... formations are poor representations of on-pitch reality. We should be able to make predictions from scientific models, but formations do not provide sound predictions of players’ average on-field positioning. Whilst the processual activity of football is more complex and messy than a simple model can express, the model should still have some predictive scope. When we look at the above graphic, we see that the formation could perhaps be expressed as 2-4-2-2. The full-backs push on to be level with the central midfielders, with the centre-backs, based on Cartesian coordinates, essentially the only defenders.

This indicates that we do not apprehend player positioning merely based upon coordinates: we also assess the game with regard to the human significance attached to the use of space ...