3-4-3 Soccer Formation

Using a 3-4-3 the mid fielders expected to split their time between attacking and defending. Having only three dedicated defenders means that if the opposing team breaks through the midfield, they will have a greater chance to score than with a more conventional defensive configuration, such as 4-5-1 or 4-4-2. However, the three forwards allow for a greater concentration on offense. This formation is used by more offensive-minded teams.

Teams that used this formation

* FC Barcelona during the early 1990s, with Johan Cruijff as coach (four La Liga titles in 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994, and a Champions League in 1992)

* AC Milan during the end of the 1990s, with Alberto Zaccheroni as coach (one scudetto in 1999)

* FC Barcelona during the a portion of the 2006-2007 La Liga season, with Frank Rijkaard as coach. This formation was a result of Frank Rijkaard's insistence on playing Deco, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and a defensive midfielder as well. With this formation, he most commonly utilized Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o as forwards.

* AFC Ajax won the Champions League in 1995 when Louis van Gaal was manager. Ajax also won the Eredivisie three times - 1994, 1995 and 1996. The first eleven was: Edwin Van der Sar, Michael Reiziger, Danny Blind, Frank de Boer, Frank Rijkaard, Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Jari Litmanen, Marc Overmars, Finidi George, Patrick Kluivert.

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