The 3–3–1–3 formation: Its audacity and its frailty https://t.co/LbmAs2g1Cr

Is it worth the hype? What are the mechanics in attack and defence? Role of the wingbacks in this system with references from #LEESOU #Bielsa #EPL

Here's my honest take:

The choice of a system with Bielsa depends firstly on the number in the first line of pressure from the opposition. The 3-3-1-3 is suited against opponents that press with 2 at the top to gain numerical superiority over the first line of press

As the play moves outwards from deep, the opposition finds it easy to apply high pressure forcing the play wide since there are no options back into the middle. The CM in front of the defence is often either tightly marked or is in a position of heavy inferiority.

Progression to the construction phase is initiated by wingbacks. The space lies in the inside channel (half space) to attack. Overloading the half space helps gain superiority in the middle. The opposing wingback helps create a 2v1 on the opposite side forcing the defence back

Superiority can also be created by one of the forwards dropping, the winger replacing the space left behind in the centre, and the wingback overlapping with a 3rd-man or 4th-man run. The play needs to be quick and direct or risks a 4v4 on the counter!