DNA of ELEVEN

When 4-3-3 meets 4-4-2, it's 3 v 2 in the middle of the park, and the 4-3-3 has the easier time keeping the ball. So if you managed the 4-4-2, what would you move to win back control? In DNA of ELEVEN you look up 27 formations in the encyclopedia, then lay both teams' 22 players on a single pitch in the matchup view. Drag one team's shape across the pitch and test it for yourself: the position that exploits a hole in the opposition's defence, and the adjustment that plugs it. Step up and space opens in behind; shift across and the far side goes thin. Right there on the pitch, you can see why football tactics run so deep. ■ UNDERSTAND FORMATIONS ON THE PITCH FORMATIONS Browse 27 formations through six lenses: attacking, defensive, balanced, central, fluid and historical. Each one sets out its strengths and weaknesses and how the shape changes in and out of possession. Explanations come…