4-4-2 Tactics Explained! | Why the 4-4-2 Will Never Go Out of Style Formation Principles #4

The 4-4-2 Formation dominated world football for decades, but due to the changing meta, it lost it's crown to more attacking and dynamic Line-ups. In todays video we're going to be looking at the main 442 tactics explained, and looking at why it could be making a comeback.
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:50 Roles
04:00 Attack
09:01 Defence
11:38 Weaknesses
12:49 Outro

[@rajanv6888]

Also, you should do videos on positions like Number 10, Number 9, Number 3, Number 5, Number 8 etc.

[@FootballMeta]

For sure, I have plans to cover these positions in the future. I have a video on why fullbacks are very important in the modern game, check it out

[@rajanv6888]

@@FootballMeta Cheers buddy, I watch most of your videos soon after you put it.

[@izzuan1871]

@@rajanv6888 nahh he not your coach, he just try to explain about formation/tactical.. Just watch and learn

[@aleksandarsimovic6868]

Nobody around the world calls positions like that except in USA 😂

[@fredyscanlan]

@@aleksandarsimovic6868 not true at all. Numbers are different in different countries. For example, 3 is just a full back in England, but 6, 8 and 10 are all CM’s, but play completely differently. A 6 sits in front of the defence, an 8 is box to box and a 10 sits behind the forwards. In South America a 4 is an RB, a 2 is a CB and a 5 is a CDM the same as a 6 in England. Using the numbers is a coaching tool used by all the coaches I know, including me:)

[@matthewbarnishin9637]

Another excellent explanation. I never understood why critics of the 4-4-2 said it lacked creativity. The way I learned to play was more like Dutch total futbol where the players were constantly running into space. Fun and exciting! But it did require goal to goal effort. So if you are coaching a team who is willing to work hard, it is a great formation. It is also a great formation if your team is lacking quality players because the system provides great coverage and support across the pitch. Don't be afraid to abandon "what the other team's are doing." If the formation is not working for you--change it.

[@rachitdang7453]

4-4-2 can be used creatively if the coach is a tactical apt. Thomas Tuchel's 4-4-2 at PSG is a prime example. There are scenarios where it can flexibly and create a shape of 3-2-5 and can be effectively used to exploit half spaces. Guardiola is also using it with massive success. Sick of media outlets.

[@vikarhu3372]

This is the first formation you learn as a young player

[@muzakki3749]

i just discovered this channel, its easy to understand, keep up the good work! and i reallly curious about the 4-2-4 formation, should do one

[@lucaspotasio5483]

I think the 4-4-2 diamond is a Very underrated formation, especially in teams that want to play with a more classic number 10!

[@hanifal-faruqi9536]

I’ve recently discovered your videos and thanks for making these formations clearer to me now

[@rajanv6888]

I think you should do videos on the different football tactics like Low block, Counter-pressing, Sarri ball etc.

[@FootballMeta]

That's a great idea! I think they would be really interesting topics

[@JB-kd9wg]

Underrated channel

[@user-jz5kh9nl4y]

I love these videos, very detailed and great examples of tactics and weaknesses. Within the short period of this video I feel like I am able to fully grasp the 4-4-2 formation as a player at least. Thank you, keep up the great work!!

[@BenAnderson48]

I'd like to see a 4-4-2 Diamond narrow analysis. It's great on narrow pitches and having a DM and AM provide an interesting challenge for both attacking and defending. Also having strong wing backs is essential for that formation!

[@fredyscanlan]

I’m about to use it for my u13 fist season at 11 a side. You can play 2 CF’s ano F use your midfield to rondo the oppositions 2 CM’s with full backs covering their wingers:)

[@elr492]

The problem with 442 is that if opponent manages to defend the wings, it results in the wingers and full backs continuously attempting to cross the ball to strikers from afar and they just keep bouncing off the defending CBs. The centre is empty. Either a forward or a winger should move there, but it does not occur naturally. So that is why they say its not a creative formation. And interesting variation is the 4222 where the wingers are played centrally, so full backs can use the wings.

[@TrevorRaab-ql9jy]

Well as he said while doing a 442 they can learn the basics of all the other formations so they can just switch

[@ZonHub7]

I find your videos very interesting and very informational, you deserve way more subs then you already have man. if you could, could you post a video on the best formation with the tactics for a quick counter attacking team?

[@stephanendem6641]

It is the best balance football formation, easy to understand, and apply from youth team to Professional team. Many coaches used also because contrary to what you said, studies have shown that using the 4-4-2 requires less demanding physical effort than the other system because of the proximity of the players with the rest of the squad, therefore the distance of pressing and counter-attack or counter-pressing is reduced. All the other systems require more time to master and are more demanding physically.

[@paulosindo7775]

For someone who coaches kids, I think the 4-4-2 is harder to master and will tire them compared to maybe 4-1-4-1. But with lots of training, they can use it dominantly.

[@justanerdwholiftweights4061]

Just one word , *excellent* !

[@gooner9038]

Fantastic analysis!

[@ogoloemmanuel7100]

The 4-4-2 is so dynamic

[@liamconverse8950]

I think it mostly depends on the what are the specific strengths of the players a team has available and how well the manager can drill them and organize them but I think in general, the most ideal formation is to just have 3 dedicated defenders and rely on wingers instead of fullbacks to provide width.

[@alephbotchway5446]

Great content 👍

[@mahmoudyaakoub3487]

nice great work from you my friend. hurray :)

[@dervaughnmitchel2272]

Hey bro, another excellent video, keep up the good work but in future I would like to see a video on narrow formations for example 4-1-2-1-2 or 4-3-1-2.

[@FootballMeta]

Thanks man, I'll be covering this formation soon 👍🏻

[@martinodanvers6252]

This help me to appreciate the 4-42

[@alfiend331]

Thanks for the video. My team has tried multiple formations, but we keep coming back to 4-4-2 because it works. Like any formation, it's not without drawbacks, and you do a good job pointing those out. But you also highlight the strengths of this formation, and there are many.

[@FootballMeta]

Thank you! Yeah I think that if your players are comfortable with the 442 then you might as well use it.. a lot of people avoid it just because it's "boring"

[@Iron-Bridge]

4-4-2 is a good default ' I'm confused and don't know how to setup my team' formation for new managers. You can then build and break to adjust to your specifications from there.

[@padraigmurphy3540]

For a "I'm confused and don't know how to setup my team" formation it sure worked out well when Stanford won 3 straight national championships.

[@cdouglas6]

When coaching middle school kids, on a short season, the standard 4-4-2 was my go too. Easy for everyone to understand their role.

[@haltuaketti420]

4-4-2 is also great for tiki taka style, villareal did a great example of this with one false 9 and one quick striker to get behind, barca changed often from 4-3-3 in a match the time when eiður smári was playing but he droped to the wing to create space for either striker or midfield when the other striker dropped back to open more passing or runs options for the other winger or midfielder

[@sportstalkbyaakash6297]

Good one bro

[@MrEnderson]

you have a good short intro, compliments

[@lucapanzeri8548]

nothing to say, just beautiful

[@FootballMeta]

Just like you

[@addisonsaxby8535]

Excellent

[@DaveHayesTV]

Excellent video and fdor me the 4-4-2 is a great formation to have, provides balance in both defence and attack.

[@FootballMeta]

Thanks Dave, the 442 will always be used for sure

[@itslikeajungle]

I think, as with all formations, it's the general style of play and players available that's most important such as if you want to press high, dominate possession or if you want to play a more direct style and have less of the ball and punish mistakes. I think the current state of the game means possession is the best way if you have the players, but perhaps with the change to the offside rule this could shift slightly to more direct styles, as it could be easier to counter. 442 favours a sort of mid or low block and to press high, you even showed it morph into a 433. I think a lot of teams end up in a 442 shape when the press has failed, especially in a 4231, as it's very easy to know where to be as a player with the two banks of 4.

[@Shyguy71588]

I'm a novice but it seems like you need really good wingers for the 442 to work. Both to reduce pressure for the 2 mids and to take advantage of space on the counter attack

[@Romamb]

Excellent 😬

[@utkarshm2977]

Excellent video XD

[@staidformula2714]

Great video! You should tactical analysis on huge games like Chelsea vs Real Madrid and psg vs Manchester City

[@rajanv6888]

It's a great idea but, I think it would be better to do tactical previews before these 'big' matches.

[@FootballMeta]

It's definitely something I want to do in the future, but for now, I have another job and don't have time to post a video the next day after a match... Good suggestion though!

[@nebacourage2130]

Brilliant, it's a pretty good formation but the 433 formation is one of the best, it's all about having the right players.

[@maxwellartur8]

Top class

[@tomzeto]

I have a suggestion. I recommend using a board with thinner lines and smaller player pieces so that it accurately represents how big the field actually is in real life. This is what I do for my competitive youth club, so they see the pockets of space better, and how when out of formation, it is very difficult to build up play or play through the middle etc.

[@evanmaier2551]

I wonder why it is so popular at the amateur level considering the fitness and coordination required to use it effectively

[@nankumanyi]

Probably because it doesn't require highly technically proficient central midfielders or defenders to be successful. With fast and physical wingers and forwards, you can go direct in the wings and overpower teams on the counter attack without relying on high possession.

[@vin9649]

@@nankumanyi I agree to u most of our players 5yrs ago are not techically ready when we join a regional games but with hardwork, speed and stamina, we surprised our opponents

[@debantarchakraborty2621]

pls make a video about defensive formations like 5-3-2 or 5-4-1

[@user-jo4zl1dx1z]

Very more effective, keep it great and press up with more statistics

[@ay613]

I have so much nostalgia for it.

[@damianclark-warren7264]

It’s a formation that is relatively reliable depending on the talent and work effort that is available to the coach

[@oliorr]

Can you do a video on playing out from the back in a 4-4-2

[@shivangnautiyal3522]

Please brother make more videos more football tactics video your video are simple and easy to understand

[@CaraVerde]

442 is a very stable, rigid formation, that provides very good starting block, but no more than that. Its strength in rigidity, at some point, would become its weakness, because it would become easier to be read by the opponents, especially the smarter, more creative ones. It's like in war scenarios. Balanced defensive structures on all sides provide security against normal troop movements. But it would suffer any surgical strikes, that's overpowering one side with enormous numbers (and sacrificing other sides) for just a brief moment, to win control on it in explosive charge in order to get the main objective.

[@padraigmurphy3540]

That would be very accurate if shifts weren't a thing.

[@CaraVerde]

@@padraigmurphy3540 That's what "good starting block, but no more than that" meant to say.

[@padraigmurphy3540]

@@CaraVerde that part and the part about overloads are what my comment was directed towards. That statement would be accurate if shifts didnt exist but they do so it's not accurate

[@CaraVerde]

@@padraigmurphy3540 I talked about the basic formations in those videos, a strategy. Shifts isn't even a topic just yet 🤷.

[@padraigmurphy3540]

@@CaraVerde you said the 442 is stable, rigid, and a good starting block "but no more than that." That comment is not accurate, plain and simple. Shifts are a basic part of literally every formation. And are how formations work. Your first statement could be said about every single formation if you dont factor in shifts.

[@arnos2953]

The 4-4-2 is a horror formation to play in comparison with the 4-3-3 imo

[@atis3418]

Lobanovskiy invented this in Dinamo Kiev. What a team the was

[@DennisChiemezue]

Lovely ❤️❤️❤️❤️⚽️✅

[@mariotamagic7660]

love this video as my team plays in a 442 formation. however, our coach doesn't allow us to shift into different attacking positions, making us stay firmly in position and causing a lot of forced errors at times.

[@wotinthewherld3434]

Yeah something like mine, but he doesn't really talk about tactics that much and leaves it to the players...

[@prizm9480]

POV: your coach sent this to your team.

[@liamneil9184]

Should do a 4-2-4 video

[@manishgurung8183]

Could make formation principle on 4-1-2-1-2 ?

[@ronniechambers2555]

4-4-2 The common sense formation for any team playing in English League 1 & 2 and the National League. Ultimately though football is about players not formations, that is why I think 442 is better in the lower divisions, as the majority of players are either not good enough or intelligent enough to play the ball out from the back and grasp complex formations and systems, keep it simple, but at the end of the day it all boils down to fitness, attitude and skill, not formation alone.

[@SingerForLife7]

Pl explain the role of deep lying playmaker and the difference between holding mid fielder

[@AlejandroReyes-bh7gu]

from my perspective, it is the ideal formation for your team that only plays on Sunday without any previous training.

[@emanyt8726]

i want counter formation for 3 4312 or 5212 please😊

[@younesyounes-gy8si]

hello how are you, I am struggling to analyze the game in a match, I find it a little bit hard to understand your explanation. any advice to get better?

[@joaocondesso7491]

Make a video about the 242 for 9v9

[@izreenimzan]

Can you do 6-3-1 formation?

[@BigSmoke-qn1oy]

What kind of formation is that?,extreme defend

[@ftowers0666]

@@BigSmoke-qn1oy can be used as a counter attacking system

[@dukeofDILLIGAF]

@@ftowers0666 3cb, 2wb cdm, 3cm and a striker?

[@ftowers0666]

@@dukeofDILLIGAF 2 cb 2 lb/rb 2 rwb/lwb 2 cm 1 cam 1 st . It’s basically a 442 but the wingers are way deeper . It’s a stupid formation but can work if you are 2-0 up on the 80th of a really important game

[@longaan2151]

Burnley formation

[@moe.moe.codgamer5125]

442 is my best formation. You can basically change it easily to 424 or 451 or 244 or 262

[@GCAbleism158]

4231.

[@bcn1gh7h4wk]

I had a team in PES with very varied styles and ratings, but focused mainly on 442. it only crumbled in a few very specific cases: a team with a very spread 532 playing to headers and long balls, another one with a tight 352 with a very crowded middle, and a 541 with a solid defense. what did I do? ... I pulled out a 4-2-4 from my top hat, completely bypassing their midfield domination. every other game that wasn't against those 3 teams? I'd play 4-4-2 with lots of dribbling and passing... that 4-2-4? that was MEAN.

[@debrajghosh3426]

My thinking attacking tactic is 3-2-3-2. Goalkeeper Three Centre Backs Two Centre Midfielders Left and Right Wingers Attacking Midfielder Two Strikers

[@indielover85]

Well it worked for Mike Bassett so its good enough for me

[@eric108]

Boring, simple, practical, effective - these are words that come to mind when I think about this formation. But this video highlights just how flexible it can be. It is up to the manager how complex and responsive it is.

[@fishyfish6510]

4-4-2 is the equivalent of an AK-47. Reliable and simple

[@FootballMeta]

😂😂

[@charadreemurr5438]

It went out of style 🔥

[@prakashsingh-qs2wc]

No formation is better than the other it all depends on the quality and chemistry of the players.

[@bablubhaskar1223]

At the end of the day there are 11 players on the pitch and the quality of the players decides the game regardless of the formation

[@lorenzobiffi8541]

Video on target man?

[@febylawrence6891]

I play top eleven and I use this formation

[@caesarmido1228]

Do a 343 video please

[@FootballMeta]

Hey I've already made a video on 3-43/3-5-2, it's in this playlist 👍🏻

[@kjelvin4593]

almost every la liga team use that formatiom

[@bogstandardash3751]

Ironic that 442 died because everyone it got destroyed by Barcelona's 433 under pep. Then everyone wanted to play 433 after that.

[@uknsaunders]

Great video, clearly explains 4-4-2 but also how it can be used against modern formations. Life in the old dog yet?

[@FootballMeta]

I actually think the 4-4-2 is a decent counter to lots of common formations like the 4-2-3-1. It's naturally quite a wide formation, so it could quickly expose gaps in front of the fullbacks if they regain possession. Or by moving the wingers inside it means the opposition will have barely any space the move the ball vertically

[@aaronroch9218]

How about a 3-3-1-3 formation?

[@abhiklovesbadbitches]

terrible formation tbh, not enough width

[@michaellyga4726]

*happy sir Alex noises*

[@FootballMeta]

That's just a lot of swearing, isn't it?

[@shaktisinghbais3576]

I think this season 4-4-2 should be united's go to approch with cavani and ronaldo as 2 strikers , pogba and fernandes in midfield with rashford/martial and sancho/greenwood on wings.

[@bogstandardash3751]

Also allows Greenwood and Rashford to play as strikers as subs.

[@smithkwaku8606]

@@bogstandardash3751 Playing Pogba and Fernandes as 6 and 8 will be ones nightmare since Pogba won't defend....

[@bogstandardash3751]

@@smithkwaku8606 you are correct sir. I much prefer a 343 personally but whichever way you swing it, pogba is leaving and United need a dictated Kante style no.6.

[@tommyhunter7313]

Dutch 1974 and 1978 1-3-3-3 formation?

[@kukunase1686]

I think bayern attack using 4-4-2 with Lewa and Mulla upfront

[@theonlyjoe_]

Sort of, it can turn into that at times, but they mostly play 4-2-3-1

[@theChampionBoy]

Make a video on 4-3-1-2 plz

[@FootballMeta]

Good idea, I'll be updating this playlist shortly 👍🏻

[@ajnicks3982]

That is using 3 defensive midfielders.

[@winniolanimus4995]

How about the 4-4-2 with a diamond shaped midfield?

[@Saltiren]

Well when the wingers come inside, the BWM drops to CD and your BBM pushes up it essentially becomes a diamond

[@leafgreene6014]

Gundogan is gonna be a great coach

[@Luke-kv5pc]

Why’s that?

[@leafgreene6014]

@@Luke-kv5pc It was a joke, the guy in the video looks like him

[@simstander5471]

Is there a difference between 442 and 4222

[@Saltiren]

Yeah the players are on different lines, likely more aggressive

[@jakubfijak9218]

Can you explain what catennacio really is and how it actually works? There seem to be quite plenty of contradicting opinions around that style of play.

[@FootballMeta]

Good idea, I'll add it to the list and get round to it as soon as possible.. thanks for the suggestion!

[@diegotobing4179]

this tactics supposed to be direct play. with support false nine will be great

[@rspjfrost1400]

For all the snobbery most teams after a 1st or 2nd press fail will regroup intp a 442. Asvan Evertonian, if we had a striker who could finish we would be much higher . Our xg is so impressivve . Shame about the finishing. 1 thing i would say the 2 cms have to brilliant and disciplined otherwise they get overwhelmed and dragged around a lot.

[@travelling571]

What is the best formation in your think♥️

[@FootballMeta]

I think this season the 3-4-3/3-5-2 was a lot of fun to watch.. Chelsea have been really good with it and the fact that inter won the scudetto after 10 years proves how good it can be if played correctly

[@travelling571]

@@FootballMeta Thanks ♥️

[@juliusmumo7764]

@@FootballMeta true

[@emmanuelkasuba4758]

This formation is still viable

[@Mattchu.the.Pikachu]

Everyone: 4 4 2 is making a comeback Me: I’ve been arguing it’s merits since 2014 when I used it in fifa to dominate with Chelsea

[@GCAbleism158]

It's just a good formation that gives you defensive solidity and good attackers.

[@16hardikbasu86]

My all time xi St- r9 🇧🇷 Ss- messi 🇦🇷 Lm- cruyff 🇳🇱 Cm- zidane🇫🇷 Cm- mathaüs🇩🇪 Rm- maradona 🇦🇷 Lb- maldini 🇮🇹 Cb- baresi 🇮🇹 Cb- beckenbauer🇩🇪 Rb- cafu 🇧🇷 Gk- buffon🇮🇹

[@linoryt4801]

My team played with 4-4-2 and lost 10-1 2 matches in a row

[@FootballMeta]

Lol I guess it's not for everyone then

[@linoryt4801]

@@FootballMeta One of our cb got a red card because he kicked a guy when the other team were going to shoot a free kick, so we played with 3 defenders but the left and right midfielders were supposed to stay high up so we were left with 3 defenders and 2 midfielders and the other team got through our defense easily

[@ollieknoxx]

what about 4-4-2 diamond?

[@abrahamlunchtime5421]

Manchester United

[@FYFFESTAR]

433 diamond please

[@whiteheavn]

so in 2023+ is gonna be 4-4-2 out of time

[@intrepidpedlr5130]

Leicester city won the premier league with 4 4 2

[@geoffreygari3636]

Nop they used 4 2 3 1 with Ngolo Kante and Drinkwater as defensive midfielders

[@Realmuph]

They are not wingers they are wide midfielders

[@loserforlife4134]

Sorry but everything's sh!te against 4-2-3-1

[@MehediHasanSizan]

No it's not making a comeback.

[@TomBruhh]

Stop trying to 'correctly' pronounce some of the more exotic names, it's really offputting, ruined the video for me.

[@canojr3632]

Underrated channel