In our latest article looking at football formations, we have reached the 2-4-3-1 formation, which some modern head coaches have used in recent years. The formation is an adaptation of the highly popular 4-2-3-1.
How do teams set up in the 2431 formation?
The formation starts with two centre-backs, with four players in front, two wing-backs and two defensive midfielders. Further up the pitch, three attacking midfielders, or two attacking wingers and an attacking midfielder, support a lone frontman.
The centre-backs obviously play a key role in this formation, as they are the defensive foundations of the team. The pair will tend to hold their defensive positions so as not to expose their goalkeeper.
The next section of the team is also crucial in defending, despite being slightly further forward. The adaptation from the 4-2-3-1 is that the wing-backs are in a more advanced position in the 2-4-3-1. Like most 4-2-3-1 formations, though, in between the wing-backs sit two defensive midfielders, also known as a ‘double-pivot’.
Generally, with the ‘Double-pivot’, one player will play a more advanced role while the other will sit in a more defensive position. However, both players’ primary purpose is to protect the defence, especially shuttling over to cover the wide defensive areas which the wing-backs usually occupy.
The wing-backs play a vital role in this formation, as not only do they contribute to defensive play, but they are also expected to contribute to the team’s attacking efforts, giving the team attacking width and overlapping the wing-backs.
Further up field, three players occupy attacking midfield roles. This can mean three centre attacking midfielders or number tens or two wingers and one central attacking midfielders.
In the first configuration, the players on the outside of the three attacking midfielders tend to drift out wide and provide attacking width. While using wingers, the same players can stay wide, offering width or cut inside and become more like inside forwards.
Whatever their roles in the set-up, their main job is to provide service to the lone forward while also providing a goal threat of their own.
The lone forward plays a crucial role in this formation. When it comes to scoring goals, he is the one responsible for finding the net on a regular basis. However, their role is far more than just that of a goalscorer. They are also expected to hold the ball up and give their teammates the time to get up in support.
When was the 2-4-3-1 first used?
As the 2431 is just an adaptation of the 4231, we have to look at its parent formation’s origins.
The 4231 began to emerge in the late 1990s with coaches like Juanma Lillo, but then became the go-to formation for many clubs in the 2000s.
To this day, it remains a popular formation amongst top European coaches.
In fact, most of the beautiful games’ recent successful head coaches, such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Vicente Del Bosque and Jose Mourinho, have all used the formation at some point.
What are the pros and cons of the formation?
Like every formation, the 2-4-3-1 has its pros and cons. Some formations are weighted more heavily into defensive football, while some are more attacking.
This formation looks attacking on paper due to the fact the team only has two nominal defensive players. However, it offers a surprising balance, as if the two wing-backs come deep, they offer extra defensive cover, as does the presence of the ‘double-pivot’. That means that at any time, there could be six players in defensive positions.
Alternatively, if the wing-backs push up in support of the attacking players, then there could also be six players in attack. It offers a good balance.
One of the other main strengths is that the team can create overloads in central areas if the attacking midfielder pushes back into a deeper position.
However, there is a negative in that this formation is vulnerable to quick counter-attacks out wide if the wing-backs are caught up field. That means the defensive midfielders have to attempt to cover the gaps, which then could leave more gaps in the centre of the pitch.
If the attacking midfielders don’t support the lone forward, then he can become isolated. If he is ploughing a long furore, then there is a higher likelihood of turning over the ball.
Is it popular in Football Manager?
The parent formation 4-2-3-1 is the most popular in Football Manager. Some consider it a cheat code; as if it’s set up in the right way, it can be highly effective.
I hadn’t come across many 2431 formations for FM until today. However, during my research for this article, I discovered 2-3-4-1 Bam Bam Bam by FMTacticRoom on FM Scout. I don’t know if it’s been successful, but some players seem to be enjoying using the tactic.
With that in mind, I tested Bam Bam Bam, as it looks like it could be an interesting one, you can read about how I got on here.
What are your thoughts on the 2-4-3-1 formation? Do you ever use it on Football Manager?
