The 4-1-2-1-2 is the next stop on our whistle-stop tour of formations. In recent decades, some top managers have successfully used this variation of the formerly popular 4-4-2 formation.
How are teams set up in a 41212 formation? Isn’t It Just A 442 Diamond?
The 41212, or diamond formation, as it used to be known, is a simple setup. It starts with two full-backs or wing-backs flanking two centre-backs. The wing-backs are likely to attack and provide width, while the centre-backs are the team’s defensive foundation.
A defensive midfielder operates in front of the backline, shielding the defence from opposition attacks. The two central midfielders, usually in front of the defensive midfielder or single pivot, are responsible for both attacking and defending.
They will prove vital in transitions, as one of the central midfielders may attack, leaving his midfield partner to help out with the single pivot. Depending on how a team wants to play, this can then create a double pivot.
However, in a variation of the formation, the two players in front are wide midfielders. If they are wide players, they will provide the attacking width while also tracking back to help out their full-back. This is not a conventional way to play in the 4-1-2-1-2 formation.
In front of the central midfield pair is a central attacking midfielder or number ten. The attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the most creative roles in the team and should create the most chances for their attacking teammates.
Of course, the team’s front two are the attacking focal point. They should score the most goals and represent the biggest attacking threat to the opposition.
In many two-man partnerships, there will be a big, physical striker who is good at holding up the ball. In contrast, his partner upfront is likely to be a quick and more dynamic forward.
This is usually the perfect combination in a strike-force, as it gives the team different options when building up play. A team can use the big striker’s physicality with long passes or play the ball behind the opposition defence for the quick forward to exploit any space left behind.
In a two-player strike force, one of the forwards often drops deep to collect the ball. In the 4-1-2-1-2, if one of the two forwards does this, the attacking midfielder can use the space behind to create opportunities and confuse the opposition backline.
When was the formation first developed?
As with many popular modern formations, the 41212 formation has its roots in Brazil’s 1962 World Cup-winning team. It was an adaptation of the 442, which was gaining popularity in the modern game.
However, Brazil found the formation by dropping one of their front three, Mario Zagallo, back into a deeper role when the Selecao were using a 4-3-3 formation. This created an overload in the centre of the pitch.
England used a similar formation to win the World Cup in 1966, although the Three Lions used more of a 4-1-2-3, with Nobby Stiles playing as the defensive midfielder.
In the 2014/15 season, Juventus head coach Max Allegri used the formation with great effect. The Bianconeri retained their Serie A crown and also made it to the Champions League final.
During his time at Brighton, the highly-rated head coach Graham Potter utilized the formation. It proved effective, as the Seagulls had several talented attacking full-backs in their squad.
Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, sometimes played the diamond, although they didn’t often start games in the formation, as their general starting formation was more often than not a 4-3-3, which could then morph into a 4-1-2-1-2.
What are the pros and cons of the 4-1-2-1-2?
One of the biggest pros of this formation is that it allows a team to create an overload in midfield. The two central midfielders are often joined by the attacking midfielder, helping the team dominate possession from the centre of the pitch.
The two forwards mean that a team will always present an attacking threat, which keeps the opposition defence busy. The two-player attack also gives the defence an out ball if under pressure.
The major con in the diamond formation is that it can lack width. This means that your full-backs have to provide the attacking width. This puts tremendous strain on the full-backs, as they also have to worry about the opposition team hitting on the counter-attack if their team’s attack breaks down.
The formation also means that the two central midfielders have to move out of their positions to shuttle across to wider positions, as there are no wide players or wingers in the team. This can leave big gaps in the centre of midfield for opposition teams to exploit if they move or big gaps down the wing if they stay central.
Is it popular on FM?
I am not a big fan of the 4-1-2-1-2 formation in Football Manager, as I love my teams to play with exciting wingers. This formation works best if you have a surplus of central midfielders.
Many modern midfielders can play as defensive midfielders, central midfielders, and attacking midfielders, so this would be a perfect system for a team whose main talents are in the centre of the pitch.
During my time visiting FM sites, I haven’t come across any 4-1-2-1-2 formations for FM. This may be because more people are now experimenting with more modern tactics, as the 4-4-2 and its variations as a concept are now considered slightly outdated.
What are your thoughts on the 4-1-2-1-2 formation in real life and FM?
