The rise of three at the back
The share of line-ups starting with three defenders. The mirror of the shape above, and steeper.
Three at the back went from 9% of line-ups in 2016 to 26% in 2025.
9% 16
16.1% 17
15.6% 18
14.7% 19
20.2% 20
26.2% 21
24.6% 22
23.7% 23
24.4% 24
26% 25
Showing the major competitions. Include every competition
Any formation whose first line is a three.
