4-4-2 Formation
From Soccer Manager Wiki
The famous 4-4-2 formation is the most widely used in football. In the 1950’s it replaced the outdated ‘WM’ formation that was widely used before hand. It is perhaps the most balanced formation and that is why it is the most famous tactic in football History.
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[edit] Different parts of field
The four-four-two system is split into three sections, with two full-backs and two central defenders forming a solid defensive base, and four midfield players supporting a pair of strikers.
[edit] Defensive Third
The back four often use the offside trap made famous by George Graham's Arsenal of the 1980's and 1990's where they mastered the art of the defending and new that if they scored a goal, more often than not they would win the game. The two central defenders are expected to defend first and foremost, allowing the full-backs on either side to get forward when the opportunity arises.
[edit] Middle Third
With your two wide men providing the width, it is up to the two central midfielders to decide when it is there job to support the atackers. Some coaches, however prefer to have a midfield player who acts as a defensive shield infront of the back four, known as the 'holding role', allowing the other central midfield player to get forward and support the forwards at every available opportunity.
[edit] Attacking Third
The attacking third consists of two strikers, who attempt to get on the end of wingers crosses, or run on to midfield players through balls and attempt to find the back of the net. It is also the job of a forward to hold the ball up, allowing the midfielders to support them.
[edit] Teams that have successfully adapted it
Four - Four - Two is the longest established formation and this is because of the success of sides who have used the formation in the past. Offering strength through the centre and genuine width, it is no surprise that coaches continue to set their teams out in this formation.
[edit] Manchester United 1999 Treble Winning side
One of the most successful exponents of the 4-4-2 football formation in recent years was the Manchester United treble winning side of 1999. With Giggs and Beckham providing the width, and Roy Keane and Paul Scholes pulling the strings in the centre of the midfield, United were a joy to watch, providing their strikers with lots of goal scoring opportunities. In recent years however many sides have decided to play with an extra midfield player, leading to many observers believing the game is becoming more defensive and unattractive.
[edit] Attractive Attacking Football By Arsenal
The 4-4-2 formation can either be used by a team that play an attractive and attacking passing style with plenty of freedom to interchange positions such as Arsenal or for more workmanlike sides with less talent such as Sunderland. It is no surprise that the most successful sides in English football - Liverpool in the 1970’s and 1980‘s, Manchester United and Arsenal in the 1990’s use the 4-4-2 formation.
[edit] The Old Lady of Turin Juventus
Although often considered a formation solely used by British sides, the current Juventus team that last season won Serie A and are one of the favorites to win the Champions League this season use the 4-4-2 formation. Their midfield quartet of Camoranesi, Vieira, Emerson and Nedved was considered by many to be the strongest in Europe in the 00s.
