In today’s article, we continue our series by looking at the different popular formations used in football. Next on our journey is the 4-2-4 formation.
How are teams set up in a 424 formation?
The 4-2-4 is predominantly considered an attacking formation, as it puts so many players in attacking positions. The formation usually starts with a back four, usually with two centre-backs flanked by full-backs.
Unlike in some more defensive formations, due to the attacking nature of the 4-2-4, the full-backs may not venture that far forward, as it would leave the team short of defensive numbers. However, some full-backs still offer an overlap for the wingers.
The two central midfielders have defensive and attacking responsibilities. Sometimes, the team will be set up with a double-pivot of defensive midfielders in the centre of the park. At the same time, some will feature a single pivot and a player who may want to play a bigger part in the team’s attacking play.
The front four includes two wingers and central forwards. The wingers are responsible for providing the team’s width and creating chances for the central forwards. In a pure 4-2-4 formation, the wingers have very little defensive responsibility. When in attack, they could even be in line with their central forwards.
Some teams that start games in 424 formations end up more of a 442 when they are winning, with the wingers dropping into wide midfield roles.
The two players up front shoulder the responsibility of the team’s goalscoring. One forward may stay in an advanced position to make sure there is always at least one player in an attacking position. Meanwhile, the other central forward may come deep to help out the midfielders and create an overload in the centre of the pitch.
When was the formation first developed?
The 4-2-4 formation’s origins are believed to date back to the 1940s when Hungarian coach Marton Bukovki was looking to improve the highly popular W-M formation. The W-M was originally a 3-2-2-3 formation, which Bukovki adapted into a 4-2-4 formation.
His compatriot Bela Guttmann is also regarded as a coach who helped raise the popularity of the formation. Guttmann managed 19 teams in 10 different countries, winning ten league titles and two European Cups with Portuguese giants Benfica.
However, it was arguably his spell in Brazil with Sao Paulo that was his most influential, as he took his team to the 1957 Campeonato Paulista. The win was significant because his assistant was Vincente Feola.
Feola would go on to manage the Brazilian national team to victory at the 1958 World Cup using the system. The Selecao also used variations of the system to win the World Cup again in 1962 and 1970, the latter being coached by Mario Zagallo, who had featured for Brazil as a player in both their 1958 and 1962 triumphs.
Celtic’s legendary coach Jock Stein used the formation to guide the Hoops to their 1967 European Cup triumph, as well as making the 1970 final of European football’s elite competition.
that strategic 424 by arne slot was absolutely genius and not mention the goal by mo salah! we’ll truly never walk alone scousers! ❤️ #YNWA
— 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬 🇿🇦 (@thandohurts) November 2, 2024
In recent years, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, during his time with Liverpool, have used this formation in the Premier League. Current Liverpool boss Arne Slot has also used the formation at times.
What are the pros and cons of the 4-2-4?
One of the main pros of this formation is that it is an attacking one. The team should always provide an attacking threat, which should lead to more chances. This formation is ideal for teams with strong attacking players who want to play on the front foot.
One of the other pros of the formation is that it is simple to understand. It can be used at any level of the game, and the players’ roles are easy to understand and execute.
The formation is also highly effective if a team wants to press high up the pitch simply because of the number of players in advanced positions.
The main con is that there is always a danger that the team may lack defensive cover due to the number of players in attacking areas of the pitch. Teams can easily get caught in transition if the players don’t track back.
If the full-backs push forward, or the wingers don’t track the opposition full-backs, it leaves a team susceptible to a counter-attack. In that case, it can lead to the opposition having lots of the ball in wide areas and potentially creating a greater number of goalscoring opportunities.
With some teams attempting to overload the midfield with three players in the centre of the pitch, the midfield two can often get overloaded by the opposition. The middle of the park is such a vital area of the pitch, and this can be a massive factor in winning and losing games.
Is it popular on FM?
I have yet to use or test a successful 4-2-4 on FM24, although I did on FM23. However, I am sure the formation is popular due to its attacking set-up and simplicity of use.
I believe that there are not many successful 4-2-4 formations because it’s hard to find a good balance using the 4-2-4, and like in real life, on FM, your team can get outnumbered in the centre of midfield.
One 4-2-4 tactic that is highly rated by many is the Maxed Out 424 by the popular tactic creator Josh Daly. It’s a tactic I might test one day on FM24 for my tactic-testing articles.
Do you use the 4-2-4 formation on Football Manager, and have you found success using the formation?
