The 4-4-2 Diamond Formation Explained | Main Strengths & Weaknesses | 442 Diamond | 41212 | 4312

[@fishyfish6510]

I remember Liverpool vs Arsenal in 2019 when Emery used this formation and Liverpool having such great attacking fullbacks just ran riot in the wide areas. It really is a risky formation nowadays and suicide against teams who love the wide regions

[@ItsMeJeeKaY]

exactly, thats what happened to barcelona against bayern. 8 - 2

[@justanerdwholiftweights4061]

@@ItsMeJeeKaY can you explain?

[@petarpetrovski658]

@@justanerdwholiftweights4061 Setien lined up with the 4-3-1-2 and it was too narrow so Semedo and Alba always were against Bayern's full backs and wingers so it was always 2vs1, and Barca were destroyed wide

[@karmafocus2007]

I disagree, every formation has its weaknesses. The advantages of the diamond formation far outweigh the disadvantages. It hasn't been figured out, however managers like playing the 433 because it's the current trend and it's human nature to want to fit in.

[@shuvbhowmickbestin]

and now Liverpool are doing the same due to an absence of natural wingers due to injury :)

[@damianspence]

Just want to say that I appreciate how you've changed the animation style from earlier videos. For some reason, not seeing hands moving the pieces makes it easier to follow. Great work!!

[@FootballMeta]

Thanks man 🙌🏻 appreciate it, and yeah it's something I noticed too looking back on older videos

[@jordankek2442]

so much this

[@damianclark-warren7264]

This is why I love this formation It's a nightmare for your opponents Especially when you have players that can understand the roles

[@mikaoleander]

seeing this formation always makes me nostalgic as this is how my club, werder bremen, played under thomas schaaf in their most successful time in the 2000s and early 2010s when i was a child

[@armchaircritic4178]

Good Analysis! This formation is so good when the coach wants to press and dominate the game because there are numbers in midfield and numerous passing lanes. Its also so easy to create overloads with the wide midfielders and fullbacks On paper that great Klopp Liverpool with Salah, Mane, Firmino, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Fabinho, lined up in a 433 but on the pitch it is a 41212, "this is why Nunez feels like a misfit rn". Like you said, the players need to be the right profile. Firminho is crucial for this formation due to his stamima, dribbling, and ability to use both feet. The most important player in that dream team without a doubt. If he could score more he would get more recognition. When coached well (esp in defence where the offside traps have to be perfect), and the positioning is perfect, the ball moves up the pitch so fast, it can be ruthless. The split strikers find spaces to run the channels all the time, and if they are good dribblers, its over. I feel more managers should be copying it. Also I always wonder how good that Liverpool wouldve been if their 2 wide midfielders could beat players 1 on 1 and pass with precision, like Debruyne and Iniesta/Silva. Teams wouldve been beaten to submission man.

[@anthony4616]

Awesome video again! I think this formation is really interesting especially when it comes to pressing. Marco Rose used it at Borussia Mönchengladbach and sometimes now at Dortmund.

[@ekowasare9458]

Real Madrid used it in their 2nd Champions League win under Zidane

[@Rayyyyaziz]

They used it with Liverpool in 2018 aswell

[@thewarrior11111]

no .. zidane play 0 cm but mr and ml " wide 442 diam"

[@sokikrong2649]

Bro he never mentions Real Madrid in his videos.

[@thomasboelman2]

🤓

[@NkosanaMakhubele]

​@@thomasboelman2 what's up with you?

[@vandal_4042]

Man City overcomes the weakness by playing the two strikers as wingers and stretching the central diamond horizontally

[@christopherflyger2284]

I don't watch the premier league but pinning the fullbacks was my (why don't) thoughts as a amateur fan for a team in the English lower leagues..... and play a AM who is especially good at ghosting into the box.

[@ranadeeppaul3827]

That's basically false 9 they don't really use a attacking mid Bernardo played as a striker who dropped deep

[@armchaircritic4178]

Good point. The way Man City swarm the opponent with numbers, yet still concede very few counter attacks is evidence that they have mastered the tactics and.got the right players for the job. Emphasis on "right player for the job", because something minor like not having the right profile of center back can cause the tactics to fail.

[@shanepetercosgrove948]

I like to use this formation with both my U18 and Womens teams, and do play the two strikers wider which opens up the half spaces for the 2 AMs to move into.

[@zochiang]

That's false 9😂😂😂😂 Some of you guys just don't understand football😂

[@andresgonzales4421]

Very informative! Great work! May I suggest that you put positional numbers/position abbreviations on the pieces so it's easier to identify the position of the pieces. Thanks!

[@mingchunwan1723]

liverpool's 433 with false 9 is actually a 442diamond firmino is the attaking mid and fabinho as the pivot

[@marianchicago4002]

Mane and Salah are wingers, not strikers though, they start off wider than a striker naturally would, they naturally drift inside being inverted wingers. Mane has often played in the midfield when not in possession against bigger sides.

[@armchaircritic4178]

@@marianchicago4002 They played as forwards, firminho was pretty much the #10.

[@ryankwan4102]

Nice vid btw, I hope you'll get verified one day!

[@victormugishar.5812]

I still don’t know how Barcelona did it in 2018 but majority of the season, they used this formation and they won the title then but the team still had Messi and Suarez who were nightmares to Spanish teams. Iniesta, Rakitic, Paulinho who was more of a mezzala** and Busquetes on the base. It was quite a good team but not an FC Barcelona team.

[@shubhsachan5396]

I was looking for a good formation to play in my school's interhouse championship.... It suits my players perfectly and because of the tactics i learnt from here, It'll be very easy for me to take out the best of my teammates under my captaincy and managership 👍❤️

[@SGProductions87]

You were absolutely right about the switch of play weakness. Once the midfield shuffles over to one flank, one ping of the ball to the other side creates a terrifying progression. Another weakness is that the opposition playing 2 wide midfielders can press the diamond's full backs back and not let them get up the park, while the opposition full backs can get free reign to run. Basically on the flanks, it's a 2v1. When the centre mid comes out to make it a 2v2, it creates a hole in midfield opening up space to pass right through the centre. The attacking mid has to be able to come back and cover to stop it and as he does, the deeper striker has to drop into the attacking midfield's position to maintain the links of the diamond.

[@armchaircritic4178]

Spot on. The attacking mid plays pretty much as a box to box. Also, one of the center backs joins midfield to balance the numbers and cut out dangerous passes while the other remains behind as the sweeper. For that to work they have to be pacy, physically strong, and good passers.

[@tylercoombs1]

The 4-1-2-1-2 narrow has been my go to formation in FIFA or FC for a long time. Essentially my pivot is a great tackler who roams the back picking off the ball and making tackles, I usually use them to make deep plays or to switch pass to move the defense around. My CAM acts more like a hook making space and creating plays, they also lead the high press winning the ball when they can. My two CM generally are my top goal scorers although the goals are spread well across the attackers and wing backs. I found this formation allows me to either turn the play in on more possesion play build up, or switch play and get the ball out long. You need pacy strong CB's who are good on the ball, because they're going to have to do alot of chasing.

[@ChidubeJOpara]

Do you have any custom tactics or player instructions for it?

[@lucaspotasio5483]

I remember that Brazil under Dunga in the years 2007-2010 play with this formation... They play with GK- Júlio César (He had a great vision for long balls and helped a lot in the counter-attack), CB's- Lúcio and Juan (both excellent on the ball, and Lúcio looking to join the attack when possible), FB's Marcelo (or André Santos, or even Michel Bastos who played in the World Cup) and Maicon (with Dani Alves as a option too, both Full Backs had great stamina and could help defense and attack), in the Midfield we had Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo, (and they would take turns on who would be the holding midfielder), Elano (as the Real Mezzala), and Kaká as the number 10. In Attack we had Robinho and Luis Fabiano (with Robinho dropping back to help create in the midfield when needed and using his dribling skills to break the opposition). It was a good team that could have won that World Cup, but with Kaká going into the tournament injured, Elano who was a Key player getting a injury mid tournament, and the Manager being to Stubborn, to bring players that would be useful for the Team like Ronaldinho, Ganso and Neymar, we end up losing...

[@redbullsalz]

Yeah still hurts that the manager didn't choose Ronaldinho, Ganso, Neymar and Pato for the tournament 😢

[@1993smallz]

The timing of this couldn't be better. Football Meta is Goating

[@simphiwe_soas_ntombela6789]

Olympic Marseille used the formation in Europa when they reach the final it was good to watch especially the overload.

[@lasa0031]

real madrid used this formation in the 2017 UCL and la liga double win campaign. with isco as the 10 behind ronaldo and benzema.

[@lucaspotasio5483]

YES! Thank you... I have been talking about this formation for a minute now!

[@saffronjuice]

I noticed City using a version of the 4-4-2 diamond against United's 5-3-2 in the derby last weekend; except they had their two strikers (Foden, Jesus) staying wide instead. They completely overloaded Utd's midfield with Bernardo, KDB, Gundogan and Rodri and used the width of Foden and Jesus to pin the fullbacks

[@gabrieldrg7814]

it always hard to label team formations, but when talking about city is even harder. You know that certain positions its always there, for instance, Walker And rodri as double pivot and 2 wingers to strech out defenses, but the rest of team is very fluid since Pep is playing without a 9 every player can become a 9 during the match through movement. I honestly believe that some players like de bruyne, bernardo and cancelo have the trust of pep to do whatever they want in the field following the principles of the team of course

[@saulcaneloalvarez1116]

Right

[@hamoodtatari]

@@gabrieldrg7814yeah that’s right.

[@dervaughnmitchel2272]

Bro actually did a vid on my idea, I appreciate it, keep up the good work.

[@FootballMeta]

Thanks for the idea! 🙌

[@purringwizard]

"and it can kiss goodbye to 3 points" 🤣🤣 great vid man , good sense of humour as well haha

[@Trantsquad]

Borussia Dortmund is currently playing it under Rose. And if you check the table they have conceded a ton of goals

[@mikeyirish9658]

I love to watch Real Soceidad and they use the 442 diamond they’re very technical and enjoyable to watch although the leak goals I love this formation and the way the midfield play with combinations to move the ball up the field.

[@grahamhickey2339]

Currently using this with the team I'm coaching but our two strikers stay as wide forwards. The opposition CBs have no one to mark which causes mass confusion. Been really effective for us so far!

[@FootballMeta]

That's a great tactic, and a variation I should have highlighted in the video.. it's something man city have been doing lately as well, and even premiere league teams struggle to stop it

[@siphiwemfengwane190]

José Mourinhos Inter Milan was unstoppable playing this formation

[@elr492]

It's probably the most offensive formation of all, despite other have more forwards. In most three forward formations such as 433 the wingers are supposed to mark the fullbacks, leaving one forward. In a 4312 the two strickers naturally remain up and the CAM is often either lazy or defensively mediocre, so only 8 player truly defend. I suppose that nowadays, in the time of high press, these 3 players are very useful, but as soon as the opponent manages to bypass the high press (a long ball to the sides should do it), you are in trouble.

[@gabrieldrg7814]

The 343 and 3412 can have a diamond too. In the 3412 is more natural because you just need one cb to act as libero. The 343 would need one the wingers to tuck inside and become 10 or the striker to drop, anyway, the diamond is much more a principle than a formation

[@karumehuie1407]

Very clear and precise

[@jonpeley]

My favourite formation ever. Atlético de Madrid of the double titles with Radomir Antic. The number 4 DM needs to be world class.

[@nehemiahjacobs1987]

0 dislikes because it's an awesome video 🐐👍♥️

[@Laceta2]

My favorite formation, never fails

[@sportstalkbyaakash6297]

As usual top video my bro ♥️

[@ephraimfisher7173]

Beautiful...a masterpiece.... You should consider coaching a team...you'd be invincible

[@saulcaneloalvarez1116]

Much love.

[@saulcaneloalvarez1116]

Teachers are the greatest.

[@stomper6792]

My biggest memory for a example of this Formation is VFL Wolfsburg under Felix Magath Bundesliga Champions 09/10

[@ichijoescave147]

used to use this formation when playing winning eleven (with world cup 2002 generation of player)

[@slick7216]

Here after Ancelotti won the ucl with this formation in 2024

[@sangwoomichaelpark7434]

Thank you for teaching Football

[@mileswilliams2562]

Favourite formation if I was a coach this is my best formation

[@paxundpeace9970]

Cons fall backs have to work a lot and might even be a winger from time to time. Either the attack or defense will suffer under that stress.

[@fredypastoryutd4864]

My lovely formation... I won many games by using this formation.

[@joelgriffin8222]

Turn it into a flat 4-4-2 when out of possession to help with the wide areas

[@redbullsalz]

Once the players adapt, Real Madrid will play the best football in Europe with this formation this season

[@karumehuie1407]

Very technical system

[@johnwise6633]

An excellent video I found this very useful

[@calebarhin4465]

Real Madrid under Zidane. With a midfield 4 of Casemiro, Modric, Kroos and Isco Deschamps' France team

[@FrankieBlueEyes]

Ancelotti himself doesn't view the 4-3-1-2 and the Diamond as the same formation. They are similar obviously but the role of the #6 changes and that's why they set up differently on the field.

[@thomasksk]

Could you do a video on how Carrilero can complement the Mezzala role ?

[@hippopr0256]

Could you do a video that explain how to move as a six or CAM? By the way this is a great video.

[@FootballMeta]

Good suggestion, I'll add it to the list 💪🏻

[@Shadbikz4]

Great video 👍

[@gabrieldl]

Very good video!!

[@joaocondesso7491]

Make a video about 352😊

[@jubayedrohit]

Thank you so much

[@erik9721]

man this woulda been help full a month ago 😩😩 my team played a 4-4-2 diamond and i played the edge midfielder and was so lost sometimes

[@jackwardley3626]

doesn't really sacrifice width cause the left and right mids in the diamond can play as wingers is probably one the most balanced formations 5 defensive players with 5 attacking players

[@davidmuoka3328]

Thanks for the video bro

[@hapcollier4499]

Thanks!

[@FootballMeta]

Thank you mate appreciate it 🙌🏻

[@jobinte]

Rui gorge - portugal u21

[@bdpat100]

To me Pep's Barcelona, and more recently Klopp 's Liverpool used a diamond. their wingers are more like wide forwards who play more in the half space than wing. Messi and Firmino are 10s in the build up and 9s in the final third.

[@sportstalkbyaakash6297]

Bro can u explain about double 6 midfield too

[@FootballMeta]

Good suggestion thank you

[@Thatlittleguy1897]

Anyone remembers Juve Allegri 14/15 switching from 4312 to 352 ?

[@zochiang]

Yes we remember Charlton Athletic 1902-03 switching 4-4-2 to 3-3-4😂

[@sifisomkhwanazi4584]

I will like to know about the effectiveness of 4-5-1

[@dequanmsealey1356]

Thanks

[@betinhoeur]

Ancelotti also needs to watch this video... 😅

[@nharikrishna7818]

Bro please do a video on How to stop transitions

[@adithyaadiga488]

Please do match analysis more plz

[@fredred5037]

When people say that the 442 is too thin to defend in the middle with just one #6 role, is that just an excuse for poor players or is that a true formation defect?

[@FootballMeta]

I'd say excuse, cause the centre is where this formation has so much cover. If you play a diamond midfield and you concede from the centre, then you shouldn't be playing a diamond 😂

[@SGProductions87]

That's why one of the 2 centre mids has to stay deeper to support the DM as well as prevent break down transitions. In my Football Manager save I use a deep lying playmaker coupled with mezzala. Double mezzala is suicidal.

[@a1richardtaylor]

I believe any formation could be considered too thin if not coached well, with the growing intellect and creativity expressed by many managers around the globe all you need is half a chance to be a problem for the other team these days

[@paulosena584]

Flamengo 2022 won the Copa Libertadores using this formation

[@Sikthkid]

Yay! My fav!

[@Heartbbreakidz]

Is the holding midfielder also known as the defensive midfielder??

[@ejaklevv]

yes, they are the same

[@kieran9882]

Is the diamond be similar to the 4-3-3 with a false 9, like Firmino dropping deep with Salah and Mane almost as the strikers

[@FootballMeta]

Yeah it can be, Barcelona 2008/09 was a good example of this, they would often start as a 4-3-3 but with messi as a false 9 it would transition into a 442 diamond

[@Khalid-zy5if]

Only works in FIFA 23 pro club

[@joshuafernandez8168]

Where could I get that board? 😍😍😍

[@joshkooga7204]

Way back in high school our coach introduced us to the diamond..we were scandalised..what was this nonsense?once we got the hang of it though,we never looked back..ahhh..good days..

[@anergomezmirasolain1800]

Nowadays Real Sociedad is playing it and they are un great form!!

[@nehemiahjacobs1987]

Lit kaka the goat🐐

[@syedsaifuddin1477]

Make regular videos

[@lynnbmaison2833]

Can you make for 4-3-2

[@sakesako1250]

Italy euro 2012

[@ookie007]

Shave my dude.

[@normanjoshua6950]

Can you please send this video to Ole gunnar solskjaer

[@akwilson1676]

Basically a 4 3 3 False 9

[@FootballMeta]

Essentially yes, but would say that the false 9 would probably still start an attack higher up the pitch before dropping to collect, while the playmaker in the diamond won't usually be on the defensive line

[@brianjanssens8020]

Isn't this literally just a 4-3-3 formation?

[@ramlahramma4003]

Text sungguh telah merusak kenyamanan dalam menonton Video ini

[@ryankwan4102]

First

[@Qassimsport]

I think it's a plan that works for teams that have exceptional players like Manchester City & Real Madrid

[@winstong7438]