Tactics are everything when it comes to modern-day football. They can turn average players into overachievers or make a team of superstars underperform. This past season, we’ve seen some tactical setups rise above the others—fueling title wins, giant killings, and unbeaten runs. Whether you’re a casual fan, an aspiring coach, or someone who just loves to understand the “why” behind the “wow,” getting to know the top formations can be a whole new level to enjoying the sport.
And hey, if you’re the kind of fan who turns up to five-a-side games in custom printed tees that match your team’s formation (don’t pretend that’s not a thing), this one’s definitely for you. Let’s dive into the five tactical formations that stood out the most this season.
1. 3-4-3 – The Flexible Fortress
The 3-4-3 has made a serious comeback this season, especially with teams who prioritize both width and defensive stability. Managers love it because it facilitates transitions between attack and defense with minimal fuss. Look at how Brighton, under Roberto De Zerbi, have adopted this shape to wonderful effect.
With the ball, the back three provides solidity as the wing-backs push high, in effect wingers. This enables the midfield two to stay central and recycle possession. What has made the formation so effective is it is adaptable. At times, it morphs into a 5-2-3 in defence or 3-2-5 in attack.
De Zerbi’s version often sees the two central midfielders drop deep to receive the ball, drawing opponents out and creating space behind. This controlled chaos has caught many top sides off guard. It’s a system that rewards discipline and intelligence rather than just raw pace or power.
2. 4-2-3-1 – The Balanced Backbone
This formation is a classic for a reason—it offers structure without sacrificing creativity. A number of mid-table and top clubs switched to the 4-2-3-1 this season for its defensive-attacking balance. Manchester United under Erik ten Hag (when it was working) used this formation to excellent effect, especially when Casemiro and Eriksen were a solid double pivot.
The two holding midfielders protect the backline and act as launch pads for attack. And the “three” in front is often a creative No. 10 flanked on either side by two inverted wingers who cut in and open up space for overlapping full-backs.
This season, we saw a lot of teams use this shape to achieve numerical advantage in the middle of the park. If executed well, it provides teams with passing triangles all over the pitch, which allows them to dominate possession and spread the opposition. It’s also one of the trendiest shapes for a team to possess a dominant playmaker who thrives in spaces.
3. 4-3-3 – The High Press Machine
Ah, the reliable old 4-3-3. If you want energy, pressing, and fast attacking transitions, this is your guy. It’s no surprise that teams like Liverpool and Manchester City have made this their default in recent years, and while there are deviations, the fundamentals are always the same.
This 4-3-3 campaign has been instrumental for sides attempting to dominate possession and choke the life out of their rivals. Its success is based on the midfield trio—generally consisting of a holding midfielder (like Rodri), a box-to-box dynamo, and an attacking playmaker.
The wide forwards in this shape have the freedom to press high, cut inside, and shoot, with full-backs like Kyle Walker or Trent Alexander-Arnold providing the width. The interesting thing is how the shape facilitates fluidity. For example, Guardiola would often turn it into a 3-2-2-3 in build-up, pulling defenders and midfielders out of position.
Fans and amateur coaches alike love the 4-3-3 because it’s modern, aggressive, and endlessly adaptable. And if you’re drawing up your own match plan on a whiteboard or even designing your Sunday league custom printed tees, it’s probably the first shape that comes to mind.
4. 5-2-1-2 – The Counter-Attack Specialist
Not all teams can control the ball, and that’s where the 5-2-1-2 formation kicks in. It’s been employed masterfully by underdog teams to frustrate elite clubs and launch lethal counterattacks. Recall how Unai Emery at Aston Villa deployed compactness to punch above their weight this season.
The shape is all about pinching in the middle areas, forcing opponents to play out wide where aerially dominant defenders and discipline-conscious wing-backs can control the game. The two central midfielders screen the defence, and the “1” — usually a creative attacking midfielder — connects the defence to the forwards.
This formation shines in games where possession is going to be at a premium. With three centre-backs and two wing-backs, the team is hard to break down but always ready to hit the moment the ball is won back. It’s the perfect system for soaking up pressure before hitting back with speed and accuracy.
5. 4-4-2 Diamond – The Compact Controller
The 4-4-2 diamond, so often labelled old-fashioned, was once again trendy this season in a series of tactical experiments. Managers used it to control central areas while allowing full-backs to offer width. It’s a tighter and more technical version of the traditional 4-4-2.
Teams like Monaco and even teams in lower leagues had success with this system. The narrow midfield diamond gives numerical superiority in the middle, and it is easier to dominate possession. The base of the diamond, a deep-lying playmaker, helps in build-up, and the tip—a mobile No. 10—connects with the two strikers.
This formation works best with technically gifted players who are positionally aware. If not well-disciplined, though, it has the tendency to expose the wings. But when executed with precision, the 4-4-2 diamond can break down even the most obstinate defensive walls.
It’s also a great option for managers looking to squeeze the best out of two strikers—a luxury in this era of the lone striker.
Wrapping Up: Tactics Are the Real MVP
This season has been a masterclass in tactical variety. While individual brilliance will always grab the headlines, it’s the system behind the scenes that more often than not dictates who wins or loses. Whether you’re watching the game, coaching your own side, or designing your dream kit (including those custom printed tees for your hometown team, naturally), understanding these tactical formations gives you a new lens through which to appreciate the game.
Football is evolving, but there is one thing that remains the same—those who understand the tactics, enjoy the game on a whole different level. So the next time you’re watching a match, don’t just watch the goals and the fouls. Watch the shape, the movement, the transitions. That’s where the magic really happens.