We continue our journey through the world of some of football’s most popular formations. Today, we look at the 4-1-1-3-1 formation, which is a variation of the highly popular 4-2-3-1.
How is the 41131 set up?
In the 4-2-3-1 set-up, the formation differs from its parent formation in just one play position. In the backline, the team lines up with two full-backs, who tend to be attacking and support the front players when they can.
Sandwiched in between the two full-backs are two centre-backs. The central defensive pair is the main foundation upon which this formation is built. They are key as they are likely to be the only players who will be in defensive positions most of the time.
A defensive midfielder is in front of the backline. They have a big responsibility: They protect the backline and cover the gaps left by the full-backs if they have broken forward and are out of position.
The next position is the only one that differs from the 4231 set-up. Instead of a second defensive midfielder to form a double pivot, there is a standard central midfielder.
They are the key to making this formation work, as they are expected to defend and attack but are more often in an advanced position compared to the defensive midfielder.
Ahead of the central midfielder are two wingers and an attacking midfielder, or number ten. The two wide players may also be inside forwards or any variation of attacking roles. Their main priority is to create for the lone forward and also chip in with goals.
The attacking midfielder can be a vital player in this formation, as they can be the team’s primary playmaker, sitting just behind the forward. They can also contribute to the team with goals.
The lone forward is, of course, the focal point of the team’s attack. His primary duty is to score the goals that win the game. However, they can also be vital in the build-up of attacks as they need to be able to hold the ball up and bring other players into play.
If the lone forward can’t hold the ball up, their team’s attacks can break down, and the opposition can regain possession very quickly, putting more pressure on the defensive players.
When was the formation first developed?
As it is a variation on the 4-2-3-1, we have to look at the parent formation as to when it was first developed. Many straight 4-2-3-1 formations can morph into a 4-1-1-3-1 during games, especially if a team needs a goal.
The 4-2-3-1 formation is believed to have first emerged in the 1990s and early 2000s. The current Manchester City assistant manager, Juanma Lillo, is considered to be one of the first coaches to use it. He used the system while managing the Spanish second-tier Cultural Leonessa.
Current City boss Pep Guardiola used the formation in his early days as a head coach before moving on to experimenting with different formations.
Guardiola’s compatriot Vicente del Bosque also used the system while managing Real Madrid in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The likes of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and Jurgen Klopp at both Dortmund and Liverpool used a variation of the formation to great effect, as both enjoyed trophy-laden careers in European football’s elite divisions.
What are the pros and cons of the 4-1-1-3-1?
Like the 4231, from which it is adapted, the 41131 gives a good balance for teams. However, the main difference is that the more advanced midfielder gives teams playing the formation more of an attacking edge, which is one of the main advantages of the formation.
The full-backs get forward to support their attacking players, offering a potential overload down the flanks. There is also a possible overload in the centre of midfield if both the central and attacking midfielders drop deep to support the defensive midfielder.
As well as the full-backs getting forward, the fact that the team already has four players in attacking positions is a significant strength. It means that in quick transitions, there are always players upfield to cause opposition defence issues.
The strengths of this formation can also be the weaknesses if the players don’t follow instructions. If the full-backs are caught up field, then it can leave massive gaps in defence, which the lone defensive midfielder may not be able to fill.
The same happens if the central midfielder doesn’t help the defensive midfielder out, as they can get overrun in the centre of the park. Teams playing with three central midfielders can exploit the lack of midfield presence.
Is the formation popular on Football Manager?
As it is an adaptation of the 4-2-3-1, with a slight twist, it has proven quite popular in FM when it’s set up the right way. In fact, it’s one of my favourite formations in FM.
The reason it is one of my favourites is that I have experienced great success using the Undringstaktiken 4-1-1-3-1 by NuFcPRO. The tactic which is currently my go-to formation. I recommend it to anybody who wants a good tactic.
