The 1-4-3-3 system is considered one of the most offensive systems available to us as coaches. Unbalanced in midfield, but with an incredible potential in attack.
It is clear that it needs players with specific characteristics to be able to get the most out of its potential.
A favorite of coaches such as Jurgen Klopp, who has elevated him to excellence in his performances at Liverpool.
The main characteristic is the attack on the outside, looking for depth on the wing and the main objective is to finish with lateral crosses from the opposite side. Few balls are put inside from the players with the first decision making, which are the center backs and full backs.
#Positioning game. Centerbacks without much width and semi-flat starting fullbacks and closed c. MC is the key to change between one profile and another, offers second line arrival when the center option is already very consolidated and fights rejection knowing that he is out of position.
# Active side: Open ends and long lane by the midfielder offering passing line with the center back. DC with tendency to come to receive. LAT closed, not in the same line of width as the winger. This closed position of the winger facilitates changes of play from that position to the opposing EXT.
#Weak side: the movement of the DC to receive generates the opposite end to close. MP on the weak side is positioned to participate from lateral center and lateral weak side , preparing to reduce space in case of a possible rejection after the cross.
#Location game. Specificity of wing play. Most of the initial decisions are made by the wingers.
On the active side, the triangle formed by LAT, MP and EXT is fundamental. These movements are varied. The main objective is to look for free space behind the fullback and from there look for continuity mainly through crosses. This triangle is sometimes inverted with the MP at the base and the open fullback and winger inside. This aspect is very important for transition roles.
Sometimes the direct participation of the DC occurs, thus altering the composition of the attack on the weak side.
Weak side. The strength of this form of attack lies in the anticipation of the action by the players who come in from the weak side. They really know what is going to happen on the active side, and this allows them to anticipate situations and surprise the opposing defense, as well as sometimes providing numerical superiority in the shooting area.
