Why Are We Playing 4-2-3-1?

[zolayes 14,489]

I would like to see us show much more variety ,,,even 3 5 2 or 3 4 3 ,,, both much more attacking

[Leif 6,006]

Wanna know how to sort some of our problems? Here you go:

We must switch to a 4-3-2-1.

Why? Well -

Mikel flourishes (heh) as a sole defensive midfielder. He clearly feels awkward playing with a partner. So he'd play deep in the midfield '3' much like in a 4-3-3.

Now Ramires can slot back into his best position, RCM, where he is bursting with energy and can run all over the pitch, doing as he pleases (within reason).

Lampard or whoever can take up a more stable and rooted position at LCM, doing both attacking and defensive work. But of course, my plan would be implemented next season, meaning there might not even be a Lampard! (De Bruyne, anyone?) Assuming we sign a deep-playmaker such as Benat who can also do defensive work, he'll slot into Mikel's role, Ramires remains, and then we need another player bursting with energy in the LCM role to protect Benat (or whoever). Again, De Bruyne could fill this role quite well while also adding another top-passer to the team.

So, that's the midfield sorted. (Well, in one way. There's so many options with a formation like this!!)

The '2' would of course be Hazard + Mata. However, instead of Hazard's current inverted winger role and Mata's advanced-attacking-midfielder role, they'd both act as inside forwards-come-playmakers behind the lone striker. This means both players are closer together, which will result in more 'magic' and interchanging in roles. They'd typically play slightly deeper than the position Mata currently occupies unless we're up against some minnows. I feel that if you're too close to the lone-striker you can't pick him out with as much precision. Both players pushing too far up with the striker would leave the 3 players behind them too exposed to long-balls.

So, you're probably thinking - "Are you CRAZY!? This formation would be too narrow! Who would track back!?". Ah, so naive.

With Hazard & Mata in more central roles, they'll still be able to drift out wide and create a standard 4-3-3 when needed. When the 4-3-2-1 is in place however, yes, we need width both for attacking and defending. A few seasons ago, Cole would be perfect for this. Now? Not so much. Do you know who is perfect however? Baines. He has the best crossing accuracy out of all players in the top 5 leagues this season, he tracks back well after attacking, can take set-pieces and is a reliable, solid option. On the right, Azpi can continue to grow and develop and hopefully become a permanent fixture there; marauding forward yet instilling defensive soundness. This would probably also suit Bertrand a bit more as he does like to (try) whipping in a decent cross when there's no-one ahead of him.

For the more cautious games where the team will line-up in a 4-3-3, it would make more sense to drop Mata completely (depending on the scenario), sticking Hazard out left and having Moses coming in on the right. (Yep, that's right. In this formation Mata won't be an untouchable!)

Ivanovic or Azpi can then go on the right for the full-back position.

This formation, with 3 deep players in midfield instead of the current 2 means the defense will be much more protected AND there'll be more close-by passing options. This means less running around for Terry and less need to maraud forward for Luiz!

As for the striker, we'd need someone who's not afraid to close down the opponents, otherwise they'll build up from the back and try to exploit the lack of width compared to other formations. Falcao is a big no-no. Cavani is a big yes-yes. Lukaku would also thrive in this set-up I feel.

This formation would be quite contrasting to what we've usually had. It's very much an attacking formation with (potentially) Baines, Azpi, Hazard, Mata & the striker all attacking while De Bruyne also likes to get forward a bit, as does Ramires. Discipline in roles would need to be restored so players don't get carried away.

Voila.

Note: If you ever saw Milan's 4-3-2-1, I believe Kaka and Seedorf were in the '2' roles I'm talking about. Kaka was a genuine goal-threat, often more-so than the striker. This is the role I'm expecting from Hazard while Mata would be in the more disciplined Seedorf role.

[Mundaka 243]

Under Benitez:

Luiz/Mikel

For our linkup play i would only consider Luiz tho in that situation, especially if oscar is not playing.

[zolayes 14,489]

He did actually switch to 4-4-2 eventually. Can see that with Ba and Torres upfront, Mata and Hazard wide and we were just lumping the ball forward to bypass Southampton's midfield.

Déjà vu. Different players but same tactics ..if you can call hooting it forward a tactic

[Belgiannutt 3,201]

Pellegrini's 4-2-2-2 looks perfect for our team.

---------------Lewandowski-Hazard-----------------

----------------Mata------Oscar---------------

--------------Moutinho-----Witsel---------------

Cole--------Terry-------Luiz--------Azpi

--------------------Cech---------------------

[5354 204]

we do have a player who can spread the ball well... its lampard. lol

[Joe Cool 388]

we do have a player who can spread the ball well... its lampard. lol

Not particularly. He disappears in big games nowadays and lacks the vision/discipline of players like Xavi, Pirlo, or Alonso, which is why he fares so poorly in the pivot. It was a lot better for him when we played in the 4-3-3, because that gave him much more freedom to get forward due to the two other central midfielders covering. If we're to use the 4-2-3-1 effectively, we need to get an actual creator in midfield

[Funkyflashman 187]

Pellegrini's 4-2-2-2 looks perfect for our team.

---------------Lewandowski-Hazard-----------------

----------------Mata------Oscar---------------

--------------Moutinho-----Witsel---------------

Cole--------Terry-------Luiz--------Azpi

--------------------Cech---------------------

4222 looks good for THIS team. Crucially though, this isn't our team. Glad I could clarify

[Rmpr 8,977]

Viola.

LOOOOL! :lol2:

[kellzfresh 7,229]

There's nothing wrong with the formation, what's wrong though is the players we lack for it. 4231 needs a midfield creator and two fast people on the wings. Bayern, dortmund and realmadrid all use this formation and they are in the semifinals of the champs league.

[Belgiannutt 3,201]

4222 looks good for THIS team. Crucially though, this isn't our team. Glad I could clarify

Well i'm already thinking about next season because it would be quite stupid to change our shape now with only a couple of games to go. I made 3 changes; striker,DLP and a DM.

Okay it probably won't be these 3 guys but even if we keep the 4-2-3-1 our midfield wil need an overhaul and a striker. It's not such a stretch to think we'll get a DLP and a striker in the summer seeing as how we've been constantly linked.

Also with the 4-2-3-1 it leaves the problem of having 3 talented nr 10's and only 1 spot for them. The 4-2-2-2 fixes this.

Not that hard to understand but maybe some people need a bit more explanation then others

[Strike 7,217]

De rossi

Oscar MVG/KDB

This is potentially a very tasty midfield.

Would love to see this happen. Maybe in a tough away game, 4-3-3 would not be a bad way to go. Mata, as good as he is, offers no tactical flexibility