I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but at least I want to debate it.
Advantages that I see in it:
• 3 actual defenders (+ support of 2 DMs) instead of 2 CBs in case of a counterattack bc FBs are often too offensive.
• Perfect use for half FBs, half CBs (Alaba, Militão, Araújo, Joe Gomez, Aké, Timber)
• At least 2 DMs are needed bc they are good for anything (CB substitute, tackling, build up, distance shots, intruding the box)
• Most world class teams currently have a perfect fitting CAM, RW and LW. Doku/KDB/Silva, Sané/Musiala/Coman, Vini/Jude/Fede, Gavi/Pedri/YamalorCancelo, Diaz/Szobosz/Trent, Martinelli/Ødegaard/Saka
• A laid back “false 9” and tap in “true 9” could complete each other: Alvaréz/Haaland, Gnabry/Kane, Rodrygo/Joselu, Félix/Lewandowski, Salah/Nuñez, Hofmann/Boniface, etc.
City already do this, Arsenal are almost there too. Arsenal play 3 defenders, 2 at defensive midfield, 2 10s, wingers, and a striker, but their system involves positional switching, where Zinchenko is a fb out of possession but in possession he plays dm.
Love posts like this
There’s no debate. Some play their favorite formation, some, arguably with more tactical knowledge, plays what fits the team.
3-5-2 can work. Just like 4-3-3 (4-2-3-1, 4-3-2-1, 4-1-2-3) does and how 4-4-2 did back in the day.