The 4-3-2-1 formation: football tactics explained

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What is a 4-3-2-1?

The 4-3-2-1 formation has a back line of four defenders, made up of two centre-backs and two full-backs. Ahead of this back line is a significant central midfield presence, with three players operating as a flat trio.

The midfield is bolstered by the addition of two attacking midfielders, or number 10s. A single centre-forward then leads the line as the highest attacker.

Is a 4-3-2-1 the same as the ‘Christmas tree formation’?

The 4-3-2-1 formation is often referred to as the Christmas Tree formation, due to the shape it represents when in a set shape or block.

Where does the 4-3-2-1 originate?

The 4-3-2-1 is thought to have derived from the 4-3-3 structure. Instead of having two wide players in the attacking line, as the 4-3-3 does, the supporting attackers in a 4-3-2-1 are placed either side of the central forward in the number 10 positions.

According to Inverting The Pyramid author Jonathan Wilson, Dutch coach Co Adriaanse is thought to have have introduced this system to top-level football, at Den Haag in the late 1980s. Terry Venables then deployed a 4-3-2-1 during his time as England manager. It was at this point, in 1994, that the term ‘Christmas tree formation’ became widespread in British football.

What are the in-possession responsibilities of players in a 4-3-2-1?

The single central forward provides the main height in attack, occupying spaces between and around the opposing central defenders. This forward’s job is to either hold the ball up and link with the supporting number 10s, or provide movements in behind and create space for the 10s to exploit.

The number 10s can also make penetrative runs, rotating with the central forward, as well as operate in spaces between the lines. With the attack initially providing minimal width, it’s also common to see one of the 10s widening (below) to receive and attack the full-backs.

The three central midfielders support the attack with forward runs. The two outer midfielders, however, have to work around the positioning and movements of the number 10s. If, for example, the number 10 ahead has remained narrow, then the supporting central midfielder can hold and support underneath. If they want to join the attack, alternatively, they can overlap into the wide spaces. The most central of the midfield trio will often drop towards the back line to support the build-up, especially with a possession-based style of play (above).

Should none of the central midfielders move wide, then the full-backs can push forward, overlap and provide width in the attack. This would usually be through delayed support, however.

What are players’ out-of-possession responsibilities in a 4-3-2-1?

Because the 4-3-2-1 shape is so narrow, it naturally covers, screens and protects the central areas well. The centre-forward and number 10s can press the opposing back line, or screen passes to the opposition’s deeper central midfielders. For the most part, because of the central numbers, the front line in this particular formation will press from in to out.

When play is worked into the wide areas, the closest number 10 or central midfielder will press out, often supported by their next midfield teammate. Their teammates on the far side will then narrow, to provide cover and additional defensive support. The central-midfield trio will also screen any central access into the opposing front line.

The back four will deal with the opposition’s front line, with the full-backs supported by central midfielders working back. When in a more reserved block, the 4-3-2-1 shape naturally concedes wider spaces, sometimes allowing the opposition to initially progress up the pitch. However the 4-3-2-1 has lots of bodies and numbers defensively, ready to deal with crosses and passes from the wide areas.

Examples of teams using a 4-3-2-1

1. Carlo Ancelotti’s AC Milan

Carlo Ancelotti — who won the 2003 and 2007 Champions Leagues as Milan head coach — utilised a 4-3-2-1 shape during his spell at the San Siro. He based it around the influence of Andrea Pirlo as a central pivot in the midfield trio.

Pirlo was flanked by Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini, both of whom could press, duel and defend the central spaces when in a block, or jumping out to press. They also protected Pirlo’s receiving, and joined the attack to support the number 10s, Clarence Seedorf and Kaká. The latter was Milan’s main attacking outlet, joining the central forward — variously Alberto Gilardino, Filippo Inzaghi or Ronaldo.

2. Julian Nagelsmann’s RB Leipzig

Despite using a variety of structures, shapes and ideas at RB Leipzig, Julian Nagelsmann would often look to place one or two number 10s between the lines, with various rotations in the front line. When a midfield trio supported these attackers, a 4-3-2-1 shape would be the result. Here, the full-backs supported with overlapping runs through the wide areas (below).

3. Maurizio Sarri’s Juventus 

In his sole season with Juventus, Maurizio Sarri would often attack with a 4-3-2-1, in which Cristiano Ronaldo played as the focal centre-forward. The likes of Paulo Dybala, Federico Bernardeschi and Aaron Ramsey operated underneath, in the 10 spaces. Miralem Pjanic was the single pivot, linking the back line to the number 10s.

Energetic and shuttling midfielders, such as Blaise Matuidi, Sami Khedira, Rodrigo Bentancur and Adrien Rabiot, would support pressing into the wide areas. They also provided short-passing options to help work the ball into the number 10 spaces, or beyond for Ronaldo.

4. Christophe Galtier’s PSG

During his spell with Paris Saint-Germain in the 2022/23 season, Christophe Galtier attempted to work Kylian Mbappé, Neymar and Lionel Messi into the same line up. When used, the 4-3-2-1 shape worked well, allowing Messi and Neymar to create from the number 10 positions in either inside channel, as well as the central spaces. Mbappé provided pace and direct penetration as a constant threat beyond.

The central-midfield trio often had Marco Verratti as the ball-playing pivot. He sometimes dropped into the back line to allow the full-backs, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, to overlap and create width around Messi and Neymar. The likes of Vitinha, Danilo Pereira and Fabián Ruiz would also cover for these full-back advances by widening, creating bigger pockets for Messi and Neymar in the process.

What are the benefits of playing a 4-3-2-1?

The 4-3-2-1 formation places lots of players in the central spaces, allowing for overloads in this area of the pitch. This can help a team dominate the ball and secure play through the centre, while providing cover and numbers for central counter-attacks, as well as recovery runs in defensive transition.

The two number 10s can be difficult for opponents to nullify, especially if the centre-forward’s positioning helps create space for them to receive in key areas. The midfield numbers also allow for multiple forward runs in behind and rotations in central areas. This can place frequent pressure on the opposing back line.

If a team has particularly attacking full-backs, plenty of space is also available for them to push forward and create high up the pitch.

What are the disadvantages to playing a 4-3-2-1?

The 4-3-2-1 lacks natural width in attack, not least immediate width when regaining possession, ready for an attacking transition. It can be easy for the opposition to gain ground and progress through the wide areas, in defensive transition. Opposing teams can also find it straightforward to create overloads against the full-backs.

In order to fill the wider spaces when attacking, players in a 4-3-2-1 must rotate and move out of their primary role. This requires tactically and technically flexible players, plus a strong understanding of teammates’ roles and movements.

The 4-3-2-1 often requires the two wider central midfielders to cover a lot of ground. They must run into the wide areas in possession, but also jump out to press when out of it. This specific role requires a certain physical profile, in order for the structure to maintain its defensive strengths, alongside attacking flexibility.

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Author: The Coaches' Voice