, Natali and Nastasić, Fiorentina have three centre backs who are all comfortable on the ball and they have starred this season.
With the re-emergence of the back three, one centre back has remained free while playing against two forwards. In comparison to the 3-5-2's glory days, this spare man is more of a passer than a dribbler and mirrors the game's switch to passing football inspired by the successes of Spain and Barcelona. In addition, it is Barcelona who have also experimented with the position, and have used the spare man to full effect. Usually one of Busquets or Mascherano have dropped back to the back three for the Catalan side. With the employment of a defensive midfielder in the back three, Barcelona can retain the possession of the ball more easily. Against Villarreal in their La Liga opener, Guardiola even fielded both Mascherano and Busquets in defence. A back three suits teams with ball playing defenders such as Hummels and Alderweireld.
Another team who have had success with a back three is Universidad de Chile, who have swept all before them in South America. Unlike other teams that play with a back three, Universidad employ aggressive pressing, prioritising winning the ball high up the pitch. Another Bielsa-inspired feature of their play is the use of wingers high up the pitch. The wide-forwards of Vargas and Castro stretch out the opposition back line, thus creating space for them to exploit with their pace. Eduardo Vargas in particular has impressed, becoming the single competition top scorer in Copa Sudamerica history and securing a move to Napoli after rejecting Chelsea's advances. While full-backs nowadays have a greater attacking responsibility, as it is hard to mark their advances from deep, wingers occupy the defence and thus manipulate the space around them. Barcelona have used this to great effect, playing Sanchez (a player used to Bielsa's tactics) and Pedro high up wide, thus creating space for Messi to create chances in his false nine role.
In utilising a back three, teams can employ a variety of tactics. Some, like Fiorentina have created a great defensive team by using the extra centre back to their advantage. Some, like Universidad de Chile use it so that they can press the ball high up the pitch and start counter-attacks. Others, like Barcelona and Juventus, have used it in certain situations against certain opponents, to ensure they have the upper hand. No matter how it is employed, the 3-5-2 certainly isn't dead. Instead, it is alive and kicking.
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