Once considered outdated, the three-man defense is enjoying a resurgence in modern football. Managers like Antonio Conte, Thomas Tuchel, and Julian Nagelsmann have shown how flexible and effective the formation can be when executed correctly.

This system allows teams to build out from the back with confidence, using wide center-backs and wing-backs to stretch the play. It offers defensive solidity while also encouraging attacking fluidity, making it ideal for teams that want to dominate possession without sacrificing structure.

What’s driving the comeback? A need for balance. With the pace and counter-attacking threat in today’s game, managers are seeking systems that offer both attacking options and defensive insurance. The three-man defense fits the bill, and it’s here to stay.