5-3-2 formation

Defensive and solid: five at the back, three in midfield and two strikers on the break.

How it plays

Five defenders, three midfielders and two strikers. Three centre-backs stay in the middle while two wing-backs cover the flanks. The team defends deep and counter-attacks quickly through the two strikers.

Strengths

Very solid: five defenders cover the whole width of the pitch.
Hard to beat in the penalty area, especially against crosses.
Two strikers stay up front and threaten on the counter-attack.

Weaknesses

Can become passive and give the other team the ball.
Wing-backs need to run up and down the whole flank.
Three midfielders may lose the battle against a bigger midfield.

Best for

A weaker team playing a stronger opponent, or any squad that wants to defend first and counter-attack.

Coach’s tip

Practise the first pass after winning the ball. The shape only works if the strikers get the ball quickly.

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