Milan's Triumph
As simple as football is perceived to be, it has always been a game of tactics. Whether it's Cruyff's 3-4-3 or Wenger's 4-4-2, football keeps evolving. One such formation that gained popularity in the early 2000s was the 4-3-2-1. It is a system that involves a back 4 split into two central defenders and two fullbacks. The 3 midfielders are classed as one defensive midfielder and two offensive ones. In front of them, there are two attacking midfielders and a striker ahead. How it works? As the setup is designed in such a way that it offers no natural width to the side, the fullbacks are expected to bombard the flanks during attacking transitions throughout the game. The midfielders covering the back 4 have to be diligent defensively and link up play with the two attacking midfielders who are granted freedom on the pitch and can work with the striker. On field demands : The fullbacks need to be industrious enough to cater to the demands of this arrangement. Because ...