The 2-7-2: A Revolutionary Formation

A few days back, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, former PSG manager and current PSG under-19 manager Thiago Motta uttered words that may have changed the way we perceive football, and the way football will be played in 5 to 10 years.

The reason why this formation is so unique is due to its deviance from the usual formations such as 4-4-3, or a 4-4-2 formation. Furthermore, one may have noticed that in the 2-7-2 formation, the goalkeeper is included as the 11th player. In the 2-7-2 , the goalkeeper would not usually be in the goalie box, nor would he be in the defense; the keeper would actually be part of the depicted 7-man-midfield.

There is obviously room for fluctuation in the pictured diagram. For example, the wing midfielders could move up and down the field, the attacking midfielders could each diverge further to the sidelines on their respective sides. Also, the second striker could play on the same line as the primary striker. There are so many possible variations to this formation, which makes it very versatile, and adept for any situation.

But the question that needs answering is about the goalie. What if the other team gets the ball? Won't they just shoot it?

First of all, the goalie won't always be playing high. If a team playing a 2-7-2 formation is in the box has a corner or free-kick, the goalie might drop back to half and let the center-backs play up. And, if the goalie does get caught in midfield with the other team in possession of the ball, one must consider that there would be 7 midfielders pressuring him. This concept fits into the tiki-taka style that is employed by renowned clubs such as F.C. Barcelona, Manchester City, AS Roma, and Bayern Munich. The main concept of the tiki-taka play style is possession, and looking for openings, and if they lose it, they press with intense pressure to win it back.

This formation is obviously meant for the tiki-taka style of play that can be seen in the numerous triangles in the formation. Furthermore, many pieces of the formation have players on the outside, with a player inside. For example, in the diagram above, players 3, 4, 6, 9, on the outside, with number 1, the goalkeeper, in the inside.

There are also opportunities for through balls and openings which can be seen by the fluidity of the formation. Players can move to many places, making open runs to create chances.

Although this formation is far from ready for widespread use, and there are a few kinks to be worked out, it is certain that this sensational way of playing football will change they way soccer is played. But if was to be used, here is the team that would make it unstoppable. .

Cristiano Ronaldo -

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang - An extremely fast player, one of the fastest players in the Premier League, which makes him perfect for receiving through balls and creating opportunities. His speed will be supported by the many mid-fielders in the formation. However, he is also a capable finisher, and is currently tied with Sergio Agüero for most goals in the Premier League.

Kylian Mbappe - Despite his young looks and age, his play-style has revealed him to be one of the most talented forwards in the world. He has shown adeptness for chance creation and finishing. Although his position in the formation is as an attacking mid-fielder, the formation is so variable and a mid-fielder one second could be a striker the next.

Lionel Messi

Paul Pogba

Luka Modric - His performance and the performance of his club, Real Madrid, certainly do not reflect Modric and Croatia during the world cup. His awards speak for him, the Golden Ball, UEFA Men's player of the year award, and The Best FIFA award 2018. He is the greatest midfielder in the world, and he was so good that he contributed to 80% of Croatia's goals during the World Cup.

Kevin de Bruyne

Eden Hazard

Hugo Lloris - He was an essential part of France's world cup winning squad, and one of the most vital players in the Tottenham F.C. squad. Despite being a talented keeper, he has also proven himself to be a reliable sweeper-keeper, which is after all the most diverting part of the 2-7-2.

Giorgio Chiellini

Sergio Ramos: He is a tough center-back, and despite the doping allegations against him and his history of red cards and fouls, he did win UEFA Best Defender, and was one of the co-winners for The Best FIFA Defender. He is reliable, which is key because if the goalie gets caught to high and the opposing team has a counter-attack, you need aggressive and reliable defenders to thwart the enemy.