The 4-2-3-1 formation is one of the most utilised tactical shapes in modern, elite football. Stemming from tweaks to the 4-4-2 formation, and initially most popular in Spain, the 4-2-3-1 steadily grew in popularity in major leagues from the 2000s onwards. It has since been used with success by many prominent coaches, including Pep Guardiola, Arne Slot and Erik ten Hag.
Below, our UEFA-licensed coaches have outlined the key aspects of the 4-2-3-1, as well as the positional requirements necessary for this formation to be used successfully.
Central protection
A key aspect of the 4-2-3-1 is that it provides significant central protection ahead of the back line, with a particular focus on the spaces just in front of the two centre-backs (below). Should the opposition play two central forwards, or a nine and 10 pairing, the double pivot in a 4-2-3-1 can screen, block and back-press any attempted passes.
Because zone 14 (click here to read more about this) is one of the most exploited areas of the pitch by attackers, the double pivot can help reduce direct access into this space. At the same time, the pivots are well positioned to force play away from the centre.
The 4-2-3-1 often requires defensive midfielders who can duel, tackle and intercept in regular individual battles. These midfielders should also be alert enough to land on any second balls, especially when the back line has won the first contact.
The defensive midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 must also have explosive acceleration and deceleration to help cover, screen or duel, as well as reposition. Positional changes in the middle of the pitch – relative to the position of the ball and any subsequent attacking movements – are crucial. Once the ball has been regained, calmness and composure in the first few passes are required to maintain possession – especially when facing an aggressive counter-press.
Front-line width
The front line in a 4-2-3-1 offers natural width, both during sustained possession and on the counter-attack. This is ideal for wingers who can dribble, carry the ball up the pitch and dominate in 1v1 situations. The positioning of the front three can also help pin a defensive unit of four (below), helping create overloads elsewhere on the pitch for deeper teammates to dominate and progress the ball forward.
The 4-2-3-1 requires wingers who can create with crosses and penetrative passes from wide areas. They must also be comfortable when receiving up against a touchline. Specific profiles of the wingers can vary, though; traditional wingers can attack effectively on the outside of a 4-2-3-1, while a wrong-footed winger can cause problems by working back inside.
The centre-forward must also be comfortable initially working alone, before they are supported by the wide attackers, and the number 10 underneath. As this forward role is often played in a 2v1 underload, clever positioning to combine or disrupt the opposing back line is important.
Attacking full-backs
The full-backs can be given significant licence to attack in a 4-2-3-1, thanks to the presence of the double pivot. The 4-2-3-1 works well with full-backs who are adept at crossing, in wide combinations, dribbling or driving forward, and also attacking the back post. Spaces either side of the number 10 are ideal for wingers to roll inside, freeing wide space for the full-backs to move into (below). This works to maintain width in the front line.
The double pivot can also support underneath full-back advances, covering and screening should possession be lost. It is important that central protection still exists in transition, though, with the deeper players locking any counter-attacks to one side. Delaying progress up the pitch gives more time for the advanced full-back(s) and others to recover back.
Number 10
In a 4-2-3-1, the number 10 can be the main, central point of the attack. They are often the key player between the lines – the link between building and creating – and the primary source of attacking play. Giving freedom to the number 10 can prompt differing movements, rotations, patterns and combinations, allowing the 10 to operate in various positions of the attack.
Different types of number 10s can flourish within the 4-2-3-1. Germany’s 2014 World Cup winner Mesut Özil was a central creator between the lines, capable of slicing open defences with delicate through balls and combinations. It was very rare to see him outside the width of the box.
His compatriot Thomas Müller (below) has also created plenty of chances as a number 10, but these have often been via crosses and passes across goal. He has often made movements that pull defenders with him, freeing teammates in the moments before he provides an assist.
Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne has dominated the right inside channel playing for Manchester City. There, he makes penetrative runs to cross, cut back or reverse balls into central goalscoring positions. Other 10s – such as Jamal Musiala, Paulo Dybala and Eberechi Eze – offer more of a dribbling threat. They carry the ball and beat opponents 1v1 to then combine, create or score.
It can go unnoticed, but within the 4-2-3-1 the number 10 often does a significant amount of running – both with and without the ball. Repositioning is important when attacking, but when defending in a 4-2-3-1, it’s often the number 10 who repositions most without the ball. The centre-forward remains high and narrow, ready to counter-attack, while the double pivot and back line remain solid and compact.
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