4-2-3-1 Formation in Football: Balancing Attack and Defence

The 4-2-3-1 is one of the most popular formations in the modern game, with many of the top teams using the formation on a regular basis. In this article, we will look at the origins of the 4-2-3-1 formation, how it’s used and the benefits of the formation.

How do teams set up in a 4231 formation?

4231 football formationIn the 4-2-3-1 formation, the team starts with two centre-backs in the middle of the defensive four.

The ideal mix in the pair is one ball-playing centre-back and a more traditional tough-tackling player alongside him. However, the more fortunate teams have players that have both attributes.

Flanking the centre-backs are full-backs. In the modern game, full-backs are responsible not just for defending but also for getting forward and aiding the attacking play.

Often, in a 4-2-3-1, full-backs are given instructions to push right up the pitch, with the central defensive midfielders plugging the gaps left behind.

In front of the back four is a double-pivot, or two central defensive midfielders who often don’t just act as a defensive shield but can also act as deep-lying midfield playmakers. They can often be the ones dictating play from a deep position.

The three attacking midfielders usually consist of two wingers and a central attacking midfielder, playing in the number ten role. These players are often the players who give the lone front player the most support.

The wide players may well be inside forwards, who often cut inside to create space for the full-backs to push forward and support the attack.

The central attacking midfielder is usually either a creative force or a goal threat. They are the link between the midfield and the lone forward.

The lone striker is expected to score the majority of his team’s goals. He is also responsible for holding the ball up, bringing his teammates into play, and providing an outlet for them.

How he plays can dictate the whole team’s style of play. If a striker is quick, then the rest of his team may look to spring him behind the defence. If he is strong in the air, they may look to use this attribute to their advantage by playing in more direct balls.

When was the formation first developed?

Juanma Lillo
Pedrito Guzman, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 4-2-3-1 emerged towards the end of the 1990s and early 2000s. The first pioneer of the formation is believed to be Spanish coach Juanma Lillo, who is currently Manchester City assistant manager to Pep Guardiola. Lillo reportedly developed the system while managing the Segunda Division team Cultural Leonessa.

Guardiola adopted Lillo’s ideas and experienced great success with the system before his footballing ideas evolved, and he decided to experiment with different formations.

Real Madrid used the system under Vicente del Bosque from 1998 until 2003 in an effort to get the best out of talented number ten Zinedine Zidane.

Jose Mourinho also won the Champions League with Porto in season 2003/04 by employing the tactic. At times, the Portuguese boss also used it during his reign at Chelsea.

In the 2010s, the formation became more widespread, with many of the top teams using it. It was Jurgen Klopp’s preferred system at Dortmund when he established himself as a top head coach with BVB.

Many national teams also used the formation, including Spain’s all-conquering team of the late 2000s and early 2010s.

What are the pros and cons of the 4-2-3-1?

 

4231At the time of writing, it was still a highly popular formation due to the balance it could give a team in attack and defence. The fact that most teams, whatever league they play in, can use it is also a big attraction of the formation.

The 4-2-3-1 is also relatively versatile, as it can often change into a 4-4-2, a 4-3-3 or even a 3-4-3, depending on whether teams are attacking or defending.

The versatility also extends to the attacking midfielders, as the team can use three number tens, who rotate positions, or two wingers/inside forwards and a number ten.

There are a few negatives to this formation, too. The striker can become slightly isolated if the three attacking midfielders don’t give him enough support.

Then, there is the possibility of getting overrun in midfield by teams playing three in the centre of the pitch.

If the full-backs push forward, they can be open to a counter-attack from the opposition, especially if the defensive midfielders have ventured forward to support their team’s attacking play.

If the team plays a narrow 4-2-3-1 with three attacking midfielders rather than one and two wingers, it can lack width. That means that the full-backs have to provide the threat down the flanks, which could cause fatigue.

Is it popular on FM?

4-3-2-1 extreme volts tacticsWell, it is fair to say that varieties of 4-2-3-1 are highly popular on FM. In fact, it is the most popular formation for players to use on FM24 and has been for a long time.

It is my preferred formation when I play the game, although sometimes I break from the double pivot and use one defensive midfielder and one midfielder if I am playing as a strong team.

What are your thoughts on the 4-2-3-1 formation?