A staggered midfield shape – often a single pivot behind two number eights – makes it easier to defend the space between the defensive and midfield lines.
Defensively, the 4-3-3 provides numbers and compactness in central areas. A staggered midfield shape – often a single pivot behind two number eights – makes it easier to defend the space between the defensive and midfield lines. It is easier to press high up the pitch, meanwhile, with three players in the front line rather than two.