With the 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 back in fashion, the football world is rediscovering the benefits of two forward systems. Of the four teams to secure passage to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, three clubs feature two up top, though it’s absurd to paint the systems of Atlético Madrid, PSG and Atalanta with the same brush.
In this training article, we’ll start with the differences in runs behind the lines between two and three forward systems, which connects to last week’s analysis. With those contrasting ideas in place, this tactical analysis will set out the tactical argument for narrow, more direct runs behind the lines. This is especially important for teams lining up with a diamond midfield. We’ll then turn to a flat midfield system, be it in a four or five-player configuration. Finally, I’ll share some exercises to train your team to make runs behind the lines in a two forward setup.
Differences in runs between two and three forward systems
In my training analysis article entitled, “Coaching: Training runs behind the backline in a three forward system,” I went in-depth on the types of runs in behind defences utilised by the game’s top teams. The centre-forwards played a major role in these runs, though typically for the sake of a teammate. In a three forward system, teams like Real Madrid like to isolate the wide forwards, enabling them to either run onto a pass sent behind the lines, typically in the half-space, or running at a defender 1v1. With the current Barcelona squad, the front three are very narrow, offering vertical runs and outlets for deep completions and combination play. In either situation, the three forwards are tasked with occupying the entirety of the opposition’s backline.
In a two forward system, the occupation of the opposition’s backline is more targeted. In the majority of these tactical systems, the two forwards look to occupy just the centre-backs. They might position themselves between a centre and outside-back on occasion, but it’s nearly always the central player’s responsibility to pick up the central forward.
If a team has two forwards, odds are they’re playing 4-4-2, 3-5-2 or some variation of those formations. The obvious advantage of two up top is numerical equality deep in the central channel. That’s difficult to achieve in one and three forward systems, primarily because additional arrivals bring additional defenders.
A diamond midfield is generally utilised in the 4-4-2, particularly if a team’s defensive tactics prioritize counter-pressing and/or high pressing. It gives sides natural layers in and out of possession, plus the players are deeply connected throughout the pitch, overwhelming the opposition through numerical superiority and triangulated starting points. With this midfield structure, teams are likely to play more directly, using their numerical advantage near the ball and two high outlets before the opposition can transition to a more compact defensive shape. With this setup, you’ll see the centre-forwards coordinating their movements to free space behind the lines, either for each other or one of the midfielders. In the above image, you see Getafe narrowing the pitch defensively, Jaime Mata recovering the ball and then playing Jorge Molina behind the lines. Though the veteran was caught, a breath-taking individual display saw him pick up his second goal of the match.
For clubs sporting the flat midfield, the skill sets of the two forwards can vary significantly. Combinations include target player and second striker, attacking forward and trequartista or even two complete forwards who can do it all. While that’s not an exhaustive list, it gives an idea of the possibilities. While the vertical pass over or through the lines is always an option, you tend to see teams with a flat midfield progress up the wings. Even though the wingers aren’t running behind everyone in the line, they’re running behind the outside-back.
