The 4-2-3-1 Formation Guide [eBook]

Description

WITH MANY TEAMS USING A WITHDRAWN CENTRE-FORWARD IN A 4-4-2 IN THE LATE 1990S, THE 4-2-3-1 WAS EVENTUALLY INTRODUCED IN THE 2000S TO PREVENT ACCESS INTO CENTRAL SPACES BETWEEN THE LINES. THIS INITIALLY STEMMED FROM HAVING A SINGLE PIVOT COVERING THESE SPACES – CLAUDE MAKÉLÉLÉ WAS THE MOST NOTABLE OF THESE – BEFORE A SECOND DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER WAS ADDED AHEAD OF THE BACK LINE.

THIS FORMATION BECAME MORE POPULAR AS PRESSING BECAME A BIGGER PART OF THE MODERN GAME. THE DOUBLE PIVOT COVERS THE SPACE IN FRONT OF THE BACK FOUR BUT ALSO SUPPORTS THE PRESS BEHIND THE CENTRE-FORWARD AND ATTACKING MIDFIELD THREE. MANCHESTER CITY ASSISTANT MANAGER JUANMA LILLO IS THOUGHT TO HAVE INSTIGATED THE CHANGE FROM 4-4-2 TO 4-2-3-1 IN SPANISH FOOTBALL, WITH THE HIGH PRESS A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

OUTLINES:

1- WHERE DOES THE 4-2-3-1 ORIGINATE?

2- 4-2-3-1 FORMATION GAME MODEL

3- 4-2-3-1 FORMATION STRENGTHS POINTS

4- 4-2-3-1 FORMATION WEAKNESS POINTS

5- UTILISING THE HIGH PRESS IN A 4-2-3-1 FORMATION

6- COMPACT DEFENDING ENDING IN A 4-2-3-1 MID/LOW BLOCK

7- WHICH COACHES AND TEAM HAVE USED A 4-2-3-1?