The 4-1-2-3 is the latest tactic that we will examine in our journey through the world of football tactics. This is a formation that has been popular with managers across the globe over the years.
How is the 4123 formation set-up?
The 4-1-2-3 can be a variation of the 4-3-3 or even a 4-4-2. The formation starts with a flat-back four featuring two full-backs/wing-backs flanking two centre-backs.
The wing-backs are likely to operate up and down the flanks, using the space in front of them to help create chances for the forward players.
The centre-backs are the solid defensive foundations of the formation, rarely venturing forward.
In front of the defence will be a single-pivot defensive midfielder. They will often drop back deep to receive the ball or be the player who helps cover the gaps left by the wing-backs when they move forward.
This is arguably the most important player in the formation as if they don’t do their job, the defence can be overrun.
In front of the single-pivot are two box-to-box central midfielders. They have both defensive and attacking responsibilities.
They need good stamina and workrate to be effective in their roles, as they will not only get up and down the field, but they may also need to shuffle across to cover any gaps left by the wing-back’s forward runs, especially if the wingers don’t track back.
The wingers are part of the three-player attack, offering an attacking threat from out wide and supporting the forward. A subtle difference between this and a traditional 4-3-3 is that the front three can be slightly more fluid, with the players rotating positions.
Sometimes, in a 4123, the three forwards can all play as conventional forwards rather than wingers, so it’s three forwards rather than two wingers and one forward.
The forward usually offers the team’s biggest goal threat. Unlike in most conventional 4-3-3s, the central forward can act as a false number nine, with the two other players forming a forward partnership if they drop deeper.
When was the 4-1-2-3 formation first used?
The formation is believed to have evolved from Brazil’s 1962 World Cup team, which played the 4-4-2. England started using a single-pivot in their successful 1966 World Cup-winning campaign, with Nobby Stiles filling the role, which meant the team played in a 4123 formation.
Since then, the formation has evolved, often with one of the three forwards dropping into a deeper role as a ‘False number nine’.
Many of the top modern coaches have used the formation successfully in recent decades. Legendary Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti used the formation at times during his two stints as Real Madrid boss.
During his time with Liverpool, German boss Jurgen Klopp often used the formation, with Brazilian international Roberto Firmino dropping deep from a forward role, allowing Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah to almost play as a pair up front.
Argentinian boss Jorge Sampaoli successfully used the formation with Chile and Marseille. Brendan Rodgers has also used it successfully in recent years, although his formation was often a more conventional 4-3-3.
The strengths and weaknesses of the formation
One of the main strengths of this formation is that it can overload teams in the centre of the pitch, in turn helping them gain control of the game, both defensively and offensively.
The main forward or wingers can drop into deeper positions, helping the midfield gain possession or defend if they are out of possession.
This formation puts lots of players in attacking positions, so the team always possesses an attacking threat, especially if the forwards play as a front three.
The fact there are three attack-minded players in the formation means that if the team wants to hit a direct ball, it’s more likely to be held up than come straight back at them. The fluidity of the formation is also a strength, as the front three can rotate, confusing the opposition defence.
One of the tactic’s main weaknesses is that the team can be exposed to counter-attacks if the defensive midfielder is caught out of position.
Another weakness of this formation also involving the defensive midfielder is if the two players in front of him fail to support them with defensive duties.
The same goes for the wingers. If the wide players fail to track back, their wing-backs could be exposed.
Also, if the team plays the variation with three out-and-out forwards, they are unlikely to have many defensive duties, leaving a bigger defensive burden on the players behind them.
Is the 4123 popular on FM?
The formation can find the right balance between defence and attack, which is always a good thing on FM.
The best example of a 4-1-2-3 for us for FM was a slight variation on the formation called the Pressure Cooker by the Chef, although this was for FM23. Of course, there are loads of simple conventional 4-4-3 for FM, as it’s one of the most popular formations in the game.
Have you used a 4-1-2-3 formation in FM? Let us know via our socials!
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