The best formation to counter the 4-2-3-1 is a traditional 4-3-3. What Is The Best Formation To Counter The 4-2-3-1? As most defenders are usually more comfortable defending, this extra responsibility can prove a burden for players not comfortable in forward positions with the ball at their feet. This makes it particularly difficult for the striker to find space to score, especially when playing against two central defenders.Īnother key weakness of the 4-2-3-1 formation is that there is a strong requirement for full-backs to get forward, join attacks, and be creative forces in their teams. In addition to this, in the 4-2-3-1 formation, it is easy for the lone striker to become isolated. With five midfield players operating in relatively central areas, 4-2-3-1 playing teams can struggle to create enough width to break down well-organized back lines. One of the most common problems teams have when playing this formation is that breaking down opponents that play in a low block can be difficult. Like all soccer formations, the 4-2-3-1 is not without its weaknesses. With the presence of two central defensive midfielders, the three attacking midfielders and central striker are free to go ‘man to man’ on the opposition’s back 4, making it more likely to unsettle the opponent’s defense and win the ball back close to their goal. By tucking in and playing more centrally, they also create space for full-backs to join in the attack and make overlapping runs to get behind the defense.Īnother strength of the 4-2-3-1 formation is that it is great for teams wanting to play a high-pressing game and stop their opponents from building out from the back. These players are more likely to score from wide areas by cutting in on their stronger foot.On the flanks, the presence of inverted wingers/outside midfielders that are comfortable cutting inside provides two great opportunities By having four distinct lines rather than three (such as in the 4-3-3), the formation provides more options for players to play short, sharp passes as they try to progress from defense to midfield and then to the attack.Īs the team moves forward, utilizing five midfield players also makes it easier for teams to create central overloads and dominate possession by triangulating and moving the ball quickly. The 4-2-3-1 soccer formation is also excellent for teams that want to possess the ball and build out from the back. Having two central defensive midfield players in front of the back 4 gives a team maximum strength in key central areas and ensures opponents will have difficulty breaking the team down and attacking in the central channel. 4-2-3-1 Formation Strengths And Weaknesses StrengthsĪ key strength of the 4-2-3-1 formation is the defensive stability and balance that the formation brings. As such, the 4-2-3-1 offers more strength in the middle of the park, which is why it tends to be utilized a lot more frequently. They play wider and further forward, flanking the central striker. In a 4-2-1-3, the outside midfielders are more aptly described as traditional wingers. They also play a little further in field (more central) than regular wingers. In the 4-2-3-1 formation, the outside midfielders flank the attacking central midfielder. The difference between the 4-2-3-1 and 4-2-1-3 formations lies in the placement of the outside midfielders. When this happens, these players are referred to as ‘inverted wingers.’ What Is The Difference Between 4-2-3-1 And 4-2-1-3? In fact, quite often, a coach will select players to play on the opposite side to that of their strongest foot to encourage them to go inside more. These are sometimes referred to as a ‘double pivot’. Thirdly, the outside left and right midfielders usually operate a little further in field compared to traditional wingers. Firstly, the formation has four distinct lines rather than three (such as in the 4-3-3). Secondly, the 4-2-3-1 always has two central defensive midfield players. There are several characteristics of the 4-2-3-1 formation that are relatively unique and worth mentioning. These three attacking midfielder players operate behind a lone, central striker (otherwise known as a number 9). Further up the field, an attacking central midfielder is flanked by two outside midfielders on the left and right. Ahead of the defense are two central defensive midfielder players. The defense is made up of a traditional back 4 with two central defenders and a left and right fullback. The 4-2-3-1 formation in soccer consists of 4 distinct lines or units.
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