Football Formations Series

Part 4: 4-3-2-1

Author – Vaibhav Biradar

(Reading time ~ 3 mins)

Welcome back! Continuing our Football Formation Series, here is all about the Christmas tree formation, The 4-3-2-1. (Part 1 covered 4-4-2, Part 2 covered 4-3-3 and the Part 3 covered 5-3-2.)

Know more about Carlo Ancelloti’s Champions League winning formula with AC Milan!

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Structure

The 4-3-2-1 is a narrow football formation played with four defenders, three central midfielders, two attacking midfielders, and one striker.
The 4 defenders can be divided into two fullbacks, two center-backs.
The 3 midfielders – one player on central midfield is assigned a defensive role while the other two are more offense-oriented.
This system has 2 attacking midfielders and one striker.
Due to its shape on the blackboard, 4-3-2-1 is called the “Christmas tree” formation – as it resembles a Christmas tree.

Working

The fullbacks are given complete freedom of the flank.
During the attack they can move forward in support making the pitch wider.
The 2 attacking midfielders are focused down the middle instead of the wings.
They have the most amount of freedom in this system. They are also responsible for tracking back and help in defense.
They can make runs behind the opponent’s defense and also play in wide positions if needed.
The 3 midfielders provide good cover to the back 4; one of which has the holding midfielder role in the defensive position.
When the full backs are high up the pitch, the 3 midfielders spread and cover up the gaps in flank.
The player in the middle of the 3 is expected to stay back and hold his position.
The midfielders on the left and right are more of the box to box nature. They are expected to contribute both – in attack and defense.
The striker should be comfortable with his back to the goal and should be able to run the channels.

When to use?

The 4-3-2-1 is a very balanced formation in the all the 3 departments across the pitch.
It does not offer natural width; hence it is a very narrow formation.
Most of the attack goes down the middle of pitch in this system.
So the key players to this formation are the full backs and the defensive midfielders.
The full backs are expected to have good engine with good attacking instincts so that they can provide the necessary width.
The defensive midfielder is expected to be a real ball winner and should have good ball distribution abilities.
Also, intelligent movement in the final 3^rd is required from the striker and attacking midfielders.

Caution

There is no natural width to the system. The full back provides the width to this system.
This can leave the flanks thin short of defensive cover.
Also, if the opposition has attacking full backs, it can cause a lot of problem to the 4-3-2-1.

History

AC Milan, under Carlos Ancelloti, implemented the 4-3-2-1 formation in winning two Champions League titles in 2003 and 2007.

Image Credits : Getty Images

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Football Formations Series

Part 4: 4-3-2-1

Know more about Carlo Ancelloti’s Champions League winning formula with AC Milan!

Structure

Working

When to use?

Caution

History

7 Ways Meditation Will Improve Your Game

Occasional Tournaments will give you a Permanent Edge

8 Reasons to Warmup before Sports

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Football Formations Series

Part 4: 4-3-2-1

Know more about Carlo Ancelloti’s Champions League winning formula with AC Milan!

Structure

Working

When to use?

Caution

History

Share with friends

Free Social Platform

spyn Social App

Company

Other Products

Misc