Pat Noonan Tactics At FC Cincinnati Using 3-5-2 Build-Up – Tactical Theory

What Is The 3-5-2 Formation?

The 3-5-2 is a formation that can enable efficient possession-based build-up play while offering effective long-ball solutions.

Having three centre-backs can make switching the point of attack easier and allow the centre-backs to escape and break the first line of opposition pressure.

Especially when playing against a back four, having two centre-forwards can cause the opposition centre-backs difficulties.

The two can be used to keep both opposition centre-backs constantly occupied and under pressure by always playing up against them — something many defenders in modern football are neither used to nor comfortable with.

Pat Noonans FC Cincinnati, a team that featured a one-time Premier League player with Newcastle United and Tottenham, DeAndre Yedlin, often uses a 3-5-2 formation.

This tactical theory will offer an analysis of FC Cincinnati’s 3-5-2 set-up and build-up play tactics.

A major focus of this tactical analysis will be on how Cincinnati’s double pivot creates space for their ‘10’ and their strikers movement to create goalscoring opportunities.

Low Double Pivot

When the three Cincinnati centre-backs are in possession, they generally occupy the central area and half-spaces.

Their defensive midfielders, playing in a double pivot, take up a low position relative to the ball.

The two