What is the 4-2-4 formation?
The 4-2-4 formation has a back line of four defenders: two centre-backs and two full-backs. Ahead of the defenders, a central-midfield pair operates in the next line, with a high attacking line of four just ahead. It is typically an aggressive front line, as a result of the wingers or wide midfielders starting and remaining very high, either side of the centre-forwards.
What are the origins of the 4-2-4 formation?
It is thought the initial development of the 4-2-4 came in the 1940s and 1950s, from the work of Hungarian coach Márton Bukovki. At that time Hungary was at the forefront of world football; Bukovki adapted the widespread 3-2-2-3 shape – better known as the W-M formation (below) – by having his centre-forward drop, while the two inside forwards advanced to create a front-line pairing.
The left and right half-backs also adjusted, with one dropping into the back line to provide extra defensive cover, and the other working alongside the withdrawn centre-forward. The outside left and outside right widened, to complete the front line of four (below).
Bela Guttmann, Bukovki’s fellow Hungarian, is also credited with a substantial role in the progression to a 4-2-4. A coach at 19 different clubs in 10 countries, he won 10 league titles, notably winning two European Cups at Benfica. It was in Brazil, however, that Guttmann really pioneered the 4-2-4, with far fewer rotations and movements than had previously been the case.
During his spell in charge of São Paulo, Guttman was assisted by Vincente Feola as the club won the 1957 Campeonato Paulista. A year later, Feola was manager of Brazil when they swept to World Cup victory using a 4-2-4; adaptations of which they would go on to use in becoming world champions again, in 1962 and 1970. Mário Zagallo, who played for Brazil in the 1958 and 1962 tournaments, carried the baton as coach for the 1970 success.
More recently, in the 2020s the W-M made a significant return to top-level football – especially in the Premier League. There, the 4-2-4 has often been used when defending, with teams forming 4-2-4 mid-blocks and high blocks to combat opposition 3-2-2-3 formations adopted during build-up (below).
What are the in-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-4?
A team playing 4-2-4 will have significant numbers in attacking positions, often directly up against an opposition back line. This provides options for attacking combinations. The two centre-forwards must be able to work off one another, complimenting the other’s movement – for example, one penetrating and one dropping. Both should provide a goalscoring threat in central areas, and also link up with either wide player – as well as each other – to outplay their centre-back markers.
A 4-2-4 places a greater emphasis on 1v1s in wide areas. Advancing wide midfielders or wingers provide the width, and the centre-forwards occupy the opposing centre-backs. The wide attackers should be strong dribblers, able to entice or beat players before providing crosses, through balls, switches or combinations back inside. They should also provide a secondary goal threat, by attacking the back post or cutting inside.
The central-midfield pair are often stretched in this formation, and therefore must be athletic enough to cover large distances in the middle of the pitch. It is crucial that, between them, they manage their distances in possession, to be able to combine with each other. They must also possess a range of passing, as short passes forward may not always be available. Breaking lines with penetrative passes, or direct switches of play, becomes more important for a central-midfield pair in this system.
The full-backs are less offensive in the 4-2-4 because of the presence of attackers already in the wide areas. Instead, they support from deeper positions with few runs beyond, drifting or driving inside to help assist the central midfielders. Should the wingers maintain maximum width, being narrowed helps the full-backs to pass forward, before continuing to support just inside.
The two centre-backs provide forward passes into midfield, but with such an aggressive front line they also have opportunities to play forward more directly. This typically includes switches of play into the wingers, or balls for them to chase in behind. Direct central passes into the centre-forwards are also an option, from which the front line can pin and connect.
What are the out-of-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-4?
The 4-2-4 can be used with an aggressive pressing strategy or as a mid-block (below). In a withdrawn block, the front line can screen and cover access into the opposition’s central players, forcing play around the outside shoulder of the wingers. The centre-forwards often screen access into opposing pivots, with the wingers ready to jump when opponents creep forward with the ball, usually pressing out to in.
The central-midfield pair protect ahead of the back line. They often focus on the opposition’s number eight and number 10, being player-oriented with their marking when necessary. Should the centre be breached by a pass through the first line, they are often required to engage in direct duelling.
The back line should remain as compact as possible for as long as possible, encouraging play wide. The centre-backs often have cover and protection ahead of them thanks to the midfield pair, but are required to maintain a high back line to shorten distances between the lines. The more they do this, the easier it is for the 4-2-4 to force and keep the ball away from central spaces. That means the full-backs are often required to defend 1v1. They must be strong in their duelling, cover access back inside and block crosses.
When pressing (below), the 4-2-4 makes use of the front line, often going player–for-player against the opposing back line. The two centre-forwards press directly on to the centre-backs. One should be available to press the goalkeeper, while also cutting access off to the centre-back they are marking. The wingers press the full-backs, usually forcing play wide to make use of the touchline as an extra defender.
During a high press, it is important that the far-side winger narrows to stop any attempted play into the opposite inside channel, or reversed passes played through the middle of the press. When up against a central midfield trio – such as a 4-3-3 – this narrowed winger can help mark, track and defend the midfielder furthest from the ball. The two central midfielders in the 4-2-4 can then be player-oriented in their marking. Otherwise, one of the back line – usually a centre-back – will have to push up to defend in the midfield.
The central midfielders in a 4-2-4 can player-mark or apply zonal cover to the middle of the pitch. They are usually responsible for pressing the deepest opposing players in this space. If the full-back hasn’t jumped in an aggressive manner to support the winger’s press, then the closest central midfielder may be needed to delay opposition progress by covering wider. Their midfield partner should then slide across.
As with the wingers, the full-backs will often press from out to in. This works to keep the ball on one side of the pitch where possible, locking it along the touchline. When defending in a block, the full-backs must be strong 1v1 defenders. The centre-backs should be agile and flexible enough to duel in midfield, but also provide secondary cover just inside the full-back’s press. Indeed, the entire back line’s ability to shift across the pitch is key to a 4-2-4 press.
Examples of teams using a 4-2-4
Roberto De Zerbi at Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk, Brighton and Marseille
De Zerbi’s teams have often utilised a 4-2-4 when executing his unique style of build-up. He places his double pivot very narrow and close to his centre-backs. There, they can play regular, short bounce passes between the units. The wingers operate extremely high, pinning the opposing full-backs deep while the two centre-forwards perform opposite movements (below). This creates room for the full-backs to receive on the move, as they bait and entice a press before linking into the very high and aggressive front line.
Antonio Conte with Italy, Chelsea and Inter
Although Conte has often used a back three, in possession his rotations and attacking ideas have frequently formed a 4-2-4 structure. He had some success doing this with the Italian national team and Inter, but reverted to a 3-4-2-1 at Chelsea after making a poor start with the 4-2-4.
The deeper pivot in a Conte team often drops into the back line with the three centre-backs. The two number eights then become connectors to the front line, with the wing-backs very attacking and high up the pitch (below). Here, they can work alongside the centre-forward pair (below).
Arne Slot’s Liverpool
In the opening months of his tenure at Liverpool, Slot has used a 4-2-4 when attacking and defending. His wingers – particularly Mohamed Salah – start high, wide and aggressive. In fact, direct passes from the back line have skipped the midfield and gone straight into the wingers, with a midfield runner positioned early around the centre-forward to complete a front line of four (below). Slot has also encouraged a second midfielder runner from deep, when appropriate. This gives Liverpool a strong attacking presence.
What are the benefits of playing with a 4-2-4?
The 4-2-4 features significant numbers high up the pitch, directly against the opposition back line. Without the need for rotations, the 4-2-4 places an immediate threat in the final third. It facilitates attacks through direct play, counter-attacks or sustained possession. Against a back four, it encourages multiple 1v1s; wingers who can beat their direct opponents thus offer an instant advantage. If the centre-forwards dominate their opponents – through pinning to receive, clever movement or just outplaying them on the ball and finishing – then the 4-2-4 can provide a high goal return.
The front four can also provide aggressive counter-pressing high up the pitch. This puts opposition defenders under immediate pressure if they regain the ball. With an organised press, the numbers and positioning in a 4-2-4 can regain the ball in the opposing half, while also disrupting the opposition’s deeper build-up. When the front line offers aggressive pressing and duelling, the 4-2-4 can prove an effective shape.
Another positive of the 4-2-4 is that one subtle movement can create different shapes, structures and ideas. A dropping centre-forward serves to form a 4-2-3-1. If this movement is diagonal, then a central midfielder can adjust to form a 4-3-3 (below). Wingers moving towards the ball, or just starting deeper, can quickly form a flatter 4-4-2. With this flexibility, a team can adapt quickly. Players can have licence to problem-solve more than in some other structures.
Depending on how far back the wingers recover out of possession, the 4-2-4 can pose a significant counter-attacking threat, should the front unit stay relatively high. If the defensive unit and central midfield have stopped an opposition attack, the front unit has width, height and the potential to rotate. These are all crucial to a successful counter-attack.
What are the disadvantages to playing with a 4-2-4?
A central-midfield pair can be quickly overloaded. If the front line don’t maintain possession well, then the central spaces are ripe for transitions. This is especially the case if full-back support or cover hasn’t been established by the 4-2-4. It can therefore be easier to counter-attack into the defensive half of a team playing in a 4-2-4.
If the back line’s forward passing isn’t successful, gaps can be exploited on the second phase of the play. Without shorter support around the ball, a loss of possession can be particularly damaging due to the distances between the units.
Wide movements from opposition full-backs and wingers can also exploit the most obvious space when attacking a 4-2-4. Teams can adapt in possession, with attacking midfielders widening and not being tracked. There, they can receive to then attack back inside. This has become a growing trend in the Premier League, since the 4-2-4 has been used as a defensive response to the in possession 3-2-2-3.
