Exploring Tactical Trends in Football for 2024

Revolutionizing Formations

As football evolves, so do the tactical approaches that define the game. In 2024, a notable trend is the shift towards more flexible formations. Coaches are increasingly employing hybrid systems that allow teams to adapt dynamically during a match. This flexibility is crucial in maintaining a competitive edge, allowing teams to transition seamlessly between defensive and attacking phases.

The traditional 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations are being augmented with innovative setups like the 3-5-2 or the 4-2-3-1. These formations provide a balance between solid defense and potent attack, with wing-backs playing a pivotal role. Their ability to cover ground quickly and support both defense and offense is becoming indispensable.

Hybrid formations change into 235 or 325 new positions depends of opponent press. In recent year most popular was 325 formation with aim to overload back 4. In answer to that, Defenses adapt to 541 or 532 formations.

RELATIONISAM

Core Principles of Relationism

Dynamic Positioning:

Players occupy spaces based on their relationship with teammates, opponents, and the ball, rather than fixed positions.

Encourages fluid interchanges and rotations to maintain attacking and defensive balance.
Spatial Awareness:

Players must understand how their positioning affects the team’s structure, creating passing lanes, overloads, or defensive cover.
Interconnectedness:

The focus is on the collective behavior of the team, where every player’s movement impacts the entire system.
Adaptability:

Relationism thrives on players' ability to read the game and adapt their positions to exploit weaknesses or neutralize threats.

Prominent Coaches Utilizing Relationism (2024)

Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton & Hove Albion):

Known for fluid attacking patterns and players adjusting positions based on teammates’ movements.
Example: Brighton’s ability to dismantle defensive structures through quick, relational passing sequences.

Julian Nagelsmann (Germany National Team):

Combines relationism with tactical flexibility, using players like Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz to create unpredictable attacking movements.

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal):

Incorporates elements of relationism into Arsenal’s build-up play, encouraging players like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka to interchange roles dynamically.

Xavi Hernández (Barcelona):

While rooted in positional play, Xavi integrates relational concepts, leveraging the intelligence of players like Pedri and Gavi.

Data-Driven Decision Making

With the advent of advanced analytics, data-driven decision-making is transforming football tactics. Coaches now have access to comprehensive datasets that provide insights into player performance, opposition weaknesses, and optimal strategy adjustments. This data-centric approach allows for more informed decisions, enhancing team performance on the pitch.

Clubs are investing heavily in technology to gather and analyze data, integrating insights into training sessions and matchday strategies. This trend is empowering coaches to tailor tactics to exploit the smallest of advantages, often determining the outcome of tightly contested matches.

High Press and Counter-Pressing

Another tactical trend gaining momentum in 2024 is the emphasis on high pressing and counter-pressing. Teams are focusing on regaining possession immediately after losing it, aiming to disrupt the opposition's play and create scoring opportunities quickly. This approach requires high levels of fitness and coordination among players.

The ability to press effectively is becoming a hallmark of successful teams. It places pressure on opponents, forcing them into errors and limiting their time on the ball. As a result, teams that master the art of pressing are finding themselves with more possession and better chances to score.

For instance, Liverpool ranks second in the Premier League for possession recoveries per 90 minutes in the final third, leading to increased scoring opportunities. 

High Turnovers:

Premier League: Matches over the past four seasons, including 2024/25, have averaged 15.9 high turnovers per game. This indicates a prevalent high-pressing approach among teams in the league.

Bundesliga: The German top flight has seen a decrease in high turnovers, from 15.04 to 13.61 per game. This decline may suggest a tactical shift or improved ball retention strategies by teams.

Serie A: Italy's premier league recorded a decrease from 12.76 to 11.74 high turnovers per game in the 2024/25 season.

La Liga: Spain's top division experienced a reduction from 14.4 to 13.67 high turnovers per game.

As of the 2023/24 season, the average number of high turnovers per game across Europe's top five leagues was 14.72, a slight decrease from previous seasons. Despite this decline, the rate of shot-ending high turnovers reached an average of 2.4 per match, the highest on record. The Premier League notably contributed to this trend, averaging 2.8 shot-ending high turnovers per game—the most for any single league in a season since Opta began recording these statistics. (Opta Analyst)

Versatile Player Roles

In modern football, versatility is key. Players who can perform multiple roles are highly valued, as they offer tactical flexibility. For instance, midfielders capable of playing as both defensive anchors and attacking playmakers provide teams with numerous strategic options.

This versatility extends to defenders who can join attacks and forwards who can drop back into midfield roles. Coaches are increasingly looking for players who can adapt to different positions during a match, allowing for more fluid and unpredictable tactics that can catch opponents off guard.

Evolution of Goalkeeper Roles

Modern goalkeepers are increasingly involved in build-up play, favoring short passes to initiate attacks. In the current season, short passes by goalkeepers have risen to 54.9%, up from 44.6% in the 2021/22 season. This shift encourages opponents to press higher, potentially creating spaces that can be exploited.

Emerging Trends in 2024

Data-Driven Goalkeeping:

Teams now use advanced analytics to evaluate goalkeepers’ performances, including metrics like:

Post-Shot Expected Goals (PSxG) to assess shot-stopping efficiency.
Passing accuracy and progression rates for distribution skills.

Increased Tactical Involvement:

Goalkeepers are now required to understand tactical nuances, such as:

Managing high defensive lines.
Supporting counter-pressing strategies.
Executing specific set-piece routines.
Enhanced Physical Attributes:

Focus on agility, speed, and fitness to handle the demands of sweeping and quick distribution.

Specialized Coaching:

Goalkeepers now receive tailored training to refine aspects like:

Footwork and passing under pressure.
Anticipation and decision-making in 1v1 situations.

BOX MIDFIELD

Characteristics of the Box Midfield Structure:

Two deeper midfielders (typically defensive midfielders or "pivots").
Two advanced midfielders (attacking midfielders or playmakers).
The setup creates a 2x2 box in midfield, offering numerical superiority against opponents in central areas.
Positioning:

Double Pivot: Provides defensive stability, controls the tempo, and shields the backline.
Advanced Midfielders: Operate between the lines, linking play and creating chances in attacking phases.
Flexibility:

Can be implemented in formations like:4-2-2-2: Popularized by teams like RB Leipzig under Ralph Hasenhüttl.
3-4-2-1: Seen in Chelsea's use under Thomas Tuchel.
4-4-2 Diamond: Deployed with a narrow midfield.

USING INVERTED WINGER AND FB HIGH

USING FALSE NO.9

USING INVERTED FB

USING A FALSE CB

Advantages

Numerical Superiority:

Controls central areas by outnumbering opponents, crucial for possession-based football.
Progressive Passing Lanes:

Facilitates quick vertical passes through midfield to attackers.
Defensive Solidity:

The double pivot provides a strong defensive shield, reducing the vulnerability to counter-attacks.
Versatility in Attack:

Advanced midfielders can drift wide or stay central, depending on the opposition’s defensive structure.
 
Disadvantages

Vulnerable Flanks:

The narrow shape often leaves wide areas exposed, requiring full-backs or wing-backs to cover significant ground.
Dependency on Midfielders:

Requires highly intelligent and technically proficient midfielders to maintain shape and execute transitions.
Pressing Challenges:

Opponents who press effectively can disrupt the rhythm, especially if the deeper midfielders lack composure under pressure.
 
Teams and Coaches Using Box Midfield

Pep Guardiola (Manchester City):

Frequently uses a 3-2-4-1 setup, where two defensive midfielders (e.g., Rodri and Stones) and two attacking midfielders (e.g., De Bruyne and Silva) form the box.

Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea/Bayern Munich):

Advocated a variation of the box midfield in a 3-4-2-1, with the wing-backs providing width.

RB Leipzig:

Known for their 4-2-2-2, where two attacking midfielders operate behind the forwards, creating overloads centrally.

PATIENCE IN POSSESSION

Playing vs Compact defense, Offensive strategy has to change to provoke the pressure. So, using tool "stop on ball and wait" or dribble towards opponent to attract the pressure is one of new things in football.

Youth Integration and Development

Youth integration is another significant trend in 2024. Clubs are focusing on developing young talent through academies, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled players who understand the club's tactical philosophy from a young age. This not only strengthens the squad but also provides financial sustainability.

Young players bring energy and fresh perspectives to teams, often leading to innovative tactical approaches. As clubs continue to prioritize youth development, expect to see more young talents making their mark in top-tier football with unique contributions to their teams' tactics.

In conclusion, the tactical landscape of football in 2024 is marked by innovation, flexibility, and a focus on data-driven strategies. As teams continue to evolve, these trends will undoubtedly shape the way football is played at all levels. Coaches and players alike must embrace these changes to remain competitive in an ever-evolving sport.