The success of attacking formations and techniques depends on the work done at midfield level. Here is why.

In professional football, a great deal of work enters into planning and preparation to come up with the most effective structures and tactical plans. Nonetheless, the sport is extremely unpredictable as there is a number of variables and unforeseen in-game scenarios that might throw things out of balance. This is where the coach and technical personnel come in as prompt and astute modifications are of the essence. For instance, severe injuries and footballers getting red cards can have a substantial effect on the outcome of the game. It is for these factors that modern football formations typically consist of contingency plans should the worst happen. Football coaches prepare for such events ahead of time so they wouldn't be caught off guard on matchday, and this is something that the AC Milan former US owner will know. Making timely substitutions or changes to the tactic and footballer positioning can significantly limit the effect of unfavourable scenarios.

While offensive football formations are the most enjoyable to view, tactical formations that have a defensive edge tend to be more stable. For instance, the 4-5-1 formation is most popular with clubs that wish to draw or win a title by goal average. The cluster of 5 midfielders in the centre typically requires the attacking team to resort to long balls as they understand that building play through brief passes will not be efficient. Even when long balls reach players who are close to the area, two defensive midfielders hang back to form a very first barrier positioned in front of the primary 4-player defensive line. Clubs who use this technique also acquire tall defenders who can block long balls, and the Aston Villa former owner is likely to validate this. While it's one of the much better defensive football formations, this technique relies on counter attacks to take the other club by surprise.

Only utilised by a select few in modern football, nobody can deny that the 3-4-3 is one of the very best attacking football formations. Clubs that use this method are usually leading table clubs that aim to score as many goals as possible every game, all while retaining a defensive strength when the other team counter-attacks. The Crystal Palace former owner would likely concur that the secret behind the effectiveness of this method lies in the midfield positioning. Given that it uses 4 midfielders, groups that employ the 3-4-3 make every effort to dominate the midfield area, and they often are successful. This is simply since having a line of 4 in the midfield makes it exceptionally challenging for the other group to pass the ball or build play smoothly. When one of the midfielders obstructs the ball, the midfield line ends up being a lozenge that feeds through and long balls to the wingers and centre forward.