SEASON 3: FORMATION MATTERS Episode 18: The 4’s series (4-2-3-1A)

Hello soccermanagerites! What’s popping? We got a real good one today as we’ll be looking at one of the most popular formation within soccermanager (as well as in real life) : The 4-2-3-1A. A formation that allows a lot of versatility, the 4-2-3-1A consists of 4 Defenders, 2 Defensive Midfielders (Also known as a double pivot) , 3 Attacking Midfielders or Supporting Attackers, And 1 Forward. A quick note on the ‘Supporting Attackers’. As you will learn more about in season 4, Supporting Attackers are players that can play a range of different attacking positions. they mostly thrive when being asked to make off the ball movement rather than what they can do with the ball at their feet.
4-2-3-1 is all about dominating the midfield, while still having enough players within the attacking third to be a threat to your opposition. There are so many different teams in real life who play this formation (Pochettino’s Tottenham, Erik Ten Haag’s Man Utd and Ajax, and Marco Rose’s Dortmund just to name a few) that it can be quite a challenge to identify who was the real. But, I’ll have to say that Arsene Wenger has to go down as one of the best when it comes to implementing the 4-2-3-1A with players who fit it perfectly! Between 2013-2018, The Gunners were truly a joy to watch. They played some amazing football with the likes of Fabregas, Walcott, Rosicky, Ramsey, Carzola (what a player btw!), Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, and Giroud all running the show. They all played very important roles as the football that Wenger had them playing was truly spectacular. Best use of the 4-2-3-1A in my books! I loved watching them so much that I had to do some digging to find a video displaying some of their best football around that era. If you want a preview of what to expect from the 4-2-3-1A, check this out: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EDirozGvuEk (After you’ve finished this episode of course 😉)

PROS
• Both DM’s do not have to be defensive, as you can play with one Ball winning Midfielder next to a Box to Box Midfielder or a Playmaker
• One of the best formations to flood your team with creative players
• Centre Forward can be any type ( except for a Deep lying Forward)
• Formation surpports almost every type of player role

CONS
• Wingers, although they can be used, won’t be as effective within this formation
• Formation is vulnerable against teams that play down both flanks
• Not a good formation for Deep lying Forwards (unless you plan to play them in the No.10 position)

Despite the cons, I use this formation a lot and I cannot recommend it  more highly. Central domination is not your cup of tea, then I recommend using the ‘brother’ of this formation. And he’s coming to your screen next!