Football is undergoing significant changes. The top level of the men’s game is vastly different now compared to just a decade ago. Certain aspects of football are disappearing, such as vibrant atmospheres, community involvement, and the overwhelming availability of matches that can make us desensitized to the excitement. However, some changes are more quantifiable. Let’s take a look at a few things that are no longer prevalent in football, or at least have significantly decreased.
1) The traditional 4-4-2 formation is becoming a rarity in modern football. Previously, it was the default way of setting up a team in English football. However, this formation has gradually declined in usage. In the 2009-10 season, 43.9% of starting line-ups in the league used a 4-4-2 formation. This gradually decreased until a sharp drop in the 2012-13 season, down to just 12%. Currently, only 6.5% of starting XIs use a 4-4-2 formation. Teams now prefer variations of the 4-2-3-1 setup, with Burnley, Luton Town, and Crystal Palace being exceptions.
2) The traditional “in the mixer” corner is changing. Instead of simply crossing the ball into the box, managers are using short corners more frequently. Over the past decade, the usage of short corners has been increasing. In the 2012-13 season, only 11.7% of corners were taken short. However, this figure has been on the rise, with 20.6% of corners being taken short this season. Though traditional corners still dominate, the trend suggests a shift towards more strategic and efficient corner play.
3) Long shots are becoming less common. Teams are shooting from outside the penalty area less frequently. In the 2009-10 season, 45% of shots in the Premier League were taken from outside the box. This percentage has steadily decreased over the years, with only 32.6% of shots taken from range this season. This decline is due to the understanding that shots from a distance are less likely to result in goals. However, despite fewer long shots, the number of goals scored from outside the box has fluctuated over the years, indicating that long-range goals are still a part of the game.
Football is constantly evolving, and these changes reflect the advancements in tactics and strategies. While these trends may be prevalent now, it’s important to remember that football is cyclical, and certain aspects may reemerge in the future.
