5-3-2 Formation

From Soccer Manager Wiki

This formation can be an effective way of switching between defence and attack.

The 5-3-2 has five defenders, three midfielders and two attackers.

Two of the defenders are expected to play attacking roles, so you could almost call it a 3-5-2 formation if you wanted to.

Across the back line there are three central defenders - occasionally with one acting as a sweeper - so it provides good cover at the back if the two central defenders are vulnerable.

The two wing-backs, who operate up the flanks, play a key role in this line-up.

It allows them to attack and Brazilians Cafu and Roberto Carlos were masters at this.

It is their job to work the full length of the pitch, supporting both the defence and the attack by getting crosses in and tackling back respectively.

If these two attacking defenders struggle with the pace of the game, the team can be left short of support, be it up front or at the back.