Why do most European football clubs use a 4-2-3-1 formation?

In the exciting world of European football, the way teams arrange their players on the field, known as formations, is really important. There are many different formations, but one, in particular, has become very popular among top clubs in Europe: the 4-2-3-1 formation. This formation is loved by coaches because it gives their teams a good balance and allows them to control the game. In this blog, we will explore why so many European clubs choose to use the 4-2-3-1 formation, uncovering its secrets and understanding the tactics that make it a favorite. Come with us as we discover why this formation has captured the hearts of fans and professionals alike.

What is 4-2-3-1 formation?

The 4-2-3-1 formation is a tactical setup commonly used in football matches. It is characterized by four defenders, two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders, and one lone striker. Here’s a breakdown of the positions within the formation:

1. Goalkeeper (GK): The player who defends the goal and stops the opposing team from scoring.
2. Defenders (Back Four): Consisting of two central defenders (center-backs) and two wide defenders (full-backs), they aim to prevent the opposition from advancing and scoring.
3. Defensive Midfielders (DM): Positioned just in front of the defense, these players provide defensive cover and help protect the backline. They also initiate attacks by distributing the ball to their teammates.
4. Attacking Midfielders (AM): Three players typically occupy the attacking midfield positions. The central attacking midfielder operates just behind the lone striker and is often responsible for creating goal-scoring opportunities. The wide attacking midfielders (left and right) provide support on the flanks and contribute to both attacking and defensive phases of play.
5. Striker (ST): Positioned as the sole forward, the striker’s primary objective is to score goals. They often rely on the support of the attacking midfielders to create scoring opportunities.

The Use of 4-2-3-1 formation

The 4-2-3-1 formation is widely used in football due to its versatility and effectiveness in both defense and attack. Here are some key reasons why teams choose to employ this formation:

1. Defensive stability: The two defensive midfielders provide additional cover for the defense, helping to protect against counterattacks and limiting the space for the opposition to operate in the central areas of the pitch. This formation allows teams to maintain a solid defensive structure while still having options for offensive play.
2. Control of the midfield: With two defensive midfielders sitting in front of the defense, teams can establish a strong presence in the central midfield area. This allows for better control of possession, dictating the tempo of the game and limiting the opponent’s opportunities to build attacks through the middle.
3. Attacking options: The 4-2-3-1 formation provides a balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair. The attacking midfielders have the freedom to join the lone striker in the attack, creating numerical advantages and providing a variety of passing options. This formation enables teams to penetrate the opposition’s defense with combinations, through balls, and wide attacking play.
4. Flexibility: The 4-2-3-1 formation allows teams to adapt their playing style based on the strengths of their players and the circumstances of the match. It can be adjusted to a more defensive approach by withdrawing the attacking midfielders or transformed into a more attacking formation by pushing the full-backs forward and involving them in the attack.
5. Wide attacking play: The presence of wide attacking midfielders in the 4-2-3-1 formation provides width to the team’s attacking play. They can stretch the opponent’s defense, create space for overlapping full-backs, and deliver crosses into the box for the lone striker.

Which all clubs use 4-2-3-1 formation?

• Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur: Mauricio Pochettino, during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, implemented a 4-2-3-1 formation. In this setup, Harry Kane acted as the lone striker, supported by Dele Alli as an attacking midfielder who made penetrating runs beyond the center-forward. Son Heung-min also provided penetrative movements, especially during transitions. Christian Eriksen played as a central number 10 or as one of the wide attacking midfielders, often moving centrally to support the double pivot in breaking through the opposition midfield. Full-backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose added attacking threat by overlapping and providing width to the team’s attacks. The double pivot consisted of Eric Dier and Mousa Dembélé, who offered protection in front of the center-backs, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
• Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich: At Bayern Munich, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, the 4-2-3-1 formation proved highly effective during their triumphant 2019/20 Champions League campaign. Centre-forward Robert Lewandowski received support from the dynamic Thomas Müller, who made runs beyond the striker and provided an additional presence in the box. Wide players Kingsley Coman, Ivan Perisic, and Serge Gnabry also rotated and moved infield towards goal. Thiago, positioned between the defense and attacking midfield, controlled the team’s passing tempo. He was paired with either Leon Goretzka, who made penetrative runs around Müller, or Joshua Kimmich, who added defensive solidity to the double pivot. This allowed the full-backs, Benjamin Pavard and Alphonso Davies, to join the attack simultaneously.
• Pep Guardiola at Manchester City: Pep Guardiola, while at Manchester City, increasingly utilized the 4-2-3-1 formation during the 2020/21 season. A double pivot of Rodri and either Ilkay Gündogan or Fernandinho provided defensive cover ahead of the back four. João Cancelo often pushed forward from left-back, effectively converting the back line into a three. Guardiola occasionally opted to play without a traditional center-forward, employing a false nine in the form of a midfielder or winger such as Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, or Ferran Torres. Central rotations allowed Gündogan to advance from the double pivot, with Cancelo joining Rodri in midfield to maintain a two. Gündogan would then make penetrative runs through the inside channels, exploiting the space created by the wide and high wingers.
• Gareth Southgate with England: With England, manager Gareth Southgate has predominantly favored a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1 formation. This approach was evident during Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice formed the double pivot whenever available, showcasing their ability to link the defense with the attacking midfield trio and center-forward Harry Kane. The attacking midfield three constantly rotated, making penetrating runs behind the opposition’s defensive line and dropping into similar positions as Kane. Mason Mount, Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, and Phil Foden demonstrated impressive abilities to combine in tight spaces. Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling provided additional penetrative runs beyond the opposing defense.

What are the disadvantages to playing with a 4-2-3-1?

While the 4-2-3-1 formation offers several advantages, it also has some potential disadvantages. Here are a few drawbacks to consider:

1. Lack of central midfield control: The presence of two defensive midfielders in the double pivot may provide defensive stability, but it can result in a potential lack of control and creativity in the central midfield area. With only two players in central midfield, there might be a numerical disadvantage when facing teams that deploy three central midfielders or play with a diamond midfield.
2. Vulnerability to counterattacks: The 4-2-3-1 formation can be susceptible to counterattacks, particularly if the two defensive midfielders are caught out of position or unable to quickly transition from attack to defense. With the attacking midfielders often pushing forward, there might be gaps left in midfield that opponents can exploit with fast breaks.
3. Overreliance on the lone striker: The lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation can sometimes become isolated and lack support, especially if the attacking midfielders are not effectively providing the necessary link-up play or making penetrative runs. This can lead to a heavy burden on the striker to create chances and score goals.
4. Lack of natural width: While the attacking midfielders in the 4-2-3-1 formation can contribute to the attack, the reliance on them for width means that there might be a potential lack of natural width from traditional wingers or overlapping full-backs. This can make it more challenging to stretch the opposition’s defense and create space in wide areas.
5. Limited defensive cover in wide areas: The emphasis on attacking play and overlapping full-backs in the 4-2-3-1 formation can leave the team exposed in wide defensive areas. If the full-backs are caught high up the pitch, opponents can exploit the spaces left behind and launch attacks down the flanks.
6. Rigidity and predictability: Opponents who study and understand a team’s consistent use of the 4-2-3-1 formation can potentially exploit its predictability. The lack of variation in the formation may make it easier for opponents to devise specific strategies to counter its strengths.

The 4-2-3-1 formation allows teams to adapt their tactics based on their players’ strengths, the opponent they face, and the flow of the game. It provides versatility, fluidity, and the potential for quick counterattacks, making it an attractive choice for coaches seeking a comprehensive tactical system. Like this post? Don’t forget to check out our other short stories in our Quick Read section