How Forge FC Have Adopted Manchester City’s Centre-Back Midfield Tactic
Forge FC, often compared to Manchester City for their style and dominance in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), have become a force by blending possession-driven football with tactical innovation. Since the league’s launch in 2019, Forge FC have claimed four out of five playoff titles and shaped the tactical landscape in Canadian soccer. By mirroring—and adapting—one of Manchester City’s boldest tactical trends, Forge have unlocked new levels in their game.
Possession Football and Tactical Innovation in Hamilton
Forge FC’s blueprint is modeled on a dynamic, possession-based 4-3-3 formation. The squad features technically gifted players who thrive in tight spaces and under pressure. Their philosophy isn’t just about winning games; it’s about instilling a culture of dominance and creative expression on the pitch.
But what truly sets Forge apart is their willingness to adapt tactics based on the strengths of their squad. Similar to how Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola tailors systems to the profiles of his players, Forge’s manager, Bobby Smyrniotis, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to reshape roles for maximum impact.
The 3+2 Build-Up: From Manchester to Hamilton
A central component of Manchester City’s recent tactical evolution has been the use of centre-backs stepping into midfield during build-up play. This creates a 3+2 shape—three players at the back with two ahead—enabling controlled progression, triangles for easy passing lanes, and secure rest-defense against counter-attacks. Initially, Guardiola used full-backs in this role but has since shifted to having centre-backs move up, as seen with John Stones during City’s Champions League run.
This approach is about more than just copying a formation: it lets coaches utilize players’ unique qualities. For example, Stones, renowned for his ball-carrying, was pushed forward to give defensive midfielder Rodri more freedom and control deeper in build—amplifying both of their individual abilities.
Liverpool’s Twist: Tailoring Tactics to Player Strengths
Other top clubs, Liverpool for instance, have also deployed a similar 3+2 structure but with a twist. By moving Trent Alexander-Arnold into central areas from his right-back position, Liverpool provide their playmaker with space to leverage his exceptional passing range. The main idea is consistent: design tactical systems that empower star talents to influence the game where they are most effective.
Building Around Forge FC’s Midfield Core
For much of their CPL era, Forge relied on Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson—a top defensive midfielder in the league—to anchor the build-up. After a dramatic 2021 playoff defeat to Pacific FC, Forge signed Alessandro Hojabrpour, the very midfielder who scored against them in the final. Faced with an overflow of midfield talent, Bobby Smyrniotis made a bold pivot: instead of shoehorning Hojabrpour into a box-to-box role, he moved Achinioti-Jönsson into the backline. This strategic switch allowed both players’ qualities to shine—retaining Hojabrpour’s ability to dictate play from deep, while Achinioti-Jönsson offered composure stepping into midfield.
Kyle Bekker, Forge’s chief creator, became the advanced midfielder in the 3+2 scheme, giving the side both defensive stability and creative thrust higher up the pitch.
Maximizing Player Roles Through Tactical Flexibility
Forge’s depth of ball-playing defenders means they are not reliant on a single player to facilitate the build-up. By encouraging Achinioti-Jönsson to step into central mid alongside Hojabrpour, Smyrniotis freed up Bekker and Hojabrpour to make more advanced runs and influence attacking sequences.
This structural shift delivers two major advantages:
– It draws opponent pressure toward the midfield, opening up passing and carrying opportunities for Forge’s back three.
– It elevates attacking threats by shifting creative players into higher, more dangerous areas.
With Hojabrpour often acting as an advanced playmaker—even from deep in the double-pivot—Forge can progress the ball quickly and cut through defensive lines with line-breaking passes and switches of play. This tactical setup was on full display during Forge’s goal against Chivas Guadalajara in the CONCACAF Champions League, highlighting how positioning and player freedom enabled high-level execution.
The Role of Centre-Backs at Full-Back: A Tactical Trend
A key enabler of this “centre-back in midfield” tactic is Forge’s use of centre-backs as full-backs, particularly after the departure of traditional, attack-minded wing-backs like Ashtone Morgan. Rather than seeking replacements, Forge utilized their surplus of strong, technically adept central defenders, repurposing them in wider roles.
This approach aligns with a growing trend in top football:
– Centre-backs often possess better passing and decision-making skills for build-up play.
– They are typically more reliable defenders in one-on-one situations due to their physical and tactical attributes.
In practical terms, this approach strengthens both the build-up and defensive phases:
– In attack, the 3+2 morphs into a 4+2 if needed, with the centre-back able to recover to the backline while advanced midfielders drop for defensive support.
– Defensively, the team gains security and stability when transitioning after losing possession.
Adapting Squad Depth for Tactical Excellence
Losing specialist full-backs has not been a stumbling block for Forge. Instead, the coaching staff recognized the value in deploying their five high-level centre-backs across the defense. Even after further departures like right-back Rezart Rama, Forge have shown they’ll continue to prioritize structure and tactical discipline over tradition.
By doing so, they’ve not only replicated Manchester City’s innovative build-up mechanics but have tailored them to fit their roster perfectly. The result is a side that is both highly organized and able to extract the most from every player.
Looking Ahead: Forge FC’s Blueprint for Continued Success
Forge FC have demonstrated that tactical adaptability—letting player profiles steer the system—can be just as important as raw talent. Their Manchester City-inspired use of centre-backs in midfield has brought out the best in talents like Achinioti-Jönsson, Hojabrpour, and Bekker, ensuring creative players see more of the ball in advanced zones.
As the new CPL season approaches, indicators suggest Forge will remain top contenders for both the regular season Shield and the playoff crown. Their focus on maximizing the strengths of their deep and versatile squad may be their most valuable weapon in chasing further success.
