In recent weeks, Beşiktaş’s pressing and defensive blocks have become more stable, particularly with the shift to a 4-3-3 formation. The performances of certain young players in the starting XI reflect the coaching staff’s confidence in youth talent. However, the gaps created in midfield can sometimes allow opponents to exploit counterattacks. While the team’s pressing intensity and ball recovery rate have improved, inconsistency in converting chances remains an issue.
Do you think this tactical change will lead to long-term success? Which areas need further improvement?
Assessing Beşiktaş's defensive organization and integration of young players in their recent matches.
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Beşiktaş’s transition to a 4-3-3 system, with its 4-3-5/4-3-3 hybrid, has tightened their defensive blocks—especially with the wing-backs making quick recovery runs, which adds stability. Honestly, at this point, the young players’ energy is really making a difference. Guys like young stopper Külünk and the energetic Efe at wing-back are performing better than expected in ball-winning and directing play. This shows the coaching staff’s confidence in youth, but having an experienced leader like Şahin to guide the defense is crucial; otherwise, communication gaps can leave holes in the defensive line.
The midfield issue is clear: in the 3-2-5 setup, the gap between the two central midfielders ("the belly button") invites counterattacks. Vitor Gabriel’s offensive role might be too heavy, putting too much pressure on the defense. Adding a more defensive midfielder (like Kaba) or a pivot between the two strikers would reduce turnovers and make pressing more sustainable. Also, controlling the crosses from the wings and shifting to a more layered defensive structure—rather than just a high block—would help fill those gaps.
As for finishing chances, the young striker (like Deni) is still inconsistent. If finishing drills and decision-making exercises are added to training, this weakness could improve. Now, will tactical changes bring long-term success? As Beşiktaş strengthens their defensive organization and balances the midfield, stability will grow—but if they don’t focus on the young squad’s experience and finishing, this system risks becoming just a strong defense that can’t score. Bottom line: tighten the defense, balance the midfield, and nurture the young talent—that’s the right path.
Bro, switching to a double pivot + one box-to-box midfielder in the 4-3-5 press instead of three deep-lying midfielders really tightens up the gaps. I’ve tried it in amateur leagues—those two pivots dropping into the back third clog passing lanes, disrupting quick wing switches, and making counter-attacks way harder. Since young wingers still cough up balls, pulling them back into wing-back roles gets them into defensive shape faster, beefs up the block, and cuts down on sloppy turnovers.
On top of that, adding a quick-fire finishing session pays off. Every session, run a 5-5 minute finishing drill where young forwards and wingers have to collect the ball and make 1v1 decisions or pick the final three touches. Look, if your turnover rate goes up, your goal chances have to follow—otherwise, no matter how solid your defense is, you’re still gonna lose. If we hammer these two areas—double pivot + wing-backs and finishing drills—regularly, this tactical shift can actually stick and bring long-term success.