Back at it again with yet another 4-4-2 variant and arguably the most attack minded formation within the entire game (that has actual balance)…. The 4-2-4 is an all out attacking bonanza that allows you to pack your team with many attack minded ballers, and unlike the 3-3-4, this formation can actually be used at the start of a match no matter who the opposition is. Every formation has its disadvantages, however and it will leave you quite open in the opposition’s transition which is why this formation is one of the most important ones in terms of using the correct type of ballers which will be crucial since not every type of player will perform to their best within it.
DEFENCE
One of the beauties of this f**cking formation is the amount of fluidity that it provides (man, I love the 4-4-2!). Due to the lack of numbers within the middle of the park, we have to improvise and create a system that will negate this open space as much as possible. So, let’s start off with Bounou who is arguably a top 5 GK in terms of being a big game player. But, you already know about him and I’m certain that you’re quite curious about this mysterious system that I’m mentioning…
Alrightaaay *Aussie voice*, we start our shape-shift via converting our back 4 into a back 3. Benny Blanco, Toni, and Mattias will form the make-shift back 3 in possession with White being the D(RC), Rüdiger (update: rating increase to ’93’) dead centre, and Ginter as the D(LC). The main emphasis is about keeping things solid while allowing the rest of the team to manipulate the oppostion based on the foundation of the back 3 (we’ll discuss Shaw’s role in a second…)
MIDFIELD
Whenever you’re playing ANY system that is lacking numbers within the middle of the park, it is non negotiable that you have players of extremely high discipline in terms of their workrate. This is exactly what we have in both Declan (update: now a ’93’ rated lad) and Nico…. Decs’ role is to screen the backline, allowing the rest of his attack minded players to go and do their thing. Nico is arguably the most impactful player in terms of possession as he has the ability to collect the ball from deep, technically dribble past any pressure, control the tempo with his passing capabilities while getting up and down the gaff.
FORWARDS
Here is where we get back to Shaw as his attacking prowess from the ‘Wingback’ position will allow the rest of this formation’s shape-shifting to blossom. He will remain on the flank providing the width from the left which will allow Sancho (update: rating lowered to ’90’) to cut inside and basically play as a ‘T.W’ who aims to operate centrally but will start outwide to give Shaw time to get into his attacking position. Raphinha on the opposite side will mainly keep the flanks alive and kicking by hugging the touchline, using his dribbling and attacking prowess to take on his defender and get crosses into the box. Roberto Firmino is also an integral part of this system since he will aid Jadon in giving Luke time to get up the pitch. In these scenarios, Bobby will operate in the ‘D.L.F’ position (mainly in between the lines) which will allow him to collect any early progressive passes and use his creativity to set up his attacking teammates. Ofcourse, he will also aim to attack the box since he is used to playing as a lone F(C). That leaves us with Vicky, whose power, tenacity, strength, explosiveness and finishing instincts will cause any back 2 or back 3 a whole heap of problems which will open up space for his teammates to play more freely.
DEFENSIVE TRANSITION
One thing that I had to come to terms with is the fact that this formation is a 4-4-2 variant and will be balanced out so that there isn’t much of an issue in the defensive phase. Although it will have more benefits via using a high press, it can also be used within lower blocks but just know that the attacking quartet will always have offense on their mind based on the foundational elements of this formation. This is exactly why it is mandatory that your middle 2 are very high in terms of workrate since they have to do a lot of running to both cover each other and protect their backline. It also helps if you chose to play a defender who is comfortable at D(C) in one of the ‘Fullback’ positions since it allows for an extra defender which can aid in any potential overload that the 2 M(C)’s might be under…
We are most definitely going through this season quite smoothly (could you believe that we’re already half way through it?!). Coming up tomorrow, we bid a solid and deserved farewell to the 4-4-2 variants by checking out the final one on our list.
The Soccermanager Experience 
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