The latest article in our journey through popular football formations takes us to the 4-1-3-2 formation, which, like many modern formations, is just a variation of the traditional 4-4-2.
How do teams set up in a 4132 formation?
The set-up for a 4132 is relatively simple. The formation starts with a flat-back four of two full-backs/wing-backs flanking two centre-backs. The wing-backs will likely be asked to defend and go forward, supporting the team’s attacks, often giving their team attacking width in this particular formation.
Meanwhile, the centre-backs are the team’s solid defensive foundation. Although they are primarily defensive players, in teams that play out from the back, they can also be the ones that initiate attacks.
In front of the back-four is a defensive midfielder, or single-pivot, who protects the defence. They are vital protection for defence. They are likely to be the player who shuttles across to cover the full-backs, when they join in the attack to offer attacking width.
In front of the single pivot are three central midfielders, who can vary in set-up. Due to the numbers in the centre of the park, at least two of the three will have some freedom with a license to move into more attacking positions. However, usually one of the three will play a more withdrawn role to help out their defensive midfielder.
Up front, there will be two strikers. Usually, the pair offer different attributes from each other. One could be a tall, physical striker, while his partner could be a more dynamic, smaller forward with pace.
In a two-striker set-up, one of the front players will often come short to receive the ball, creating an overload in the middle of the pitch.
When was the 4-1-3-2 first developed?
This formation is not used regularly at the top level of the game. It is a variation on the 4-4-2, and its origins lie in the 1950s, with Brazilian head coach Flavio Costa and legendary former Benfica boss Bela Gutmann.
More modern head coaches have used it. One such head coach was Slaven Bilic, who used the formation while managing his national team, Croatia. The formation allowed Bilic to field the skilful trio of Niko Kranjcar, Luka Modric, and Ivan Rakitic in the same team.
One of his most famous successes using the formation was a 3-2 win over England at Wembley during Euro 2008 qualifying. The win saw the Croats top the group and eliminate the Three Lions in the process.
Former Manchester boss Roberto Mancini also used the formation during the Citizens’ debut Premier League-title-winning campaign in 2011/12. The Italian could harness the abilities of players such as Yaya Toure, David Silva, and Samir Nasri.
Highly-rated Portuguese boss Jorge Jesus has also used the formation with various clubs, including Lisbon’s big two, Benfica and Sporting, between 2009 and 2015. The set-up earned his team a plethora of domestic trophies.
The strengths and weaknesses of the 4132
One of the main strengths of the 4132, like any formation with three players in central midfielders, is that the sheer numbers in the centre of the park can create overloads, especially if one of the forwards drops deep.
Another strength of this formation is that there are usually at least two players in attacking positions courtesy of the two forwards.
With no wingers, wide midfielders, and a compact central midfield, there is space for the full-backs to get forward and provide attacking width.
However, one of this formation’s biggest weaknesses is that the full-backs have to do a lot of work up and down the flank. Without wingers, the formation lacks natural width.
If the full-backs are caught up the field with a quick counter-attack, there is likely to be massive space for the opposition to operate. Players are then dragged out of position, which can also create gaps elsewhere on the field.
Is the formation popular in FM?
Like in real life, the 4-1-3-2 is not the most popular formation in Football Manager. I haven’t tested any formation precisely like it is in any recent tactic testing. However, I did test the 4132 Paradox-Diablo Steel by Delicious the Assembler for FM23.
This formation was a 4-1-3-2 but with two midfielders instead of three central midfielders. That was the only key difference. The tactic performed really well, and I used it for a while in my FM23 game.
There are obviously pros and cons to using the formation. The biggest one for me is the lack of wingers. It can be a well-balanced formation, and I can see the attraction of the 4132.
