However, the formation eventually fell out of favor as teams began to adopt more modern tactics and formations. It reached its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with teams like Manchester United and AC Milan dominating with the 4-4-2 diamond. The formation proved to be successful, and it was adopted by many teams around the world. It was a variation of the traditional 4-4-2, with a diamond-shaped midfield that allowed for more creativity and attacking options. The rise of the 4-4-2 diamond can be traced back to Brazil’s use of the formation in the 1962 World Cup. However, in recent years, we have seen a resurgence of the 4-4-2 diamond, and it’s important for coaches to understand its strengths and weaknesses. This formation has been used by some of the most successful teams in history, but it has also fallen out of favor at times. One formation that has experienced a rollercoaster of success is the 4-4-2 diamond. A possible focus on individual skills of wingers can become a problem if they aren’t fast or dominant enough in one-on-one situations.As a soccer coach, I have seen the evolution of tactics and formations over the years.
Sometimes, this makes it difficult to balance the offense with the defense (without even considering what types of players you have). In 4-2-3-1 a lot of coordination is required between individual playing positions for the team to stay compact and support the offense. This formation especially allows for individual pieces of skill on the wings and in front of the goal. The formation in midfield can change, depending on the situation, between 1-2, 2-1, and 1-1-1. This creates opportunities for quick transitions into other formations and is highly stable in midfield. StrengthsĪn advantage of the 4-2-3-1 is the staggering of the players deep and wide. See how quickly PSG were able to take advantage of the space available against Bayern and resulted in Mbappe’s goal. Assuming the three midfielders adjust their positions accordingly, they can then dominate in the center of the pitch.
If a team has possession and is headed for the opponent’s goal, the ball must be passed as deep and as quickly as possible (getting the ball through the opposing defense), where the striker or winger can then take over. In the center different combination plays from the offensive midfielder to an advancing defensive midfielder or center forward are often deployed. Some teams prefer a right-footed player on the left side and vice versa, as they can create a goal threat quickly by moving into the middle. This opens up a number of combination possibilities for the defensive midfielder near the ball and the offensive midfielder on the wing, which then creates opportunities for the wingers. Quite often a player on the wing moves toward the center to create space for an approaching fullback near the ball. Creating scoring opportunities: over the wing and through the center The staggering of four rows creates depth and therefore great possibilities for triangulation and smooth combination play. The defensive midfielders are almost always staggered (one near the ball moves up the pitch, one furthest from the ball who safeguards against counter attacks). Of course, it is also possible to build up by fullbacks moving slightly towards the center, who can then shift the ball to an attacking midfielder, winger, or switch play through the defensive midfielder nearest the ball. Watch this great tactical analysis on how PSG’s 4-2-3-1 gave them the tools to gain possession through the center of the pitch so many times. Preferably the team would then begin midfield pressing (meaning attacking from about 30 foot in the opposing half to the middle of the team’s own half). With its strong center, the 4-2-3-1 encourages a strong defense in midfield by forcing the opposition to pass inwards, which then hopefully sees a defensive or offensive midfielder win back possession.
In general, it’s beneficial to play in four rows, which allows the players staggered deeply down the pitch to react quickly. In this case, a switch to 4-3-3 offensively makes sense. It can be problematic for a game with one center forward if you don’t have the right kind of player for the job, or if there simply isn’t enough support from midfield (through the attacking midfielder” and wingers). Two center backs and two defensive midfielders, or “double six,” provide stability in the center and yet you are still doubled-up on the wings, each side with a fullback and an offensive outside midfielder.