The Road to the Promised Land Formations

This page is about the tactical formations that have been used in the The Road to the Promised Land. They have been generated through a website called the Football Formation Creator. For now, this page only involves the main tactical formations used by Manchester United. However, the page also contains tactical formations from other clubs and a few international teams.
==Clubs - Premier League and FA Cup==
=== Manchester United F.C. (Manchester, England) ===
The main formation used by Manchester United is a 4-3-3 that serves a better overall balance between defense, midfield, and attack against most teams that play with enough attacking width. In this setup, a traditional 4-man defensive line protects the goalkeeper although full-backs are also allowed to support the attack when circumstances allow for it. In the heart of midfield, Yusuke (#17) serves as an anchor in front of the back 4 to disrupt opposition attacks while also starting attacks for his team. Further ahead and to the right in midfield, Nana (#19) would be the one supporting the attackers even though she can focus on one side of the midfield to play a box-to-box (2-way) game. Among the forwards on paper, Kakeru (#10) would start on the right of a 3-man forward line. However, Kakeru can also interchange from one wing to another with the other winger, and he has played a few times as the front striker as well.
The secondary formation used by Manchester United is a 4-1-2-1-2 (or 4-4-2 diamond) that sacrifices a little bit of attacking width in order to strengthen the midfield with 4 players instead of 3. In certain regards, the formation is a more familiar sight to fans who used to see Sir Alex Ferguson start with a trademark 4-4-2 formation with 2 strikers up front. In that formation, Yusuke drops a little deeper to protect the back 4 while Francisco Serrano could also provide extra defensive support from midfield. Nikolaj Kristiansen would play a more offensive role from the left side of midfield while Nana would slightly drift to her right to provide an attacking option from wide areas. Up front, Kakeru and Marius van Leeuwen are partners in a 2-man striker line. The use of 2 strikers up front serves as a means to pack as much punch as possible against the opposition's central defense.
=== Arsenal F.C. (Islington, London, England) ===
At earlier stages of the story, Arsenal used a 4-2-3-1 formation as a tactical remnant from their former manager, Arsène Wenger. In that setup, the full-backs are allowed to support the attack from wide areas while 2 midfielders shield the central defenders. Ryoma Oda (#24) stands deeper and on the left of the midfield. In the most advanced position in midfield, Ryuichi Araki (#22) plays like a traditional number 10. On the left wing, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang attacks from the left side while being allowed to cut his runs inside to become another striker. In front, Patrick Jenpa (#99), the former Tokyo Soccer Academy forward, plays as a lone striker and target man. Although this formation was considered to be trademark for Arsenal in early chapters, the current manager would soon replace it with a different formation.
The use of a 3-4-1-2 formation by Arsenal was first forced because of a few long-term injuries. However, that tactical setup became mainstream around the middle of the season and onwards. In the 3-4-1-2, Arsenal use 3 central defenders who have the only job of protecting the goalkeeper. In midfield, they use 2 naturals full-backs on the wings in order to cover the length of the pitch both offensively and defensively. Hence the formation can easily transform itself into a 5-3-2 if Arsenal have to defend with numbers. Ryoma Oda and Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka are given less restricted roles in midfield as they would be able to support the attacking build-up if the opportunity rises. On paper, Ryuichi Araki starts as a playmaker. However, he is given more freedom to support the attackers. Up front, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Patrick Jenpa pack the punch together against opposition defenders.
=== Everton F.C. (Liverpool, England) ===
The blue side of Merseyside uses a 4-2-3-1 formation that attempts to clog the midfield with 5 players in front of the 4 defenders so they would be hard to beat at all times. Against more talented sides, the Everton team could easily sit back and defend in numbers. But against teams that are on the same level or who are weaker, Everton would try to exploit speed on the wings from the Brazilian midfielder Richarlison, and from former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, or exploit a gap in the middle from Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson to create a moment of genius.
Overall, Everton relies on hard work to compensate a lack of skill in the side. Nevertheless, it is a team that can rely on talented players like Richarlison or Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson when they need a goal. The players in this setup are real-life members of the 2018-2019 Everton team.
=== Newcastle United F.C. (Newcastle upon Tyne, England) ===
Newcastle United field a very defensive 5-4-1 formation. The mains objectives of using such a formation are to defend deep with numerical superiority and to hit quickly on the counterattack. By blocking off dangerous passing lanes, it would be very difficult for the opposition to create anything inside the Newcastle half. Should the ball be passed to one of the opposition forwards, the system would allow one of the Newcastle defenders to apply strong pressure on that forward. But in case the Newcastle defender is beaten in a 1v1 by the opposition forward, the other Newcastle defenders would fall back to disrupt the attack. On counterattacks, Newcastle would preferably use their wide midfielders to carry the ball while the striker would move forward to lure the central defenders backwards. In this setup, the 11 players are real-life members of the 2018-2019 Newcastle United team.
=== Liverpool F.C. (Liverpool, England) ===
The legendary team from Anfield uses a 4-3-3 formation that offers a better overall balance between defense, midfield, and attack. Unlike United's 4-3-3 setup, the system demands a lot of effort from the 3 Liverpool midfielders to cover the space left by either attacking full-backs or advanced wingers instead of influencing attacking play. Full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson have the freedom to push forward as secondary wingers to support the attack while Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah provide primary attackng threats from wide positions. The striker (Takumi Emishi in this example, #19) plays as a false 9, which means that the striker would seldom drop deep and support the midfield. If Emishi was replaced by Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino, the setup would include all real-life members of the 2018-2019 Liverpool team.
=== Chelsea F.C. (Chelsea, London, England) ===
Throughout the season, Chelsea use a 4-3-3 formation like most other teams that have enough attacking flair up. The philosophy behind that formation contains defined features to be used against most teams: retaining possession, verticality of passing in progression, quick interchanges in the attacking third, and a high defensive line in press. Full-backs Marcos Alonso and César Azpilicueta (in this example) are expected to push forward and support the attack, but Alonso moves further ahead than Azpiligueta. In midfield, Jorginho would drop deeper to support the defenders while N'Golo Kanté would support him at the back. Meanwhile, the third midfielder (Ross Barkley) would advance a little more. On the left up front, Eden Hazard is free to roam, especially with those runs from left to right. Olivier Giroud plays as the main striker while Pedro is expected to cover a lot of ground inside the corridor on the right wing. Mai is capable of playing anywhere forward, but mostly shows her worth as a replacement for an injured teammate.
=== Manchester City F.C. (Manchester, England) ===
On paper, Manchester City starts matches with a 4-3-3 formation. However, the tactics used by City ensure a strong attacking pressure that shifts the formation into a 2-3-5 at times during matches while controlling the ball. Unlike most teams, the wide forwards at City (Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez in this example) do not cut in from wide areas; they remain in wide positions. This would allow central midfielders (David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne in this example) to become runners who support the striker, Sergio Agüero, against the opposition's defenders. When midfielders advance, the 2 full-backs (Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker in this example) move forward and cut in to cover the spaces in midfield next to Fernandinho. Ball-playing centre-backs like Ricardo Bernardi and John Stones have the task of passing and distribute the ball from the back. But overall, Citys biggest strength remains the high press, which forces the opposition to make mistakes.
=== Leicester City F.C. (Leicester, England) ===
Against Manchester United, the team from the East Midlands fields a 4-1-2-1-2 formation. They rely on full-backs Ben Chilwell and Ricardo Pereira to provide attacking options to push forward in order to support attacks. One defensive midfielder stands in front of the 2 centre-backs. Although he starts on the left-hand side of the diamond-shaped midfield, Ukyo Sera can drift to the right and then play like a traditional midfielder. The player who starts at the tip of the diamond midfield, James Maddison, can also advance on the left to support the 2 front strikers, Jamie Vardy and Akira Takajo. Except for Ukyo Sera and Akira Takajo, the other 9 players in this lineup graphic are members of the 2018-2019 Leicester City team. Among those 7, only Kasper Schmeichel, Wes Morgan, and Jamie Vardy remain from the 2015-2016 Premier League-winning team. In the later chapters of the story though, it is revealed that a coaching change in February saw Leicester City implementing a tactical setup that is very similar to Manchester City's 4-3-3.
=== Southampton F.C. (Southampton, England) ===
The southernmost team in the Premier League uses a 4-2-3-1 formation. The "Saints" have to rely a lot on attacks from wide areas coming mainly from wingers Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse. Full-backs (Cédric Soares and Matt Targett in this example) are also tasked to support the attack as much as possible. To protect the 2 centre-backs, Southampton have 2 defensive-minded midfielders in their Danish captain, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and his Spanish partner, Oriol Romeu. A little further ahead of them, Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong plays as a traditional playmaker behind the main striker (Manolo Gabbiadini in this example). All players in this setup were Southampton players by the time of January 1st of 2019, including Manolo Gabbiadini, who eventually returned to his former club of Sampdoria on January 11 on a transfer worth £12 million.
=== Aston Villa F.C. (Birmingham, England) ===
The historical team from Aston, Birmingham fields a formation that looks like a 4-3-3 at first glance. However, the formation is somewhat of a hybrid between a 4-3-3 and a 4-1-4-1. The distinctive part of that setup is that the defensive midfielder (Conor Hourihane in this example) can drop between the 2 centre-backs (James Chester and Tommy Elphick in this example) to make either 3-man or 5-man defensive line depending of the circumstances. Then the defensive midfielder can pass the ball to either one of the full-backs (Neil Taylor or James Bree), one of the 2 traditional wingers (Albert Adomah or Yannick Bolasie), or even directly to the striker (Tammy Abraham) with the long ball. In midfield, John McGinn plays as a box-to-box midfielder who works hard both defensively and on the attack. This Aston Villa team plays an old school, British approach that involves a lot of direct play.
=== West Ham United F.C. (Stratford, London, England) ===
The team from East London uses a 4-2-3-1 formation that relies on building the attack from the back and on attacking possession from the wings. Full-backs like Aaron Cresswell and Ryan Fredericks in this example make runs forward to support the attack deep inside the opposition's half. In midfield, West Ham can rely on their captain, Mark Noble, and energetic midfielder Declan Rice to recover the ball before they can push the attack forward with passes. Wide forwards (Michail Antonio and Felipe Anderson in this example) are inverted wingers, which means that they tend to cut inside and dribble at opposition defenders. Between the inverted wingers, Manuel Lanzini acts as the playmaker behind the striker. The striker (Marko Arnautović) roams to connect with the other players on the attack rather than just standing on the shoulders of the last defender, waiting for the ball to be fed to him.
== Clubs - UEFA Champions League ==
=== Celtic F.C. (Glasgow, Scotland) ===
Like most teams that may not have enough skillful players to compete against elite European clubs, the Scottish club uses a 4-2-3-1 formation to cover the entire pitch and to add diversity in attacking options. However, that formation also isolates the front striker while full-backs could often be involved in 1v1 situations against opposing attackers.
Celtic has to rely a lot on attacks from wide areas and on hard work from all of their players to compensate their own limitations when it comes to skill levels as a team. In this setup, the only difference between the fictional world and the real world is the presence of the fictional South Korean goalkeeper Lee Chu-Joon (#25) in goal. As for the 10 field players, they are members of the 2018-2019 Celtic team.
=== Ajax A.F.C. (Amsterdam, Netherlands) ===
On paper, Ajax Amsterdam appear to use a classic 4-2-3-1 formation. However, Ajax can also play with a fluidity and fearlessness that would put the players in a 2-3-5 formation. In the latter context, it means that the 2 deeper midfielders (Lasse Schöne and Frenkie de Jong in this example) would stand their ground in front of the 2 central defenders (Daley Blind and Matthijs de Ligt in this example) while one of the full-backs (Koichi Hibino or Noussair Mazraoui in this example) moves to the same level as the deeper midfielders. Meanwhile, Ajax can also find themselves with the other 5 field players forward when they enter the opposition's half. Nevertheless, the Dutch side would maintain a compact group even when they move forward. Except for the original Area no Kishi character Koichi Hibino (#23), who is taking the left-back position in this fictional story, the other players on the pitch are members of the 2018-2019 Ajax team that reached the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League in real-life events of that season.
=== Juventus F.C. (Turin, Italy) ===
Using the same real-life tactical setup put forward by (then) head coach Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus have fielded the following formation in Chapter 34 and in Chapter 37. Although it seems to be 4-3-3 on paper, the lineup can considerably change into a 3-5-2/3-1-4-2 or a 4-4-2 during matches. Rodrigo Bentancur (or Emre Can) would drop deeper to become a right centre-back alongside both natural centre-backs (Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci), making it a 3-man defensive line. On the attack, both full-backs (Alex Sandro and João Cancelo) are tasked to move a little further forward while Federico Bernardeschi drops behind to act as a midfielder. If Juventus have to defend or play safer, Bernardeschi's defensive support would ensure that Juventus would have 2 lines of 4 players to make things more difficult for the opposition. Regardless, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala (as well as Mario Mandžukić) remain up front as the main attacking threats.
=== Real Madrid C.F. (Madrid, Spain) ===
In Chapter 39, Real Madrid fields a 4-3-3 formation that has been used as their main setup in UEFA Champions League triumphs from 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. On defense, Spanish right-back Dani Carvajal is given the freedom to support the attack on the right flank. However, Sergio Reguilón remains behind on the left of the defense in order to provide consistent rear cover for the young Brazilian attacker, Vinícius Jr. But should Real Madrid be in a need to chase a goal, Reguilón would be replaced by the more attacking-minded vice-captain, Marcelo. In midfield, Real Madrid relies on a 3-man line that includes Toni Kroos, Casemiro, and Luka Modrić. Casemiro can move deeper in order to protect the central defenders while Kroos and Modrić provide the attacking creativity. In front, Real Madrid rely on a front 3 consisting of youngster Vinícius Jr., veteran French striker Karim Benzema, and Welsh winger Gareth Bale. Benzema plays as a traditional striker by pushing forward while Bale is tasked is to cut on the inside if possible.
=== F.C. Bayern München (Munich, Germany) ===
Facing Manchester United in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich put a 4-2-3-1 formation that rests on a high defensive line, both full-backs supporting the attackers from wide positions, and an aggresstive and direct attacking style. Germany and Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer holds the line in front of the goal. At the back, Joshua Kimmich, Toru Asuka, Karl von Seckendorff, and David Alaba are regarded as the most effective defensive line in Europe. In midfield, Bayern play with 2 deep midfielders, namely Javi Martínez and Thiago Alcântara in this example. On the attack, Bayern rely on dynamic wide forwards in Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman while Robert Lewandowski stands as the major threat up front. Thomas Müller plays as either as a second striker or as an attacking midfielder behind Lewandowski, but can also play as a right winger if necessary. On the bench, Bayern can rely on players like Mina Meier, Leon Goretzka, Corentin Tolisso, Niklas Süle, and Alphonso Davies.
=== Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (Paris, France) ===
In the final of the UEFA Champions League, PSG put forward a 4-2-3-1 formation that can change into different setups under different circumstances. The wide forwards often drop off regularly, often out wide or in the half-spaces. When the lateral defenders (Juan Bernat and Thilo Kehrer) push forward, the formation becomes a 2-3-5 with the purpose of overloading the opposition in the attacking third of the pitch. Through high pressure on one side, PSG look to recover the ball and then switch the attack on the more open side quickly. In certain circumstances, PSG can also switch into a 4-2-2-2 formation with Leonardo Silva and Ángel Di María tucking in behind the more advanced forwards while the deep-lying midfielders drop closer to the back 4. When having to defend, defender-turned-to midfielder Marquinhos can drop back to become a 3rd centre-back and thus help PSG to defend with a 5-man line at the back. That high tactical flexibility from the well-drilled PSG is a major source of confusion for most of their opponents.
== International Teams ==
=== Japan Men's National Football Team - Samurai Blue ===
Led by Dutch head coach Raimond van der Meijde, Japan uses a 4-3-3 formation. In the story, Van der Meijde sends out a mix a established (real-life) players and younger (mostly fictional) players. Although the 11 (fictional) players in this example have not started a match together, the tactical setup shows how Japan would play. The full-backs (Koichi Hibino and Haruki Onimaru) are given the freedom to push forward on the attack. In midfield, Yusuke Saeki (or Ryoma Oda) would protect the 2 centre-backs while Ukyo Sera and Ryuichi Araki would take care of the attack-minded aspects of the game. However, Sera can also be tasked to drop into a deeper position and thus become a "regista", which would push Yusuke slightly on the right when 2 midfielders move deep to protect the defenders. When the situation allows for it, Araki would move behind the main striker like a traditional #10. Kakeru Aizawa and Kaoru Matoba would be tasked to drift inside when they attack while Akira Takajo leads the front line as a traditional centre-forward.
=== Japan Women's National Football Team - Nadeshiko Japan ===
Nadeshiko Japan uses a more traditional 4-4-2 formation. Like her predecessors, national head coach Akane Katsumoto plays the 4-4-2 as a primary formation to cover as much ground as possible at the back and in midfield. The majority of the team is made of real-life players. However, a number of fictional characters feature in this setup. Mina Nakae (#5 instead of the original series' #4) partners the current Nadeshiko Japan captain, Saki Kumagai, at the heart of the defense. Nana Mishima (still #7) plays as a right central midfielder playing mainly from box to box. Chika Nakamura (#11 instead of the original series' #6) plays as a right winger. Up front, Mana Iwabuchi partners Mai Murasaki (#9 instead of the original series' #18). But during the course of the match, it is possible for Nana to move behind the striker like a traditional plamaker while the other central midfielder (Hina Sugita in this example) would move deeper to protect the defenders. Hence the formation could temporarily change into a 4-1-2-1-2 formation.
=== England National Football Team - The Three Lions ===
Under the guidance of head coach Gareth Southgate, England uses a 3-5-2 formation. At the back, 3 ball-playing centre-backs - namely Harry Maguire, John Stones, and converted full-back Kyle Walker - make the backbone of the team in front of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. In the defensive midfielder's role, Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier compete for the position. For the other midfield positions, England uses 2 midfielders who can play a box-to-box role. On wide areas, wingbacks who cover the entire length of the pitch patrol their respective corridors (In this example: Fabian Delph on the left and Kieran Trippier on the right). Up front, the captain Harry Kane plays as the main striker, but Raheem Sterling is also allowed to roam free in attacking support. Unlike past England managers who preferred the 4-4-2 or the 4-2-3-1 formations, Southgate put forward the 3-5-2 as a means to prioritize better build-up play on the attack and to maintain compactness when defending.
=== Scotland National Football Team - The Tartan Terriers ===
In Chapter 19, Scotland uses a 3-4-2-1 formation to counter Japan's 4-3-3 formation. At the back, 3 natural centre-backs hold the line in front of goalkeeper Allan McGregor: John Souttar, Charlie Mulgrew, and Scott McKenna. In central midfield, the Scots rely on John McGinn and Kevin McDonald. On the wings, Andrew Robertson, who plays as a left-back for Liverpool F.C., is gven the task to provide a threat from wide positions and to help the defenders if Scotland has to fall back in their own half. As for James Forrest on the right, his task is more attacking-oriented than Robertson's and thus has to provide a supplementary wide threat on the attack. In attacking midfield, Stuart Armstrong and Callum McGregor have the task to feed the lone striker, Johnny Russell, up front. Interestingly, the Scotland National Football Team always assigns numbers 1-11 to their starters before each match.
=== United States Women's National Soccer Team - USWNT ===
On paper, the USWNT fields a rather narrow 4-3-3 formation. However, the USWNT can move players in a 2-3-5 formation by rearranging positions during matches. In that context, the 2 full-backs (Crystal Dunn and Kelley O'Hara) move a little further ahead of the centre-backs while Julie Ertz drops deeper than her fellow midfielders to support the central defenders. Meanwhile, central midfielders Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis would each move ahead between the striker and the wide forward. Up front, the captain, Megan Rapinoe, remains the main atacking threat from the left flank while Alex Morgan plays as the lone striker. Tobin Heath completes the front line as the right forward. The 11 players in this specific setup are the same regular starting XI who led the way for the United States towards the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Category:The Road to the Promised Land
Category:Formations