Soccer is a game of constantly moving parts — keeping track of it can be disorienting. Thankfully, starting formations provide a useful initial reference point, helping us make sense of the unfolding ...

The way football teams line up (their formations) will significantly affect not only the flow of the game but also team dynamics and overall performance. The 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 systems are among the most ...

This article is part of a wider series in partnership with Football Manager 26, which looks at the strengths and weaknesses of famous historical and contemporary tactics. The story of football teams ...