RedrebelI believe this is the most versatile formation in football, even more versatile than the overrated 4-4-2. What you guys think? Which formation do you guys think is the most versatile?
08.12.2008
Robert O'CarlosYeah, I think I prefer formations with 1 up front, actually. Could play it like a 4-3-3 with 3 central midfielders covering the width of the pitch and 2 wide players pushing forward to stretch the opposition defense, or 4-1-4-1 with 1 holding and 4 supporting the forward.
The problem I remember with the 4-1-4-1 type of formation is that the 4 attacking midfielders can get caught up with each other positionally. The system needs to specify whether the 2 wide players or the 2 more central players take the initiative when attacking.
But when not in possession, it would take a good team to work their way through 5 strung across midfield.
Job's a good 'un! ;-)
08.12.2008
RedrebelYes, its a good thought Robert. That is why this formation is so versatile. You can play it many, many different ways.
08.12.2008
theformationnerd123Yes, I think that 4-5-1 is played in many ways. 4-1-4-1,4-2-3-1,4-3-2-1,4-1-3-1-1,4-4-1-1,4-1-1-3-1, and also the 4-4-2. 4-3-1-2,-4-1-3-2,4-2-2-2,4-1-2-1-2(Diamond).but a nice idea
09.12.2008
Robert O'CarlosSoooooo many numbers ... my head's spinning.
:-D
Not quite sure 4-5-1 can realistically translate into a front 2 but I think I know where you're coming from there.
09.12.2008
nvrVersatility of 4-5-1 or any formation for that matter really depends on the squad you have, doesn't it? Chelsea and Everton both play 4-5-1. Chelsea have lots of variaties in their game. Meanwhile Everton are a hideously boring defensive team.
09.12.2008
RedrebelYou are right nvr it does depend on the squad, but some formations need players with different characteristics. One example is a team that plays with a 3-4-3. The back 3 most of the time are pure center-backs. If you change this formation to a 4-4-2 one of the center-backs will have to act as a full-back, and one of the outside midfielders will have to do the same thing. Than one of the wingers will have to drop as an outside midfielder and attack and defend. And if the players don't like and don't know how to play that position you will have problems. Though, you can argue that you can substitute and have no problems, you only got 3 substitutes, and what happens if one of your players gets injured. It messes things bad. But, a 4-5-1 can easily change formation without causing problems. An example is the 4-5-1 changing to a 4-3-3, all the outside midfielders have to do is move farther down the line and attack more. Most outside midfielders know how to play as a winger because the position is similar. And your midfield stays the same, and you didn't have to change anything different. But, you are right most of it depends on the squad.
09.12.2008
nvrWell, it's a matter of squad quality really. Can Everton midfielders play in attacking line when switched to 4-3-3? Probably no. Can Chelsea guys? Hell, they can...
On the matter of 3-4-3, do you realize that you have to have 6 pure central defenders to survive a season. Big clubs always have one exact substitute for each player in their defense. Otherwise suspensions, injuries and rotations can leave you short of cover. I am afraid there are not many available top class defenders.
10.12.2008
RedrebelYes, nvr that's what I mean. But, there is a lot top class defenders. People just don't notice them, that's the sad truth about being a defender. Even Paolo Maldini has said it.
10.12.2008
Robert O'CarlosYou would certainly find 6 defenders useful for playing 3-4-3, but if you have a couple of sweeper types who can play the ball on the ground to good effect you can always use them ahead of the back line as defensive midfielders. For me, I would always be playing at least 1 defensive midfielder in that formation. But you do need a more technically gifted defender. So 4/5 centre back types and 2/3 sweeper types would be ideal for a good chunk of the squad.
11.12.2008
RedrebelYes, that's a good thought Robert.
11.12.2008
