What the 4-3-3 is in football and when to use it
The 4-3-3 is a formation with 4 defenders, 3 midfielders and 3 forwards, usually a centre-forward and two wingers. It is an attacking system built to press high and attack down the flanks.
The 4-3-3 puts three men in attack: a number 9 in the box and two wingers who stretch the pitch. Behind them sit the classic back four and a midfield triangle that shares marking and creation. It is a system that invites you to attack and to press the opposition build-up. It needs quick wingers with a dribble and midfielders who cover a lot of ground, because when the front three do not track back the middle is exposed. A well-known variant is the 4-3-3 with a false nine, where the centre-forward drops into play.
In ELDT you can use the 4-3-3 and the 4-3-3 false nine. The line-up guide defines it as attacking, pressing high, and warns: without quick wingers, playing 4-3-3 is a way to lose.
See it in the game: the manager's guide.
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See also: online football manager · guides on the blog