4–2–3–1: Why it is one of my favourite systems

BARCELONA, SPAIN — DECEMBER 11: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur applauds the travelling fans after the UEFA Champions League Group B match between FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur at Camp Nou on December 11, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

I have no shame in saying that I am a nerd when it comes to Tactical Analysis. It’s something I enjoy learning about and something I want to continue learning about.

Having been learning about the tactics of the beautiful game for the last year and a bit, I have two systems that I like. Both are very flexible systems that offer a lot offensively and defensively.

One of them is the 4–2–3–1.

Made popular by top managers like José Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino, the 4–2–3–1 system was the most used formation in the Premier League this season, with 7 of the 20 teams using it and I can’t blame them.

It’s an adaptation of the 4–3–3, with the midfield triangle inverting to have two defensive midfielders and one creative midfielder at the tip of the triangle. While there are some similarities between the 4–3–3 and the 4–2–3–1, including both systems having the structure to dominate possession and the ability to be be offensively strong, the latter is much better at counter attacks for instance.

Mourinho’s 2011/12 title winning Real Madrid side, that broke many records including the most points won in any La Liga season and scoring the most goals in any season with 127, had counter attacks that would be produced on a regular basis that were scary.

The three in midfield followed by the striker, allows for the team to win the ball back straight away and have four players ready to break at speed.

ROME, ITALY — JULY 09: AS Roma new coach Josè Mourinho look on during an AS Roma training session at Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini on July 09, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images )

So in this, relatively big article, I will detail

• player requirements from the starting eleven
• strengths
• weaknesses
• how to attack in the 4–2–3–1
• how to defend in the 4–2–3–1

No system is perfect, but I believe that this system is perhaps one of the most successful and simplistic in football.

Player Requirements

These requirements are a combination between my ideas, as well as the requirements that are already present as a result of using this system.

Goalkeeper

There isn’t much of an emphasis on the Goalkeeper (GK) having a crucial role in possession, rather to perform the basic roles that are expected of a GK. Making saves, being agile and a presence in the box, as well as organising his back four.

Clearly however due to the requirements of the modern game, the GK will have to be comfortable with the ball at his feet and be able to play under pressure. Distribution wise, being able to link up with every player on the pitch whether it is by hand or foot would be a massive aid to the team.

Gianluigi Buffon is perhaps one of the greatest Goalkeepers the game has ever seen, particularly in Italy. He’s an absolute champion who’s managed to perform at an elite level consistently, which has allowed him to play on into his 40’s. (source: Getty Images)

Fullbacks

This is one of the roles that is pretty important, particularly from an offensive point of view. These guys will be providing the width — almost like wingbacks, instead of the wingers, as I want them to be acting as inside forwards.

These guys have to a high endurance, as it is a requirement that they make lung bursting runs up and down their respective sides. Mostly, their run types will be overlap, but occasionally their will be some inverted runs depending on the pattern of play.

Their ability to combine with the midfielders and inside forward, relevant to the side of the pitch their on is crucial, particularly in the attacking phase. Being able to play short, sharp, 1–2 touch football is absolutely key to the success of this system.

In the defensive transition, it is vital that they return to shape immediately or if the situation allows for them to counterpress and win the ball back quickly, then they can do so. Otherwise, getting back into shape with the back 4 is the highest priority.

Maicon is one of the best right backs of all time and his ability to get forward was one of his strengths. (source: Getty Images)

Centerbacks

These guys also have a pretty big role in possession. Their roles are mostly to receive the ball from the GK and then circulate the ball until passing lanes open up to players in advanced positions.

Playing football near our goal is a risky and potentially damaging method, however if we can draw in the opposition with short, sharp and quick passing and have players in space ready to receive, then this system will flourish. This also why the centerbacks (CBs) need to be able to play line breaking passes. As a result, we will be able to progress the ball at speed.

The CBs ability to also drive with the ball is a key fundamental requirement. This will help with drawing in the opposition and exploiting the space in behind.

Defensively, their roles are to find that balance between being disciplined but also aggressive. Ultimately in the challenge, the CBs need to set the tone by going in hard and not making the opposition’s attackers job easy. Whether it is a contest in the air or on the ground, their decision making needs to be smart and their moments need to be smart.

Walter Samuel was described as the “hardest player” former Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti ever played with. Samuel was a crucial player in Mourinho’s 2010 treble with Inter. (source: Getty Images)

Defensive Midfielders

Here is an area where there’s an opportunity for some personal preference in terms of how these guys operate. In possession, they need to be powerful and athletic, both in and out of possession. They also need to be somewhat press resistant. These guys link up the play from the CBs to the players in advanced positions, either the front 4 or the FBs.

In possession, I want them to also act as a double pivot, where depending on which side the ball is, the ballside CDM will assist with the play. Further, when it comes to crosses into the box, depending on the situation of the game, one of them will be able to go into the box. Not both, as I am very aware of the space left in behind on the defensive transition.

In the defensive transition, either they commit a foul to slow down the play or they make sure that they are ready to assist with the counter press. Ultimately, their goal in the transition is to hold up the opposition to the amount of players I would commit going forward.

Defensively, their role is similar to the CBs, where they need to find that balance between being disciplined and aggressive. Forcing the opposition away from our goal and get them turning away is the ultimate objective. Further, should they win the ball back, again depending on the situation of the game, they need to have trust in their passing/dribbling abilities to carry out a counter attack at speed.

Michael Essien when he played for both Chelsea and Real Madrid was a rock in the two team’s double pivots in their respective 4–2–3–1 systems. He was aggressive, powerful and he had an unbelievable long shot. (source: Getty Images)

Central Attacking Midfielder

Trequartista, the Enganche or a number 10, the Central Attacking Midfielder (CAM) has easily the most crucial role in the attacking phase; creating chances. It is his job to create chances and mainly operate in the “hole” between the midfield and forwards.

Ideally, all central chances would be created through him and as a result of the wingers playing as inside forwards, tight central play can insue. Further, due to our preference to draw in the opposition, the FBs will have more space in the wide areas to advance and deliver a cross to put in.

The Enghanche will have to possess great vision, flair, agility and creativity to play as the number 10. Link up play is a crucial aspect of the 4–2–3–1 in the attacking phase. His movement too, which should be dynamic, where he can also freely roam the pitch, will also help with the linkup.

Defensively, he will be an active participant, helping the strikers and the wingers to regain the ball as quickly as possible, so that a counter attack can then be the following result.

Arguably one of the greatest players of all team, and an even better Enganche, Diego Maradona will go down in history as one of the greatest playmakers ever. (source: Getty Images)

Wingers

A modern tactical concept though an effective one, deploying the wingers as inside forwards where they operate in the half spaces and central zones, instead of the traditional winger, where they hold their width.

Sometimes, depending on the opposition and situation, the wingers may stay wide. But most times they’ll be in those half spaces, as this system flourishes with its central play. It is the role of the wingers to combine with the CAM and the striker. They can swap sides to confuse the defenders but ultimately they are to operate in those areas.

In defensive transition, they need to counter press for a maximum of 6 seconds at a high intensity before they get back into shape. They need to track back and again, depending on the opposition, they may need to join the 2 CDMs in the block (to make a 4–4–1–1), or stay with the CAM to ensure maximum defensive lines.

In offensive transition, 9 times out of 10, you would expect them to lead the counter attack. One of the strengths of this system is the positioning of the players to counter attack. José Mourinho got this spot on in 2011/12 with his Real Madrid side, as like I said before, they were deadly in transition.

Jadon Sancho is one of the best inside forwards in the world at the moment. (source: Getty Images)

Strengths

• Full cover of spaces with many players. As the formation is quite centrally orientated, defending can be made easier due to little distance needed to be covered when assisting team mates.
• Sufficient attacking and defensive organisation. Perhaps one of the most fluid formations of football, with so many capabilities going forward as well as in defense.
• Short distances between players. This allows for little intricate passes and combination play, as well as opportunities to counter press should the coach want that.
• Pairs on the wings. The winger and the full back is quite useful as it allows for overloads or different runs, making defending very tricky.

Weaknesses

• 2vs2 against teams with 2 forwards. Last thing the two centre backs would want is 2 forwards running against them. At all times, the defense will want to out number the attack.
• Disadvantage in the midfield if the double pivot/attack don’t communicate well. There could be a very large gap in the midfield should a lack of communication arise.

Attacking in the 4–2–3–1

Goalkeeper’s value

The build up play will 9 times out of 10, begin with the goalkeeper. Therefore, he must have good distribution abilities, as well as quick thinking should an option arise.

The goalkeeper must be an active participant in the build up, as not only must he provide an option, but also use the opposition’s press against them.

Back line build up is key

First of all, the team has got to get high and wide. This is really important because it stretches the pitch, but also the opposition.

The main task of the center backs in possession is to receive the ball from the goalkeeper and start the play. Obviously during the attacking phase, they will also be there to circulate the ball and create different dimensions for the attack.

Should the opposition look to press with one forward, then the lack of pressing should be capitilised by the centre backs, looking to drive the ball into the central zones and find the double pivot.

This can be made even easier, should the ball side player of the double pivot advance further, dragging his man with him.

If the opposition look to press with two forwards, then the more defensive of the double pivots, will drop in between the two centre backs, while the other will look to cooperate with the number 10, by creating effective angles to receive the ball.

Fullbacks need to keep the width

As stated previously, in possession, the whole team should look to get high and wide, and for the fullbacks, this is very important. Not only does he drag his man with him, but also allows for passing combinations with one of the pivots, winger and/or the number 10.

An example of where the width of the fullbacks is effective, is when a winger drops in to receive the ball. This, in theory, should result in there being a defender dragged with him. To exploit this, either a simple one-two with the winger and the centre back, followed by a ball over the top to the fullback or the winger just acting as a decoy.

Or, another idea, would be for the winger to push inside, also dragging his man with him, and the fullback exploiting the space vacated by the defender.

That pass to an advancing fullback will cause the opposition wingback to make a choice, does he follow the winger or does he come out and press the wingback. Should the first option be taken, then the number 3 should continue to advance and deliver a ball into the box or combine with the 11.

The Double Pivots

Their role is quite simple in the build up play, however the execution and completion of the task is critical. They support the team in all directions and act as a connector from the backline to the forwards. It is important that during this phase, that they aren’t square with their positioning. Angled body positions are key.

They can also look to combine with each other to drag the opposition forward. An example could be one of the pivots making a decoy run forward, but that is a trigger for the other pivot to drop into the central area, because the pivot who ran is coming back to receive and play to the other pivot.

Clever movement from the number six can enable more space for him to receive and turn.

That concept of making those decoy runs, or “false runs”, can be really effective if done so correctly, as it can give time and space for the defenders to bring the ball out comfortably and with control.

The number 10 is vital

In the final third of the pitch, the CAM, or the number 10, has to be alive and active. This is because he connects the defensive midfielders and the forwards together. For me, I would like my CAMs to be creative and take risks. Look for that ball in behind, play one-twos with the forwards, overload the central areas.

They have got to support their teammates and run into space. For instance, if the opposing team plays in a deep block, then he must look for solutions by circulating the ball, chipping the ball over the top etc.

Below are some examples that should highlight the 10’s creative ability.

Very simple yet effective way to break down a deep block. That pass took out two lines of defense for the opposition or 66% of it. That one pass could make or break a goal scoring opportunity.

In order for this move to work, a few things have to be present. 1, the number 5 has got to have good ball playing abilities, as if that long ball doesn’t work, then a counter attack will arise. 2, the number 9 and 10 have got to have a great understanding between each other. 3, the 10 has to be intelligent with his movement and understand that the 9 has taken his man with him. This is how we can exploit the space.

As stated previously, should the defenders have good ball playing abilities then an aggressive pass to the 10 floating in the central areas, will not only break 1 or 2 defensive lines, but also allow for three clear through ball opportunities which should result in a goal.

The Wingers

In this system, there are two options that can be deployed to the wingers. Either they stay outside and look to dribble in, or they can play as inside forwards, allowing the fullbacks to push forward. As shown in the diagrams, I personally prefer inside forwards, and I do so for a couple of reasons.

One, it confuses the defense, particularly those playing with 4 at the back. Two, should the ball be won immediately out wide, then there will be 3/4 players in the box, waiting for a cross.

As stated before, the wingers should play as inside forwards. This is to overload the box and increase the chances of a goal scoring opportunity, should a wingback get a ball in the box.

The Striker

The striker has always got to be a threat to the backline, and his unpredictability with his decisions on and off the ball must be something in his repertoire. He will play in between the center backs, and look to interchange with the 10 looking to create space. Both he and the number 10 have got to have a good understanding with each other in order for the attacks to flourish.

Here are the spaces and movements that the number 9 should be doing in possession. Play in between the lines of the backline.

Defending in the 4–2–3–1

Discipline and Concentration

It is very important for the players to defend in a unit, and understand where and why they have to go in certain situations.

The distances between the lines has got to be small, as being compact will limit the central areas which is a strength of this system.

The distance between the lines of the defense is not that great, which will result in small amounts of space for opposition.

Pressing from the Front

I like my teams to be aggressive in defense, and part of that is pressing from the front. The aims of the press are:

• Controlling teams in a half of a pitch
• Obtaining pitch control
• Preventing exit routes
• Trapping weak links
• Controlling passing lanes
• Forcing the opposition to play underloaded

The first thing to consider is the engagement line. Pretty much, where are we going to take the battle to the opposition? For me, it should be on the first pass. Why, because it immediately puts the opposition under pressure and potentially rush decisions.

For this example, the engagement line is the edge of the six yard box. Notice how narrow the team is.

The next part is structural. Essentially, how are we going to set up our defensive lines? The basic rule is that there should be a minimum of 4 defensive lines. This will apply to the yellows as the defenders, midfielders, attackers and striker are the defensive lines. Though the more staggered lines the better, however it is not necessary to stagger all of the lines.

If the pivots were too square, then a simple pass will break a line of the defense. However, if the lines are staggered, that option to the number 9 is now not as appealing.

The next consideration should be the width. In order to take advantage of the compactness of the system, when the ball is in central areas, the two wingers should look to play within the width of the goal box. The fullbacks are slightly outside so that they can engage in the wide spaces quicker, but it just allows really for a greater form of compactness.

Again, take a look at how compact the team is. Lots of players in the central areas, making it really congested.

Then we need to look at the defensive line. A personal preference would be to have the line on the half way line. This is to emphasise verticality. Also, no more than 8–10 meters between lines, so that if a pass beats one line, then the next will be able to counter press quickly. However, if the opposition is quite direct and has a lot of pace, it would be more suited to have the defensive line to drop off, in order to prevent counter attacks.

Now that this has been established, it is time to look at the principles of play. This will determine what are objectives are and how we will achieve them. One of them may be to get control over a side, in order to get ball side superiority and control of the space.

Strong side has been created. Makes the play more predictable and gives you control.

It may even be to make the forwards quite heavy metal and press very aggressively and intensely. Or, you may want to be more calculated and set pressing traps. For instance, allowing passing lanes to be open, let the opposition take the bait, then pounce on that player/area.

The passing lane to the number 8 is wide open. The opposition takes the bait, and 8 will now be pressed.

In order for these traps to work, the players have individual roles which must be executed correctly, but for me, the Striker has a huge role as he initiates the press.

Therefore, the pressing technique has to be correct. This is hugely important because “pressing is like a house of cards, and if you don’t get it right, it will fall to pieces”. They don’t always have to come and press from the sides, they can hold central ground to split the pitch. They have to come around and curve their run in order to force the opposition down a side.

This will take out the switch to the other CB/GK. What’s critical is for the striker to not press running in a straight line.

Roles for the other players include:

• Locking down the ball side CM
• Preventing exit routes (winger on other CM)
• Half-space pressing trap
• Create strong side, ensuring opposition is underloaded
• Provoke switch of play — press is narrow
• Use inside channeling if you don’t want the ball to be played outside, but rather inside