Football is undergoing significant changes, and it’s evident that things are not the same as they used to be. The top level of the men’s game has evolved greatly in the past decade. Some changes in football are intangible but noticeable, such as the decline of vibrant atmospheres and the sense that an abundance of football has made us numb to its excitement. However, some changes are more tangible and measurable. Here are a few things that have become increasingly rare in football:
1) The traditional 4-4-2 formation is no longer widely used in English football. In the past, it was the default way of setting up a team, but its popularity has declined over the years. In the 2009-10 season, 43.9% of starting line-ups used this formation, whereas now only 6.5% of teams opt for it. Many teams now prefer variations of a 4-2-3-1 setup.
2) The traditional “in-the-mixer” corner, where the ball is crossed into the box, has seen a decline in recent years. Teams have realized that crossing may not be the most efficient way of attacking from corners. Instead, they have started to use short corners more frequently. In the last decade, the percentage of short corners has been increasing, reaching 20.6% this season. Although traditional corners still dominate, the rise of short corners suggests a shift in strategy.
3) Shots taken from outside the penalty area, commonly known as long shots, have become less common in football. Teams are opting for more efficient ways of scoring goals, focusing on shots taken from inside the box. In the 2009-10 season, 45% of shots were taken from outside the box, whereas now it has decreased to 32.6%. This change is due to the realization that shots from outside the box have a lower chance of resulting in a goal.
While these changes are apparent, it’s important to note that football tactics are fluid and cyclical. Old formations and strategies may resurface in the future as new ideas are established and flaws in current tactics are discovered.