Next on our journey into the wonderful world of football formations is the 4-4-1-1, which is a formation that many head coaches have used in the past and a small group of coaches still use now.
How is the 441 set up?
The 4-4-1-1 is a simple adaptation of the seemingly ever-popular 4-4-2 formation. It features a backline of two full-backs or wings-backs and two central defenders in between.
In the modern game, the two full-backs or wing-backs are likely to participate in the team’s attacking play. How much they participate often depends on the scoreline.
If the team is looking to hold a lead or is playing a formidable opponent, they may stay deeper alongside their centre-backs. The coach’s tactics will have a big say in how the full-backs play.
The two central defenders tend to be the foundation of the team’s defensive play. In a 4411, they are unlikely to venture too far forward, except on set pieces, as it will leave the team exposed to teams hitting them on the counter-attack.
In front of the backline is a standard four-player midfield. The wide players will be expected to provide attacking width but will not be as advanced as out-and-out wingers. They will also have to do defensive duties covering their full-backs if they are caught up field.
The central midfielders have to help out in both defence and midfield. They will contribute to the attack, as well as the defence. It is crucial in the 4-4-1-1 formation that they don’t get caught too far up field, as it leaves the team open to counter attacks. They have to find a balance, with one maybe attacking and another hanging back slightly to act as defensive cover.
In front of the flat-four midfield is an attacking midfielder or number ten. Their primary functions in the team are to be the playmaker and primary attacking support for the lone forward. However, when the team is out of possession, they will drop into deeper positions in midfield to create an overload.
At the top of the team is the lone forward, who is, of course, the team’s attacking focal point and usually the primary source of goals. They will need to be able to hold the ball up in attack in order to give their teammates a chance to join in attack.
When was the formation first developed?
The 4-4-1-1 is an adaptation of the 4-4-2, which originated with the great Brazil teams of the 1950s and 1960s. However, many modern head coaches have used a 4-4-1-1 formation, especially in difficult games.
Sir Alex Ferguson advocated the formation during his long tenure at Manchester United. Often, his go-to formation with the Red Devils was the 4-4-2. However, if United faced a tough away trip at home or in Europe, he would tweak the system so it became more of a 4411 or even a 4-5-1 at times.
Jurgen Klopp also used the formation with great success during his time managing German giant Borussia Dortmund. As he is relatively flexible with his tactics, the formation could switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-1-1, depending on which team had the ball.
More recently, Sean Dyche used the tactic at Everton, which kept the team compact and made them hard to beat. The formation helped the Toffees survive some sticky moments.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the formation?
The first really big strength of this formation is that it can be highly versatile, as it can become a 4-3-3, 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, with just slight tweaks. This gives coaches the option of switching quickly during matches depending on whether their team is defending or attacking.
One of the other strengths is that if used correctly, a team can be hard to break down using the formation, especially if the number ten drops into midfield and creates an overload. This can lead to the opposition surrendering possession.
While there are many formations out there that may be difficult for players to grasp, the 4411 is simple, and the roles are usually straightforward.
One of the main weaknesses of this formation is that the lone forward can become isolated if the midfielders and full-backs don’t provide support. This often results in the team losing possession of the ball.
However, on the flip side, another potential weakness is if too many players are caught upfield. If both central midfielders attack and don’t get back to defend, teams are open to counter attacks in transition. The same goes for the fullbacks. If they are caught upfield, the opposition can expose gaps.
Also, suppose the opposition team uses a three-player midfielder, and the attacking midfielder doesn’t drop deep to create an overload. In that case, the two central midfielders can be outnumbered in the centre of the park.
Is it popular on FM?
I am not familiar with any 4-4-1-1 tactics for FM recently. However, I can see how this tactic could be highly useful on FM, as it is a solid and versatile formation.
I am sure there are 4411 tactics for FM24 available. If you know of any successful 4-4-1-1 tactics, please let us know via comment or on our socials
