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 23.6% in 2025.
9% 16
14.7% 17
14.1% 18
13.5% 19
18% 20
24.7% 21
24.5% 22
22.2% 23
22.4% 24
23.6% 25
Showing every competition. Major competitions only
Any formation whose first line is a three.
