World Football: The Most Unusual Tactical Systems Today

Tactics today are radically different from those in the beginning of football. From to 2-3-5, which was played by most teams before the 1960s, to the 3-2-5, which was also a norm til the 1950s), there was the revolutionary formation created by the Dutchman Rinus Michels, called the 4-3-3, which allowed for a more fluid style of play.

Additionally the style of play from olden times has changed drastically as well. The game is now much faster than it was, and players are required to be more athletic than usual. Take the Dutch "Total Football" side in the 1970.

They seem to be running their socks off compared to their opponents in matches, but they run about three kilometers less than most teams today. Also, referees have become stricter and rash challenges are looked upon more harshly, resulting in players being more likely to be carded.

This list is dedicated to the innovators/managers who decided to try something new in the face of tactical trends. But as the legendary Bill Shankly said:

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Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly simple.

 

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Liverpool's 5-3-2 Against Chelsea

Liverpool's manager Kenny Dalglish needed to defend effectively against the Chelsea attack in a match that had strong undercurrents after Fernando Torres signed for the champions. He knew that Carlo Ancelotti would field his best strikers up front in a 4-3-3 with Torres, Anelka and Drogba. He realized he needed to counter that and still keep possession by not being outnumbered in midfield. There was only one clear solution: a reversion to three at the back.

Eventually, Dalglish played a 5-3-2, which fulfilled all the necessary requirements. That allowed them to defend adequately with a central midfield partnership of Lucas (holding), Gerrard (box to box) and Meireles (playmaker) against Mikel (holding), Essien (box to box) and Lampard (playmaker).

The strike pair that Liverpool went with were Maxi playing slightly behind Kuyt, the main striker, allowing them to have a parity with Chelsea's centre backs (Ivanovic and Terry). 

It worked very well, with Liverpool parking the bus and making the play. They eventually defeated Chelsea 1-0. 

Blackpool

Blackpool last season played an unusual formation for a relegation side. They played a disciplined yet attacking 4-3-3 with mediocre players.

The Seasiders' system consisted of Charlie Adam operating as the hub of the team, dictating the game from deep with his astute passing. It is easy to overestimate Adam's role in that Blackpool team, and to underestimate that of David Vaughan

Vaughan was the more workmanlike, self-effacing partner to Adam's engine-room talents. Statistically he was Blackpool's best defensive player. He made the most tackle and interceptions per game than any Blackpool player.

The intriguing thing about Blackpool's system was that instead of using inside forwards that most big teams use, they had two target men/passing strikers instead of inside forwards with players like Luke Varney and Gary Taylor-Fletcher, who are great passers but bad crossers and finishers. 

Napoli's 3-4-3

Napoli was successful in the Serie A last season with a 3-4-3 formation.

It employs two secondary forwards who are not wingers in the form of Ezequiel Lazezzi and Marek Hamsik, one of whom is a pure striker and the other is a playmaker. They have used full backs in Maggio and Dossena but they function as defensive wingers rather than wing backs. 

Udinese

They played a 3-5-2, which allows them to play much like Napoli with the exception of fielding two strikers up front. The highly underrated Antonio Di Natale played in front of Chilean dynamo Alexis Sanchez, who acted as the playmaker.

Chile at the Copa America

Chile played a 3-1-3 at the Copa America to accommodate Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, with their midfield dynamo being playmaker Jorge Valdivia.