The 3-2-3-2 Formation

by Mo Toumert
(Cleveland)

The 3-2-3-2 is actually a variation of the popular 3-5-2 which is one of the most used formations in soccer. You will not see the 3-3-3-2 so often in modern soccer, at least not in professional soccer. However, some coaches will still experiment with it especially if they have players that are able to adapt themselves to new formations quickly.

The 3-2-3-2 will allow you to have 2 holding center mids and also be part of the 5 mids scheme. A team with a strong midfield can win the ball and create scoring chances. When using this line up you will also have a balanced center which can be used to support the midfielders. However, the left and right midfielders will still need to put a lot of effort both in the offense and defense.

The Argentinean soccer team was really good at adapting this formation in the middle of 1980’s as well as the English champion’s league holders Liverpool during the 1990’s. If you wish to experiment with the 3-3-2-3-2 you really need to make sure that your players are really fit, especially the ones at the flank.

Also, the two attackers at the top need to cooperate together by performing criss-cross runs, takeovers and other combinations as well in order to confuse the opponents as much as possible. If they just jog around and pretend like if they were interested in the game you can be pretty sure that your team will really have few scoring chances.