There are lots of advantages to having a signature formation for leading clubs. Keep on reading for more information about this.

There are some crucial elements that affect the manager's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For example, ranking on the table and considering the club's objectives for the season are main factors to remember. Clubs that are wanting to get a place within the leading four endeavour to win as many matches as possible, especially versus direct competitors who have similar objectives. This is why the best football formations are often the ones that prioritise long-lasting goals instead of individual games. Internally, the presence of certain footballers in key positions can typically inform what tactics to choose. This is just due to the fact that there are certain strategies in football that only work in the existence of key players with a specific skillset. This is another reason that injuries can be incredibly disruptive, requiring coaches to think about alternative plans, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is most likely aware of.

Commonly regarded one of the oldest and most trusted defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a tactic that is still prevalent to this day. What makes this tactic more efficient than other defensive tactics is how well balanced it is. This is because the 4 midfielders tend to inhabit and control the midfield by retaining ownership of the ball. In so doing, they manage the tempo of the game and decide when to push forward and when to fall back. In the attacking stance, 2 midfielders advance up the pitch to feed the centre forwards through balls and accurate crosses that can make a distinction in the area. Long balls sent from the midfield and even defense can likewise be utilised, something that the Aston Villa former owner would understand. When in defense mode, the midfield stance changes into an arch that functions as a secondary shield or layer of defense that protects the back line.

Perhaps one of the most used football formations over the last ten years, the 4-3-3 is a timeless tactic that features efficient attacking characteristics that are hard to beat. This tactic is considered among the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reasons. The genius in this tactic lies in the synergy between the midfield and the offensive line. While there are various variations of the 4-3-3, the majority rely on one defensive midfielder and two attacking midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield position appears like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining close to the back line. This allows for more defensive solidity when it comes to abrupt and fast counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is likely familiar with. In order for this formation to bear fruit, the wingers and centre forward need to be technically-skilled in regards to shooting and crossing.