The key tactical points of Ange Postecoglou’s controversial 3-2-4-1 formation in possession

The Socceroos new 3-2-4-1 system, looking at how the back three builds up to get a player in the box midfield free between lines pic.twitter.com/kptVLw9cLx

— Tim Palmer (@timpalmerftbl) June 8, 2017

Key points

• Back three split across width of penalty box, and goalkeeper supporting build up as sweeper
  • If space in front they can inject to create overload centrally
• Midfield two starting position behind opposition first line; one can drop in front or outside of the first line to receive
  • If receive facing forward look for a vertical pass into near-side 10
• Two #10s positioned higher between opposition midfield and defensive lines; look to face forward with movements towards the outside of their nearest opponent facing forward
  • Create a box midfield to overload the opposition in central areas
• Wingers high as possible while remaining in a line of pass with the ball
  • Movement to attack space in behind the opposition last line if 10 or 6 receives facing forward
• 9 starting position as high as possible centrally; can move off the line to receive vertical passes if open (often when a player in back three injects)
• Fluid movements; players can assume other roles and move to nearest position within the system if quicker than returning to their nominal position

Key principles

• Face forward, play forward
• Verticality
• Combination play
• Movement to get free
• Penetration from wide areas