That’s right… Yet ANOTHER 4-4-2 variant, the 4-2-2-2 (also known as the ‘4 triple 2’) is a formation that has what is known as a ‘staggered structure’ where your players will primarily position themselves into spaces that causes an imbalance upon the opposition from minute 1. It is very similar to the 3-2-2-2-1 in this manner, but the 4 triple 2 possesses a lot more balance and is not susceptible to neither width nor central play (one of the many perks of a 4-4-2 type formation). The players within the AM(R) and AM(L) positions operate in a hybrid manner, both providing width when necessary while also being the creative option when your team is in settled possession via operating in the spaces within the pockets in the opposition’s defensive shape. Speaking of defence, this formation also allows an all round approach with a 2 man high pressing option, as well as the 2 DM(C)’s who provide extra protection for their D(C)’s throughout the course of a match.
When you look at this team within its entirety, you may think that they do not have what is takes to actually be one of the best within their respective league (especially if it’s a gameworld that consists of 15 or more managers), and I tend to agree with that notion…… However, if the tactics are correct, the amount of balance that is within the starting XI could potentially allow any of it’s users to obtain a high position and even go all the way if they’re lucky.
DEFENCE
Starting out at the back, we have Aaron Ramsdale who, although might be struggling to make himself the no.1 at Arsenal with the addition of Raya, is an exceptional young ‘Modern Keeper’ who has great reflexes and is better than most on the ball. He will be important as this team aims to build up from the back, as the players within the central areas of the pitch are set up in a way that allows for a decent percentage of possession. The back 4 is filled with 4 players who are both technically and offensively savvy, with the D(C) 2 of Andreas Christensen and Jonathan Tah both having experience in playing higher up the pitch and are both very good on the ball. We have the expereince and high energy of Dani Carvajal on the right and the attacking monster that is Theo HernĆ”ndez (who is my personal favorite left ‘Wingback’ in the world) on the left. What separates both ‘Wingabcks’ is how comfortable they are on the ball no matter where they receive it on the pitch. Dani showcases his Spanish heritage in the way he can receive the ball and keep it with him at all times, while Theo… well, Theo is just a really freaking good player who possesses so much explosiveness that it makes him difficult to stop when in full swing. The play will normally start from the back 2, seeking to spread as far as they possibly can and form a connection with the double pivot in front of them which could cause what is known as a “box” (more info about this “box” will be explained shortly…). Both ‘W.B’s will also be hyper effective when it comes to maintaining the width and being atttacking outlets
MIDFIELD
This doube pivot may have a combination age of 65 between them but boy do they make up for it with their techincal and football intelligence! Axel Witsel will go down as one of the most underrated players of his generation, in our opinion. He is a rare ‘B.W.M’ who can easily slot as a ‘D.L.P’ or a ‘B.P.D’. He will be the deepest of the two and will seek to pick up the ball from his defence to advance the play. Whenever Axel is under severe pressure, he will be aided by another underrated star in Granit Xhaka. The Suiss International (who captain’s his national team, btw) is a maverick of a player who has the ability to play as a ‘D.L.P’, ‘B.W.M’ (although this is his weakest role), and the role we have for him as a ‘Technical B2B’. As the Technical Box to Box Midfielder, Xhaka will aim to both collect the ball from deep, drive past his opponents via his technical dribbling capabilites, use his creativity to get progressive passes going, and crash into the box using his movement.
In the 2 hybrid roles, we have the creative and articulate brilliance of Mason Mount, and a future Balon d’or winner, Gonzales Pedri ( I mean, WHAT A FREAKING PLAYER!!!). Both are exceptionally intelligent and will do as much as they can to create space for themselves and for their teammates. So, remember when I mentioned that there is a “box” that this formation allows? Well, that box is a 4 man player set up that allows for a potential overload against most oppositions since they tend to only operate with up to 3 defenders within any given space. The beauty about the 4-2-2-2 is that it allows this “box” to happen within every third of the pitch which is why Mason and Pedri’s brilliant movement will be so essential as they will position themselves correctly, in addition to also taking responsibly on the ball…
FORWARDS
I hope by now you can see why I said that this team can potentially be a top 3 contender if the tactics are correct… And to top it off, we have a forward pair who basically does everything that you could ask for. Alexander Isak is our ‘T.T.M’ who will use his technical abilties to take the ball from almost anywhere on the pitch, link up with his other attacking teammates, and finish the chances that he gets. If there was any situation where the likes of Andreas, Granit, or Axel need to relieve pressure, then there’s always that pass over the top or in behind the defence seeking out the BEST off the ball attacker within the entire world, Son Heung Min. When it comes to controlled possession, Sonny will aim to either run in behind or drift off the left. He is the one anomaly within this team that doesn’t fit the rest from a technical point of view, but is necessary because he allows for a plan B (don’t get me wrong though, as Son is decent enough on the ball to play with them).
DEFENSIVE TRANSITION
Like I’ve being mentioning (and I’ll die on this cross if I have to), these 4-4-2 variants will provide a fridge full of variety to navigate any other formation and there is nothing different with this one. During long spells without the ball, Pedri and Mason will operate like Wingers outwide to keep the 4-4-2A shape, or they can convert into a 4-3-1-2 with one of the them dropping alongside the double pivot while the other sits just behind of the front 2 in order to apply extra pressure on the opposition
It’s safe to say that we can definitely thank Ralf Ragnick for popularizing this prestigious formation, and I personally believe that we Soccermanagerites should be utilizing its impact more in our pursuit for glory…
Now then, I wonder what episode we have next. Well, you just gotta stick around to find out! š āļø
The Soccermanager Experience 