Playing against a 3-5-2 which is trying to nullify a strong 4-3-3 formation.
When a team switches to '3-5-2 (red team) to disrupt a strong 4-3-3 shape' and especially to push the wingers back, and takes control of the game as a result, a response maybe this is option: 4-2-2-1-1 (blue team).
The assumption is that you (the reds) are winning the game and so are happy for the OCBs (opposition center backs) to play to each other, but not to play forward.
- Play the 9 and 10 up high, both attacking (almost 2 up front). In the block #9/10 block) they work together to stop the O#CB going forward, whilst putting pressure on the O#6.
- The wingers become wide midfielders and play lower and defend more to take care of the opposition wide player.
- FBs tuck right in when the ball is on the other side (and leave the opposition wide player out wide) so the blues still have 3 players on the defensive line (vs 2 attackers) and 2 defensive mids to protect in front.
- FBs and Ws need to work really hard across the pitch if the reds switch it.
- The Team needs to support the #9 and #10 in attack ( probably on the counter) but get back quickly if the attack breaks down.
If the ball gets switched across the oppositions defensive line ; the defending team shuffles as follows.
When the ball is won, use the #9 and #10 as the first outlet, and wide midfielders join in and support the counter attack (and turn into wingers).
Remember when the ball is won :
Do you Counter or Consolidate Possession? Either way, relative positioning based on 'space and team mates' dictates where players should be positioning themselves in possession. But Note : the correct 'relative position changes' every fraction of a second.
Some Notes :
A strong 3-5-2 can stuff up a strong 4-3-3 shape as it may force wingers to become wide midfielders, track back more, and support the FB more. When wingers play lower, they wont be the attacking outlet they would be in a 4-3-3 [ unless you go 3v3 up front and 2 v 2 in defense : That is : Let the FBs deal with the oppositions wide players 1v1 moments and let the 2 center backs go 2v2 against the opposition forwards].
It depends on how good the opposition players are in attack, relative to how good your team is defensively.
There would still be 5 players in shot block spaces if the opposition wide player beats the FB and gets a cross in.
I guess you could leave the wingers high and be very aggressive on the counter (need to weigh up the risk), or you can loose this attacking threat, but nullify the oppositions wide players space and the opportunity to attack your FBs.
If the wingers play lower, then the #10 needs to player higher, to the point the 9 & 10 both are the forwards in a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-2-2 or a 4-2-2-1-1.