The Return of 4-4-2

Through stubborn over-usage and inflexibility, the formation 4-4-2 has had its reputation tarnished in England, a country where it had previously reigned supreme for a number of years. The struggles of the national team epitomised the problem with the wasting of Paul Scholes and, a few years later, Steven Gerrard on the left wing in an unwavering devotion to the formation, courtesy of Sven Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. Former players such as Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard have put the failings of the ‘Golden Generation’ partially, at least, down to 4-4-2. Recently, however, the formation has seen something of a comeback.

A perk of the setup is the solidity that two banks of four provides. Sean Dyche’s Burnley made great use of the system to propel themselves into a Europa League spot last season. The Clarets only conceded an impressive 39 goals, but their goalkeepers were forced into making the fourth highest amount of saves in the league: 122. This slightly strange crossover of statistics is not simply down to good goalkeeping, but where the shots come from. Burnley’s low 4-4-2 block - ‘defend the width of the box’ - style either forced teams wide to cross (they led the league in headed clearances with 640) or to shoot from range. Due to the distance and amount of bodies Burnley had blocking the goal, these shots are often saveable. The East Lancashire side utilised the traditional, sturdy discipline of 4-4-2 to great effect; but what can the formation bring to a team wanting to play with a more attacking style?

At Barcelona, Ernesto Valverde implemented a 4-4-2 formation that almost carried the club to an unbeaten season in La Liga. In his system, Valverde made use of his full backs to provide width. The winger would tuck in to a more central position to create, while the full back bombed down the wing on the outside. This was perfectly exemplified by Andrés Iniesta cutting inside to make use of his creative genius, while the athletic Jordi Alba powered down the flank. Further up the pitch, a two man strike partnership of Suarez and Messi saw the Uruguayan play centrally as a number nine, meaning that Messi was given freedom to roam and use his endless chasms of quality and genius. Valverde’s system was one that provided solidity, but not at any great sacrifice of attacking fluidity.

Indeed, this is a system that is currently being implemented by Watford. Will Hughes and Roberto Pereyra - both players with experience in central midfield - operate as tucked in wingers, while José Jolebas and Daryl Janmaat provide width from full back. Elsewhere in Premier League, Tottenham have made use of a loose 4-4-2 cum diamond shape anchored by Mousa Dembélé and Eric Dier, allowing Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen license to roam and create. Similarly to Barcelona and Watford, they too possess attack minded full backs in Kieran Trippier and Danny Rose, bringing width to the attack.

It is unlikely (probably for the best) that a return to the default of 4-4-2 will ever happen. It is, however, something that is able to evolve and progress; be it as a solid defensive mechanism or as a formation that provides a sturdy base for fluid attacking play. There is no ‘right’ way of playing and setting up a team. As ridiculous as the over commitment was to the belief that 4-4-2 was the right way to play, it should not now be dismissed as the ‘wrong’ way to play. Especially after the development it has undergone in recent seasons, which has seen it utilised in exciting new ways.

Note: the football media site, ‘Tifo’, offers great tactical insight into a variety of styles. In noting and remarking upon a trend, their videos have provided some fantastic information for the systems used by Watford, Barcelona and Burnley. The videos with full detail can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4hSfx--7wY&t=34s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL2JhJ4tnzk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKHwUVYH4hU

(Photo: ThoughtCo)