Why the 4-2-3-1 Is the Most Used Formation in Modern Football | 4231 Tactics Explained |

[@abhijiththampi7960]

My introduction to this was when Mourinho used it for Madrid back in the early 2010s. Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo and Arbeloa in front of Casillas, screened Khedira who ran box to box and Alonso who pulled the strings. Ozil as the 10 as Kaka was injured most of the time, Ronaldo and di Maria on the wings, and either Benzema or Higuain up front. Devastating team, especially on the counter.

[@FootballMeta]

Yeah that team was insane. Prime Ozil was one of the most exciting players to watch. And having Ronaldo and Di Maria on the flanks was unstoppable

[@BhBc8f8]

omg same. Ronaldo, Di Maria (back then) and Benzema just absolutely shredding through the defense and Marcelo coming in to assist, good looooord it all just got me so fucking hard.

[@augustlongpre64]

Reading this and thinking about how blessed we were with those Madrid/Barcelona teams

[@Skegfromcraigslist]

Best counter attacking team of all time

[@nilc.8850]

Yeah, they only won one Liga and one Copa del Rey in 4 years with Mourinho. 3 seaons with no titles for such a "devastating team".

[@EJ-jw9ow]

I've learned more about soccer ("football") in 5 videos on this channel than in 3 years of watching ESPNFC

[@jaker962]

Hahahahaha I'm sure you heard Alberto Moreno bitch and moan a million times in those three years though football coverage in America is a joke

[@Theraiman616]

Or sky sports football

[@Fishysocks69]

Football not soccer

[@greatnesstv265]

It's football

[@arimagiiik3214]

Because they have no idea what they're talking about in any sport

[@nwilson7871]

I loved the explanation. I've always liked the 4-2-3-1 for the reason that, defensively, you have a numerical advantage with the two CDM's coming back to support the back 4, but also, when on the counter attack, you have the two pacey wingers and a ST up front with the CAM feeding the pass to the player in the best position to score. It can be a possessive or attacking formation without overarching changes needed. Then you can swap the #10 for a winger spot at will depending on the game flow and situation. Brilliant!

[@bustermeme8723]

Wow very in-depth, i did not expect the immense quality of this video when i first saw it on my newsfeeds, keep it going my man.

[@FootballMeta]

Thank you!!

[@pankitjotsingh1781]

@@FootballMeta loved it 😍

[@kreigalm7381]

Finally got to the main weakness and I’d say there is at least one other.. First- if the 3 attacking mid forget their responsibilities the team will be chasing from behind (like you said). Younger teams that struggle with defensive responsibility can fall into this trap. The other clear weakness is up front. One striker assumes support which requires clarity on who will help and how much. For younger teams two fwds makes things more plain and clear. Otherwise you fall back into the above I issue. It is a good system but requires communication and higher understanding or you will be exposed

[@paxundpeace9970]

Well said this is the biggest issue with the play of many teams that don't have the pro level players the are working and running up and down the pitch

[@ClergetMusic]

This is a variation on the classic 4-5-1. Thank you for the exposition on this formation.

[@billinglumbalumba]

A mix between 442 and 451

[@stefanuslewi9318]

The best team used this formation are : 1. Bayern (2012-2013) 2. Chelsea (2011-2012) 3. Liverpool (2008-2009) 4. Bayern (2019 - now ) The key player is position number 10, Bayern have muller, Chelsea have lampard and liverpool have gerrard

[@barnboyforpresident3250]

Real Madrid 2016-2018?

[@lillihamer_75lespuy98]

Hey bro you forgot Dortmund 2012/13

[@tapasmishra3737]

@@lillihamer_75lespuy98 he said famous bro . Dortmund is nothing without Haaland

[@danieldonald3321]

@@tapasmishra3737 Dortmund reached the Champions League final in the 2012/13 season and won the Bundesliga in the previous season.

[@jbcf4490]

Man United 92/93 season used this were quality

[@coachmatt216]

Nice job with the analysis of this formation. This is a good explanation, and you identified the weakness quite well (midfield challenges). I had my high level boys team using this formation this Spring because we had some boys who had excellent abilities in a few key areas. My biggest problem is getting them to identify weaknesses in the midfield during counter-attack. We're working on that right now and identifying some of those situations where we were beat by an overload or by through balls. This formation is very well balanced in attack and defense, but if you aren't paying attention in the midfield and being disciplined about your positioning, you can get beat rather quickly. It's also very very important that players understand their roles well, and know how to work together with the other positions to exploit the other team on the attack. One last thing, I've implemented a slight variation to help the midfield. We rotate or slide a wing back from the weaker side to cover one of the DM positions to provide more support. The DM can play at an angle to prevent through balls, and we have cleaned up that particular mess. Again, you must have the right players and the players must be very smart to understand the intricacies of such a formation. I've had the same boys for quite some time, so we have had time to work through a lot of messes together and have implemented portions of this style over time. This Spring was the first time we have used it full time. This isn't an instant gratification formation, and it will take time to get good at it.

[@FootballMeta]

I'm happy you found the video useful.. I think you said it spot on, it's not a formation that will bring instant success, but with the right players, once the team truly understand how to attack and defend it can be one of the hardest formations to break down.. I think the idea of having one of the full backs join the midfield is also a good idea to help balance out the centre. I'm actually a performance analyst for a local club, and this weekend we're facing a team that plays a super aggressive 4-2-3-1 which becomes a 4-2-4 in possession, and I think our best chance of breaking them down will be attacking down the flanks, specifically creating overloads in the wide midfield

[@trustmeimaphysiologist]

I enjoy watching football having never really played it because I concentrated on rugby when I was younger. I can't tell you how brilliant this is for people like me! I love knowing intricate little details about things I enjoy. Thank you.

[@Supergod8]

The 4231 is the best formation for me. Having 2 playmakers in the team who will create attacking Chances, a b2b midfielder who will provide the support to the deep lying playmaker so that he can dictate the play, bombarding fullbacks, pacey wide players who will provide crosses to a clinical finisher/targetman or cut inside. No team can perform against a well drilled, connected 4231 team. Best example Bayern 2019-20 .

[@Paulinhox88]

I’m so sick of using this formation but it’s just so effective and versatile that I can’t not use it 😄. Nice vid 👍🏻

[@captainmalone3217]

02:00 head talking inverted full backs

[@ashenmoonclash]

Shared this to my high school team for homework on our formation.

[@FootballMeta]

Hope It pays off 💪🏻

[@JosephDonavon]

As a first year boys soccer coach I have learned so much from watching your videos and I have shared your videos with my players so they can understand their responsibilities. I am actually going to be running this formation this Friday.

[@johnfranco-arboine7851]

Great explanation on the 4-2-3-1 formation. This is a revised Christmas tree formation 4-3-2-1 to better support the attack. I particularly like the 3-2-3-2 as an attacking formation with the two power forwards up and keeping the defense occupied. With the team taking with long range shots, medium range shots, and short range shots. When needed the 3-2-3-2 transforms into a 5-4-1-0, to defend the heart of the goal, the triangle formed by the two corner spots and the center of the pitch. This formation is ideal for solid defending, strong marking, anticipation, unity, and intelligent ball recovery, and for fast counter attacks.

[@antlittlejohns2098]

I have a key game next weekend and will be using this formation to get a positive result. Many thanks, great tactical information 👍

[@AzUthred]

if you look closely 4-2-3-1 , 4-3-3 - or the olda AC Milan Diamond is te same formation with little variation. The type of players you say is also true for all formation. Nice video!

[@mishynaofficial]

Yes, the triangle in the middlefield is reversed in 4-3-3.

[@kyletucker3811]

This popped up when I searched about learning more on football strategy. I'm a 27 year old American in my second year following Association Football, so I wanted to learn more about the strategy of the game so I could appreciate what I was watching more. Definitely what I was looking for. I'll be binging this channel!

[@FootballMeta]

Thanks man I appreciate it 🙌🏻

[@kinyuanjeri]

One of the most versatile formations to line up, especially for GenGen Pressing teams. Easily becomes an inverted attacking cattenacio, a 433 attack, and 451 midfield strength

[@ananthapadmanabhanss4553]

Awesome video :) simple way to say 4_2_3_1 is effective: it allows to play in between the lines, half spaces, direct attack, playing across width. So having these many possibilities enables teams to play in counter, pick a pass by subtle layoff, crossing from sides - To open up low block sides.

[@beatty1229]

And yet, Manchester United biggest problem was breaking down low blocks 😭

[@ananthapadmanabhanss4553]

@@beatty1229 yes as they don't have players attacking in width. It's mainly from left side attack stems. Now with Sancho u can see more penetrating play going forward. 👍 Adding a deep line playmaker would even more give balance.

[@pedropierre9594]

@@ananthapadmanabhanss4553 the thing is if you add a playmaker in the premier league, they almost always get pressed and targeted, that is why Pogba seems to gas out because his passing lines and the tempo at which the game is played makes low blocks very effective against this formation in the premier league

[@ananthapadmanabhanss4553]

@@pedropierre9594 Correct. It depends on players being aggressive in retaining the ball when not in possession. That's the key!

[@aeugenio97]

Best explanation I have seen for the best formation in football. Well done and keep up the good content.

[@anonymous5575]

Amazing Channel...I watch a lot of Football on KZbin, but this was the first time you were in my recommendation list. Hidden Gem! Keep putting in the work^^

[@FootballMeta]

Thanks man, really appreciate it 💪🏻

[@Ixa1710]

Brutal video, subscribed instantly, good shit mate :D

[@FootballMeta]

haha thanks man!

[@ChesRokas]

Amazing stuff! Thank you! Keep up the good work! All the best from Croatia

[@FootballMeta]

Thanks man 🙌🏻

[@karanchaba9661]

Arsenal are just 2-3 players away to execute this formation perfectly, right now they have a disconnect in the midfield and attack and also lack a physical striker for this formation to work. Arteta is slowly getting his players to execute this formation perfectly.

[@jaamieeeex]

This aged very well

[@mishynaofficial]

My favourite formation. It's very exciting to watch if the team knows how to play it. E.g. Germany 2014 WC.

[@Neoyorchese]

Great vid...really glad someone spends time on this

[@carlrobota2042]

I feel like this is formation is so common because it can get results with mostly average or mediocre players. Back 6 is hard to break down and then you can send your 4 best attackers up with freedom to interchange and hope they pull something off. It's not the ONLY way it's used but it's pretty common (looking at YOU Ole...)

[@wse964]

this is a rly great introduction and detailed description with examples! enjoyed it. it'd be great if actual video clips of this formation in action can be in the video. it'll be a lot more visual and easier to appreciate!

[@Oi-mj6dv]

Man these videos are amazing. If you could do one, or a few on all common roles that would be goated

[@nikhilshunkumar2462]

I love this channel... Thank you KZbin for recommending this to me

[@ELYYT]

Great video

[@FootballMeta]

Thank you!

[@maximilianorey6918]

pro tip : you can watch series at Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching all kinds of movies recently.

[@hezekiahpedro6596]

@Maximiliano Rey definitely, I've been watching on flixzone} for months myself :D

[@jasonfrank4991]

@Maximiliano Rey yup, I have been watching on Flixzone} for since november myself :)

[@lukasmiller8531]

Great explanation! Suggestion foe future similar videos: use more colorful chips. When you move multiple of them around, it gets harder to remember where they came from

[@FootballMeta]

Thanks for the tip, I think I've improved on this in my more recent videos but still working on a clearer way of showing it

[@joeyrossi3594]

This guy really know is stuff, great analysis keep up the great work

[@f2r950]

Great video bro!

[@FootballMeta]

Thank you so much! I'm happy you enjoyed it

[@tafadzwa.10]

i like your videos and your explanations are clear, if its possible can you make videos on positional play/movement with different formations also more vids on formation principles like 442 vs 433 or 352 vs 424 etc... thanks again for your channel very helpful more vids please haha

[@willradley4039]

This is really well made and interesting content, keep at it

[@russellmoxham5625]

70% sounds improbably high but I'm all for being schooled in what is a brilliantly balanced formation, if not necessarily the most glamorously dynamic or, um, aggressive. (I almost feel dirty for liking a system that has two CDMs.) This is a great analysis.

[@axelaxel9040]

Awesome video, the team must have great players, to effectively produce

[@manuelarteaga5835]

thx for sharing. 4. 2 3 1. it's great to use when you have the proper players. for sure

[@Sikthkid]

YES! Been using it since 2010! Lol. Great channel btw I’m trying to spread the word as well. Wonderful job mate.

[@FootballMeta]

Thank you mate 🙌🏻

[@bayupoh]

Nice video! Now I can apply this formation with my team in FIFA Pro Clubs.

[@kimofficialyt443]

1-9-1 is d most underrated formation used by Master class Allegri AKA Juventus manager. 0 shot in a match and still won. Epic masterclass

[@harithalmidfa4925]

Good enough to share... People around still kick ball out area... ARAB CUP

[@brahim7808]

Amazing videos, you gave an excellent explanation, but I suggest that you be more specific in the paragraph about the appropriate players for the plan, such as remembering that the left central defender should be a player who plays with his left foot well, to improve the quality of forward passes, and so on

[@FootballMeta]

That's a great tip, thank you 👍🏻

[@micahrozgony1866]

My soccer team uses these great videos!

[@simplythebest286]

Excellent channel !❤ instant sub !

[@eric108]

Such a solid formation. However, if you are not used to having two holding mids, it can take some time to get used to.

[@melodictube11]

Great work, keep it up! 👍

[@djnotnice8416]

I know little about soccer and I was still able to understand this video. Very clear presentation with spot on visuals. Well done indeed.

[@zaloreyes830]

football, lad.

[@coryCuc]

@@zaloreyes830 It's soccer dude. Pick up a dictionary, lad.

[@markusz4447]

Heynckes playing the 4-2-3-1 back then when most teams where playing 4-3-3

[@FootballMeta]

True, Bayern Munich absolutely dominated with this formation before it was popular

[@zickosaurusrex]

@@FootballMeta One thing that's often overlook about Heynckes's Bayern (2013 treble) is their strong pivot. Schweinsteiger and Martinez (when healthy) provide defensive stability that can frustrate even the craftiest midfield. You can see that during their encounter with Juventus and Barcelona. Bayern don't have much possession but when they do they are very threatening. What's more amazing about their encounter against Barcelona is despite only have 36%(?) ball possession they didn't rushed their attack by playing long ball into their wingers but still build up slowly.

[@markusz4447]

@@zickosaurusrex Barca had a lot of possession but was not dangerous at all against Bayern. Martinez was a Beast that year! They should have won the champions the year before as well. Chelsea did nothing for 120 minutes.

[@taftybufty]

Tbh it was Van Gaal who introduced the 4231 at Bayern as well as in German football, he laid the foundation of a successful Bayern, Heynckes perfected it, Guardiola continued the legacy and so is Flick doing it by overachieving with it. It was also the reason why Germany were so successful in the early 2010s too.

[@fredrickmiya7433]

@@taftybufty True, even players such as Ribery and Robben attributed Bayern's tactical nous during that period to Van Gaal. But still, it takes a great manager to see the potential of a system and improve an already great product.

[@Shad_Jr7]

Spurs 4231 under Poch was probably my favourite. Moussa Dembele being able to glide through a teams press was phenomenal

[@alexsayshi6782]

he never played for spurs

[@Shad_Jr7]

The Belgian midfielder, that's the Moussa Dembele I'm referring to. Played for Spurs from 2012 to 2019

[@tarek_wehbi]

@@Shad_Jr7 bro never watch football in his life

[@sneakerjunki3]

Great vid! I'm new to football, and your discussion is perfect-- easy-to-understand while tackling a complex topic. 👏🏼 Subscribed. 👍🏼

[@SinanShanavas4]

Great Tactical video👍 Subbed to your channel

[@luxity1805]

Great video! This is going to help out my team.

[@LorenzoScarafia]

I love this videos they fill me up with football tactics knowledge

[@wariskolapo9484]

It's an excellent analysis.pls let's know more about each weak points

[@16hardikbasu86]

St- pele 🇧🇷 Lam- cruyff 🇳🇱 Cam- maradona 🇦🇷 Ram- messi🇦🇷 Ldm- rjikaard🇳🇱 Rdm- mathaüs🇩🇪 Lb- maldini 🇮🇹 Cb- baresi 🇮🇹 Cb- beckenbauer🇩🇪 Rb- cafu 🇧🇷 Gk- buffon🇮🇹

[@adelekesamsela1062]

I love your channel. ...it is so informative. ......we need video about the pre season training about a club....defending free kicks and corner kicks

[@FootballMeta]

Thank you & great suggestion

[@milesjunior7155]

Like your PP hahaha

[@Qassimsport]

This formation suitable for teams that don't have players with high skills & great tactical knowledge

[@bestofall6011]

Thank you very much! Great explanation! 👌🏻😘

[@josebatxu32]

The best part about this formation is that you can use very varied tactics, you can park the bus comfortably and also do some possession play or high pressing

[@eaglekeeper7608]

Rangers play 4231 also and have been dominant this season.

[@skeklat]

Brazil National Team could use this system perfectly, with Emerson and Lodi as fullbacks (great physicallity, stamina and attack the final line), Casemiro and Fabinho as DM's (both strong, great passers and extraordinary defenders), Coutinho as CAM, Neymar as LM and Raphinha as RM (both very skilled and amazing at 1v1) and Pedro as ST, strong, very skilled too, physical threat and great finisher. A seleção brasileira poderia usar esse sistema perfeitamente, Emerson e Lodi nas laterais (bom físico, stamina e atacam a linha de fundo), Casemiro e Fabinho de volantes (ambos fortes, bons passadores e marcam muito bem), Coutinho de meia, Neymar e Raphinha abertos (ambos são dribladores e bons no 1v1) e Pedro de centroavante, forte, muito habilidoso, bom porte físico e excelente finalizador.

[@gabrielprudente2574]

I think it's easy to use it with Neymar as the 10, and Vini and Raphinha as the wingers

[@emmericisaiah8016]

High quality content here ! 👏🏽

[@Robin-qb7ym]

Incredibly helpful video👍

[@alvin6879]

One question. What advantage is there for the CDM, who switched places with the winger? I mean how would the CDM be effective on the flank?

[@AdamAddict]

This formation is so sick, this is what I'm using to win in PES 5 Master League

[@samsonseram204]

Very sofisticated technique

[@vihangaparanahewa1210]

Germany won the WC in 2014 using this formation

[@googlynihal1702]

Thank you bro,really informative

[@DouginMate98]

Please make more videos,how to attack and defense,I like the video👍

[@sangwoomichaelpark7434]

Thank you for teaching Football

[@arupratanpaul7334]

4-3-3 is the most successful formet in football, sometime it modified into 3-4-3 acts as more crucial also.

[@hassanabdikadir3426]

Just awesome, well explained

[@rahulkurhade2184]

Thank you now I understand these formation very well

[@miguelporras8366]

Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@airplane8023]

Exceptional video 💪 thanks alot

[@djsportingbeatz]

Best channel i am subscribing to

[@johneastwood3039]

Man Utd practically played that formation in 93/94 with Cantona as a number 10, giggs and Kanchelskis on the wings and Ince and Keane in midfield.

[@TrymYoutubeMainChannel]

Fred and McTominay useless as CDMs in the 4-2-3-1 for United eventho the team find ways to come back from being down

[@johneastwood3039]

Man Utd practically played that formation in 93/94 with Cantona as a number 10, giggs and Kanchelskis on the wings and Ince and Keane in midfield.

[@tobiasmusondah9655]

Muli amano umu

[@WalsallFanTV]

Excellent analysis, thank you😎

[@visualfootball]

Great video. Keep them coming.

[@kakandeusaama7154]

Am seeing Arteta using the same formation with a back four of Saliba and magehles in the centre back, white and zinchenko as full backs, partey and xhaka in the double midfeild, then martinelli, ordegaard and Saka in penetration midfeild zones and Jesus as a false nine and the formation is one of reasons for his lead in EPL

[@johnlau6749]

In a way look similar to Pep's general play

[@Minimanemohahaha]

This channel is goldddddd

[@kaigorodaki]

Thanks a lot for all your help

[@murijst]

superb information 👍

[@queens_man]

May I know where I can find more videos like the one at 6:02? Thank you!

[@sportstalkbyaakash6297]

I learn from this channel

[@rickynetogoat5769]

I hate playing against the 4231 when I coach my team 😂. I usually have success with a 424 because of the amount of bodies forward and out wide but it's always a pain with that double pivot especially when one is cutting passing lanes.

[@groom84]

And how are the counter attacks against your team?

[@shlittyrx5561]

Do you think dropping back and letting them play in the back to ensure you can keep your shape compact would be better than pressing high up?

[@alphaelectricx6753]

So let’s say you are successful in forcing the opposing team to play out wide for crosses, when do you decide when to press them out wide? If there’s no pressure on the wings then surely they can just cut in or deliver a pin point cross?

[@erikpsicodelia2937]

Obrigado pela informação!

[@SingerForLife7]

Currently eng using 4-2-3-1 in eu ro as Philip and rice as a holding mid fielder

[@lucamaddalena699]

Ottimo modulo e il calcio moderno

[@adamklaiber6666]

Thanks coach

[@christysmith2908]

Very good video

[@FootballMeta]

Thank you!!

[@karanchaba9661]

One of the teams that can't execute it perfectly is Arsenal, we lack specific personnel and there is always a gap between cdms and cbs, also we lack a quality CAM so there's a disconnect too.

[@FootballMeta]

Watching arsenal play this season has been so strange.. I hardly recognize your team and there just seems to be no desire to win

[@karanchaba9661]

@@FootballMeta players have massively underperformed, the rest of the teams have levelled up. Can you make a video on who arsenal need to sign this summer to improve ?

[@FootballMeta]

@@karanchaba9661 I think Aubameyang really surprised me this season.. I thought he'd be scoring as much as last season, he cost me my fantasy pl team so many points lol.. Good idea, I'll add it to the list, could be an interesting video!

[@karanchaba9661]

@@FootballMeta he's been in and out of the team alot this season, some personal issues then malaria and low confidence. Don't worry he'll gain you double points next season bro, trust me. 👍 And great content man. 👏

[@gabrielchinzz3332]

@@karanchaba9661 Ben white is good at the ball,with Tomiyasu,I believe they can get used to building at the back with 4 2 3 1,lakonga was class as a cdm agaisnt Norwich ,I just feel Arsenal are slow when transition from attacking to defense,but Arsenal looked more dangerous and direct when Partey came on

[@petarbakovic6826]

Great video! When will u make 3-2-3-2 (3-5-2) formation?

[@SSB.THISABEKASI]

Sae mas, maturnuwun🙏

[@lorabokamoso5824]

Quite great video