Newbie: “Hold up, haven’t we viewed this formation before?”
S.J: “Uhhh, no, we haven’t.”
Newbie: “Bro, I could’ve sworn you made a blog post about this already.”
S.J: “Nah, don’t know what you’re talking about, and I would know. I’m the creator…….”
If you’re wondering why there might be some confusion about this formation and another, it’s because they have some very similar qualities. But first, let’s dicuss the formation at hand: the 4-3-1-2. Consisting of 4 Defenders, 3 Central Midfielders, 1 Supporting Attacker and 2 Forwards, this is a very offensive style of formation that looks to dominate the central areas on the field. Now, in terms of the comparison with another formation, the 4-3-1-2 is VERY similar to the 4-4-2C we discussed in episode 12 (If you haven’t already, go and check that one out after you’ve completed this episode). The major difference between both formations is how their Midfielders operate. In the 4-4-2C, the Midfielders operate slightly more central, compared to the 4-3-1-2. The reason for this is due to the fact that the 4-3-1-2 formation causes the Midfielders to start in a flat 3, therefore central progression will occur predominantly by the most central of the 3, with the RCM and LCM given abit more freedom to operate in the flank areas in order to support their Wingbacks. Meanwhile, the RCM and LCM within the 4-4-2C are required to be in more central positions in order to help with ball progression due to their ‘number 6’ (The deepest lying Midfielder in th3 4-4-2C) having to focus more on his defensive responsibilities. So, even if you decide to point the arrow of the 4-3-1-2’s ‘number 6’ to a more defensive role, his starting positon will still be higher compared to the ‘number 6’ within the 4-4-2C. So the ‘number 6’within the 4-3-1-2 will still be mostly in control of your team’s ball progression (especially around your defensive and middle third). With all this being said, both formations are still very effective for managers who enjoy playing a through the middle style.
The pioneer of this formation (as well as another formation coming up in a future episode), is the “Don” himself, Carlo Ancelotti (who I believe is without question the most underrated manager in the history of football. I mean, can someone give this guy his flowers?!). He infamously used this formation during his time at AC Milan back in the early 2000’s as they boasted arguably one of the greatest team that we’ve ever seen (do you remember that champions league final starting eleven from 2005?!)
PROS
• A Great formation for playing through the middle
• An endlless aray of attacking movement can cause your opposition to fold
• One of the best formations for pressing all over
CONS
• Full backs have to be very comfortable penetrating in the final third, extremely good on the ball, as well as being capable crossers
• This formation is not suitable for Wide Forwards or Wingers
• Formation is vunerable to teams that play down both flanks
If I was held at gun point and told I had to choose between the 4-3-1-2 and the 4-4-2C, I’d personally choose the 4-3-1-2 as I believe it provides a bit more versertality within the most important area on the pitch. But what about you? Which would you pick? 4-3-1-2? 4-4-2C? Neither? You’d tell the gunman that you’d die before ever using any? Damn…. See you in Football Heaven….. I guess?
The Soccermanager Experience 