Formations and roles · Analysis
4-3-3 vs 4-2-3-1: One Midfield Triangle, Turned Upside Down
A 4-3-3 plays one pivot behind two 8s; a 4-2-3-1 plays two holding midfielders behind a 10. Side-by-side table, diagram and how to tell them apart.
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Comparisons
Formations and roles · Analysis
Wing-Back vs Full-Back: Same Flank, Different Job
A wing-back covers the whole flank in front of a back three; a full-back shares it with a winger in a back four. Table, diagram and formations.
Formations and roles · Analysis
False Nine vs Striker: One Drops Off the Centre-Backs, One Stays on Them
A false nine drops into midfield; a classic striker stays high on the centre-backs. A side-by-side table, a diagram, who scores and what each needs.
Formations and roles · Analysis
Libero vs Centre-Back: The Free Man and the Flat Line
A libero is a free defender behind man-markers; a centre-back defends a zone in a flat line. Side-by-side table, diagram, history and examples.
Formations and roles · Analysis
Single Pivot vs Double Pivot: One Holding Midfielder or Two
A single pivot is one holding midfielder in front of the defence; a double pivot is two side by side. A side-by-side table, the trade-offs and the formations.
Formations and roles · Analysis
Mezzala vs Trequartista: The Wide Eight and the Classic Ten
A mezzala is a wide number 8 who runs into the half-space; a trequartista is a number 10 in the hole. Side-by-side table, formations and examples.