A variation of the “three-back” theme is the 3-5-2. This system was popularized by Germany and Argentina after Euro82. With most teams playing a 4-4-2 (only two forwards), it was thought that three really good defenders ought to be able to get the job done. (Most forwards actually think 2v3 are pretty good odds!) But the 3-5-2 enabled teams to commit more players to winning the midfield battle.

GENERAL: The 3-5-2 has many of the same attributes of the 3-4-3. The keeper needs to be fairly aggressive in playing off his/her line. The sweeper will need to be experienced, confident, and able to read the game quickly. Forwards need to be risk takers, confident (almost arrogant), physically very fast or quick, and excellent judges of where a ball may land. One or both of the forwards will need to be able to play with their back to goal. These player attributes are similar in any system. The main differences and variations of the 3-5-2 can be seen in the midfield.

MIDFIELD: The five midfielders in the 3-5-2 rarely play straight across. Teams will often play four across with two attacking centers and two wing mids – and an all-important “holding” center mid sweeping behind them. Other teams may drop one of the attacking center mids further back and deploy two “holding” mids in the middle. This provides more defensive strength and linkages through the middle. As a general weakness, this system asks for a tremendous amount of pace and stamina from the wingers. For 90 minutes they must play nearly goal-line-to-goal-line in order to defend their own corners and attack the opposing corners as well.