In the latest of our articles about popular football formations, we cover the 4-2-2-2, which has, over the years, been used by many of the world’s top club and international teams.
How do teams set up in the 4222 formation?
The formation is set up as it’s described. The formation includes four defenders, two defensive midfielders, two attacking midfielders and two forwards.
In the 4-2-2-2 formation, the full-backs tend to operate more as wing-backs, who move up and down the flanks. They are often the players who provide the attacking width, as the formation lacks wide midfielders or wingers.
The two centre-backs are the players who provide the defensive stability. In this formation, they are likely to stay relatively rigid so that the team are not exposed defensively.
In front of the back four in this formation is a double-pivot of defensive midfielders. These players are primarily defensive and cover the gaps left by the wing-backs who are raiding forward.
One of the two double-pivot can also drop in between the two centre-backs in order to pick up the ball and start attacks. The other player in the double pivot can often be given slightly more license to roam forward.
In front of the double pivot are two attacking midfielders or number tens. These two players are responsible for the team’s creativity and are the forward’s primary attacking support. The pair have a lot of freedom.
They can often move out wide to provide some width and work alongside the full-backs. The pair links the double pivot and forwards together.
The front two always offer an attacking threat, keeping the opposition busy. When under pressure, they also provide their own defence an out-ball. One of the two forwards can drop deep while the other stays in attack, providing that constant attacking threat.
When was the formation developed?
The 4222 earned the alternative names “magic box”, “magic rectangle”, or “magic square” and is believed to have been developed in Brazil during the 1950s by Flavio Costa. The system was designed with fluid and free-flowing football in mind.
However, the French boss Albert Batteux also used the system to win the French top flight while in charge of Reims during the 1950s and then with St. Etienne in the 1960s. The system gained popularity in the 1980s in South America, while France also won the Euros in 1984 with a 4-2-2-2.
In more recent years, experienced Chilean boss Manuel Pellegrini has used the system with the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Real Betis. However, the system often morphed from a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 at kick-off.
The formation became popular at the German club RB Leipzig during the reign of Ralph Hasenhuttl. The Austrian boss also used the system during his time in the Premier League with Southampton.
Another former RB Leipzig boss who used the formation is the innovative Ralf Rangnick, who used the formation while coaching Die Roten Bullen, Schalke and also Manchester United.
The strengths and weaknesses of the 4-2-2-2
One of the biggest strengths of this formation is that it gives teams an overload in the centre of the pitch, with the number tens dropping deep.
The formation also gives the team lots of attacking options, with the number tens backing up the two forwards, while the full-backs also offer attacking width when raiding forward.
With two players up front, the opposition’s defence is kept occupied, which means that they are less likely to come out of defence with the ball to start attacks.
The full-backs are allowed the freedom to go forward, as the double pivot acts as their security, shuttling across to cover the gap left by their teammates.
One of the biggest weaknesses of this formation is that the team can lack attacking width without wingers or wide midfielders if the full-backs don’t get forward.
However, on the other hand, if full-backs and double pivot are caught up field, then the centre-backs have to cover the spaces left behind. That leaves the team open to counter-attacks.
Is it a popular formation in FM?
When looking at tactics for tactic testing, I haven’t come across a successful 4-2-2-2 for FM recently. However, that prolific tactic creator Josh Daly has apparently created a successful 4222, which gets good reviews.
As I have consistently stated, I don’t really like formations without wingers and attacking width. However, this tactic could be useful, especially if you have two strong attacking midfielders and two top forwards.
Have you used the 4-2-2-2 formation on FM? Let us know your thoughts on how best to use it
.jpg){kind=link}