SEASON 3: FORMATION MATTERS Episode 13: The 4’s series ( 4-2-4)

Soccerblog 2 Minutes
A 4-2-4 set up within Soccermanager Worlds

The 4-4-2’s just keep on rolling! Here we are yet again talking about another one of its variations. Today, we’ll be going over what is possibly the most exciting version to play: the very attack minded 4-2-4. This formation, consisting of 4 Defenders, 2 Midfielders, and 4 Forwards, is the manager who loves playing a V. Attacking mentality’s dream! Unlike the 3-3-4, this formation still has the ability to allow your team to have more balance( albeit you’re still going to be extrmeley wide open defensively). I wouldn’t suggest that anyone use it throughout the entirety of a season as your main formation though, but it can definitely be used sparginly. This formation is OLD, dating back to the early 1950’s when the great Brazilian team with the likes of Pele, Garrincha , and Carlos Alberto used to play it. But in today’s game, we’ll ahave to give the thrown to Italian managers like Massimiliano Allegri, Antonio Conte (before his 3 at the back craze), Claudio Ranieri (beore his 4-4-2A Craze) and Fabio Capello.

The 4-2-4 formation in operation within a real match (image courtesy of The Coaches Voice). You can see the attacking nature of this formation as Burnley have 8 players within Liverpool’s half of the field. Notice both Fullbacks ( white cirlces)  positioning as they do not have to be eager to overlap which dosen’t affect the attack-minded nature of the formation. I also placed 2 claret cirlces where both Center Backs should be if they were in this image. Be very wary of the opposition’s counter attacking skills ( which most teams that play a fast tempo tend to do) when using this formation as it will leave you extremely open defensively

PROS
• Provides better balance than other attack minded formations like the 3-1-3-3 and the 3-3-4
• This is a Wingers or Wide Forward’s dream formation
• This formation allows you to play with Fullbacks rather than Wingbacks without losing its attacking nature

CONS
• As I’ve mentioned earlier, you’ll still be in a lot of trouble as your midfield is left extrmemely open
• Not suitable for classic number 10’s (although, Advanced Playmakers who are comfortable playing outwide like a Mount or Bernardo Silva will be effective)
• Not suitable for Central Midfileders that don’t have high levels of work rate, stamina and are not technically good on the ball ( so, players like a Oxlade Chamberlain, Jorginho, Fred, or Brozovic will not be effective in this formation)
• Formation is vunerable against teams that opearte through the middle

Regardless of the Cons, I still use this formation whenever I am losing and need to pack the opposition’s box with as many attacking players as possible. I’ve seen soo many goals scored after switching to this formation that I cannot recommend it higher( just don’t use it at the start of a match cause you’ll be in some deep shit lol). Let me know what you think though. Is it a formation that you’ll consider using or is it too risky for you? Like transfer guru Fabrizio Romanao likes to say : “I wait for you in a the comments below”. Ciao!

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