4-3-3 or 3-4-3? That was the question heading into last weekend’s matchup in New England against the Revolution. Frank de Boer had employed both formations for the Five Stripes this season. In the end de Boer opted for the 4-3-3, but added a wrinkle through the center of the pitch we haven’t yet seen this season, and in some cases saw Atlanta United in more of a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 formation.
Let’s take a look.
While de Boer had previously played a traditional midfield three in Columbus, but this time he instructed his most attacking center midfielder (center attacking midfielder or CAM) to essentially ignore their defensive responsibilities and remain high up the pitch, sometimes almost playing as a second striker with Josef Martinez.