Whilst I am not a believer in any particular formation as a “cure all” for any teams’ problems, I genuinely believe a clearly understood and “worked at” formation can give a team, and its players, a solid structure from which to work!

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In essence a 4-3-3 is only one “player movement” from a 4-2-4, or even a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3!
 

I would urge every coach/manager I know, or who reads this, to accept what a formation is - it’s just a structure to start a phase of a game and is not somewhere that dictates where your players should be at every stage of a game!
 

The formation is only really relevant “out of possession”; as any team in possession, in order to be effective, should be fluid and dynamic but, once they lose possession (another subject in my opinion!) they should revert to something similar to the pre determined structure!
 

That said, this blog is about how to operate your team under a 4-2-3-1 shape.
 

HERE IS MY “HEALTH WARNING” HOWEVER - IF YOU DON’T HAVE PLAYERS TO FIT THIS SYSTEM, DON’T PLAY IT!!!!!
 

So, how do you play 4-2-3-1?

The back four’s priority is to stay narrow when defending and the full backs move wide, when the ball is won.

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The two defensive midfielders are there to protect the back four, break up opponents play and start counter attacks, they should be narrow at all times.
 

The attacking midfield three should be constantly interchanging positions and not stay left, right & central throughout a game.

They should press defenders as a group and be creative when in possession!
 

The sole striker should "stay high" throughout and keep opposition defenders busy do as to stop the joining any attacks!
 

There have been many efforts to change the game with new formations in the last couple of decades, but no other new formation initially had quite the impact that the 4-2-3-1 had.

Some of the most successful clubs around Europe used it, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
 

Coaches that think about employing the 4-2-3-1 have a lot to go over before they commit to this new formation.
 

It isn't as simple to coach as the 4-4-2 formation, so, I have to reiterate, they need to be sure it's the right fit for their teams.
 

While it is a great formation when executed properly, its weaknesses can be taken advantage of if every player isnt doing his or her job, but I personally feel this applies to EVERY formation!!
 

Below you will find what I think are the key strengths and weaknesses of the 4-3-2-1 formation.

 

Strengths of the 4-2-3-1

There is a reason why so many coaches have started to use this formation.

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The advantages below are just a couple of the main reasons why they love the 4-2-3-1 so much.
 

It covers the Entire Pitch

When played correctly, which certaintly isn't a given with any team, the 4-2-3-1 can be frustrating to face because there is usually a player or two in every part of the field.

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Unless the opposing team is extremely patient, it can open up plenty of scoring opportunities.
 

The centre of the pitch, specifically, is where this formation shines.

With five midfielders, teams that utilise the 4-2-3-1 can control the game by forcing defences to "get narrow", leaving space down the sidelines.
 

If the defence doesnt "get narrow", the midfielders can creatively work through the middle of the defense.
 

More Attacking Options

Teams that use the 4-2-3-1 often have FOUR very good offensive players up front.
 

That is scary for defenders, and it gets even worse if the full backs are good passers too.

An even scarier thing is if one of the central defensive midfielders has offensive skills since they can easily move up and create a matchup nightmare. This should not not happen once territorial advantage is gained though.
 

Encourages Creativity

Since there are three attacking midfielders in most 4-2-3-1s, there are plenty of chances for creativity.

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Even if only two of the three are good creators, defences have to stay on their toes for runs coming from all angles.

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The top teams that run the 4-2-3-1 will often allow their players to have freedom all over the pitch.
 

This means that one of the defensive midfielders might join the attack and/or the attacking midfielders can act as second strikers.
 

If you have a creative playmaker (number 10) in your team then this is one of the best formations for you.

 

Weaknesses of the 4-2-3-1

There's no such thing as a perfect formation, and coaches who play 4-3-2-1 certainly know that.
 

The three weaknesses below highlight how this formation can be beaten

 

More Defensive Responsibilities

The 4-2-3-1 forces normally attack-minded players into having to put in a lot more work defensively, something the may not enjoy, or be any good at!
 

The attacking midfielders, in particular, have to be willing to press high in order to keep the opposition from exploiting holes in their defensive half of the pitch.
 

Since players have to work harder in this formation, its no surprise that their defensive weaknesses are often exploited.
 

It is tough to stay on your game for the full 90 minutes, and opposing teams often need just one chance to take advantage of those weaknesses.

 

Forwards Can Get Isolated Up Front

Since the 4-2-3-1 has the attacking midfielders helping out in defence, the forward can often get stuck up front on their own.
 

That can cause them to get fewer opportunities and it can greatly reduce the amount of time the team has possession of the ball in attacking areas.
 

The teams that play 4-2-3-1 the best way, usually have an attacking midfielder or two who are engines willing to control their sides of the field.
 

That is a special skill, though, and many teams that use this formation do not have those types of players.

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Full Backs Have a lot of 1-on-1s to deal with

Since there are three attacking midfielders in this formation, the full backs are often left to deal with the opposing team’s best outside players.
 

If a counterattacking pass makes it to one of the opposing wingers, the full back will have to stop that winger or he/she will be through on goal.
 

Many coaches try to offset this issue by deploying their best all-around players on the same side as the opposing teams top winger.
 

While this is a good idea, it can upset the attack and leave the striker isolated up

 

The Positions and their specific "part" in a 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper

A goalkeeper in a 4-2-3-1 must be very aware of what is going on in front of them.

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A back 4 should be a narrow defensive scheme and wide when with the ball.
 

The goalkeeper should have the ability to communicate and make any adjustments.
 

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Defenders

A back four should be a narrow defensive group that requires good speed and effective communication, particularly when dealing with wide attacks.
 

If one of the two defensive midfielders is available, they should not necessarily track a wide player but should support a full back that will close him down, so they work as a pair with full backs AND the other defensive midfielder to ensure no defending player is ever isolated.
 

Central defenders in a back 4 must show discipline as being dragged high, or wide, up the pitch, and out of position leaves other defenders to defend the width of the field, and the team is massively exposed.

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Defensive Midfielders

The defensive midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 system have similar defensive roles to that of the two central players in a 4-4-2.

They are responsible for pressuring the ball and cutting out easy direct passes up to the forwards.

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And they are there to protect the central defenders from attacks through the middle and to create a three man defence with the "non marking" full backs, when opponents go wide!
 

The 2 midfielders have mainly defensive responsibility when playing in front of a back four in a 4-2-3-1.
 

If a team is constantly losing possession then the team shape can resemble a back 6 at times, making it hard to break down but it also gives opportunities to counter attack wide.
 

For this reason, it is crucial the defensive midfielders win loose balls and tackle well when defending in a 4-2-3-1 system, then spread the ball wide to full backs.
 

Central defensive midfielders should constantly be aware of what is happening behind them, as they may be required to fill a central defensive cover spot at times in this system.

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Attacking midfielders & Forwards

All play a huge role in a defending, in 4-2-3-1 system.
 

The central midfield forward, and also the sole striker, should take responsibility for both central defenders.
 

The left forward should take responsibility for the right back, and vice versa on the other side.

The system allows the wide attacking midfielders to play very aggressively and try to intercept passes to the full backs.

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Finally, an Action Plan for players and Coaches

Players - learn the roles and responsibility of each position - try to look at teams who play 4-2-3-1 and model yourself on that player in that side

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- As a Coach, explain the system to every player.

- Also, when coaching rehearse specific defensive and attacking situations in practice.

- And ........ Encourage players to ask whenever they do not understand things.

 

So, in summary, it’s a flexible formation which gives you a solid base for how to play the game but it is a formation only, not a solution!

 

BUT if you haven’t got players to play this formation, then don’t!
 

Formations are a means to an end, not an end in itself!