I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but at least I want to debate it.
Advantages that I see in it:
• 3 actual defenders (+ support of 2 DMs) instead of 2 CBs in case of a counterattack bc FBs are often too offensive.
• Perfect use for half FBs, half CBs (Alaba, Militão, Araújo, Joe Gomez, Aké, Timber)
• At least 2 DMs are needed bc they are good for anything (CB substitute, tackling, build up, distance shots, intruding the box)
• Most world class teams currently have a perfect fitting CAM, RW and LW. Doku/KDB/Silva, Sané/Musiala/Coman, Vini/Jude/Fede, Gavi/Pedri/YamalorCancelo, Diaz/Szobosz/Trent, Martinelli/Ødegaard/Saka
• A laid back “false 9” and tap in “true 9” could complete each other: Alvaréz/Haaland, Gnabry/Kane, Rodrygo/Joselu, Félix/Lewandowski, Salah/Nuñez, Hofmann/Boniface, etc.
Love posts like this
City already do this, Arsenal are almost there too. Arsenal play 3 defenders, 2 at defensive midfield, 2 10s, wingers, and a striker, but their system involves positional switching, where Zinchenko is a fb out of possession but in possession he plays dm.
There’s no debate. Some play their favorite formation, some, arguably with more tactical knowledge, plays what fits the team.
3-5-2 can work. Just like 4-3-3 (4-2-3-1, 4-3-2-1, 4-1-2-3) does and how 4-4-2 did back in the day.