Understanding the Fundamentals of 4-2-3-1 Formation: Football Tactics Explained

Football tactics often play a key role in winning games. The managers keep working on the touchlines on how to tweak things on the pitch to get results. More often than not, formations directly influence tactics on the pitch. One such formation that has been making waves for many years is the 4 2 3 1 formation.

The formation might seem quite basic, but it is quite attacking in nature. The 4-2-3-1 formation provides a central attacking threat and also protects the defence well. However, like any other attacking formation, it needs a certain level of skill from the players to pull it off. Players who know each other’s game and have wonderful chemistry can blow teams out of the water with this formation.

At Sportsdunia, we have taken the responsibility of breaking down all the elements of the game for you. Having already seen the evolution of football formations and the best formations in the world, today, we will do a deep dive into the 4231 formation.

What Is 4-2-3-1 Formation in Modern Football?

The 4 2 3 1 formation in modern football is one of the most used tactics by top teams. The formation that operates in four lines has four defenders in the first line. They are screened by two defensive midfielders playing in a pivot in the second line. In front of them in the next line are three midfielders who operate in a straight line, spread from right to left. A lone striker sits on top of the tree, leading the pack.

The formation has become a favourite for top coaches since it offers multiple attacking outlets and a stable defensive core.

4-2-3-1 Formation: Its Origin and Evolution Over Time

4 2 3 1 formation is often described as the cousin of 4 3 3 formation. 4 4 2 formation was the only recognisable formation all over the world in the late 1900s. A few coaches started playing around with the idea of dropping a striker for better protection and chance creation in the middle of the pitch. One such coach who created the revolution of the 4 2 3 1 formation in the football world was Juan Manuel ‘Juanma’ Lillo. The current Manchester City assistant coach, Junama, was in charge of Cultural Leones in the Segunda B division in Spain.

The formation became an instant hit in the Iberian Peninsula and started spreading to the rest of Europe as well. The creation of a defensive pivot led to a new generation of players learning the defensive midfielder role and going on to become legends. Players loved the idea of screening the defence and not having much to do with the attack. However, those handfuls who managed to do a shift between the two-thirds went on to build world-class careers.

4-2-3-1 Formation: Breakdown of Player Roles

Let us break down the roles of all the archetypes on the field in attack and defence in the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Full-backs

The full-backs play a crucial role in the success of this formation offensively. They have to bomb up and down the flanks to provide the team with great width. If the midfielders play narrowly, the fullbacks have a chance to stretch the pitch and completely outnumber the opposition in the final third by making overlapping runs beside the wingers.

This allows the wingers to cut inside or link up with the striker, creating more chances and keeping the opposition under constant pressure.

Centre-backs

Defensively, life becomes easier for the centre-backs as they have a defensive pivot sitting in front of them, screening them. However, with the demands of playing an aggressive high line, they must be comfortable in tracking back and winning their duels, as it may result in counterattacks by the opponents.

They need to stay focused, communicate well, and keep the defensive line organised so the team doesn’t get exposed when pushing forward.

Defensive Pivot

Usually, there is no greater attacking pressure on the double sixes in this formation. They are more defensive in nature, however, they can provide great value to their team if they can receive the ball from the back line and progress it forward either by line-breaking passes or skilful dribbles. Having great shooting from outside the box will be an added asset as they get plenty of opportunities to have a go at the goal.

One of the sixes sits alongside the centre back offering a helping hand in defence. The other often steps up the field to catch the opposition off guard and force turnovers. However, in possession-based sides, they step up incredibly high and lay siege to the opposition’s box. Additionally, the pivot plays a key role in winning the ball back quickly and recycling it to the forwards.

Wingers/ Wide Midfielders

The emergence of this formation has led to the creation of wrong-footed wingers. Wide midfielders used to play on the flank of their strong foot. With 4231 formation, they no longer needed to maintain the width as full-backs were joining them in the attack. This allowed them to cut in and shoot, creating the need for left-footed players on the right wing and right-footed players on the left wing.

However, when the help doesn’t come from the fullbacks in crucial moments, the wingers must be able to dribble or go outside and use their other foot to create trouble.

Attacking Midfielder/ The Ten

The number 10 is the ace in this formation as they single-handedly determine how well their teams perform offensively. They have positional freedom like no other on the pitch. They can play behind the striker, trying to playmake or play alongside the striker and make threatening runs. Very often, you can even find them on the wing as well, trying to force the opposition defence out of shape.

The number 10s are expected to have a very high degree of passing. The onus of chance creation is on their shoulder. They should have all the tools required in the playbook to unlock defences.

Striker

Having a good striker makes a world of difference to the 4-2-3-1 formation. The striker who can trap the passes from the middle and bring the others into play can win matches on their own.

The strikers often interchange with the number 10 to confuse the opposition and create openings. They must be strong in the air and efficient with their finishing in the box.

Advantages & Drawbacks of 4231 Formation

One of the main positives of using a 4-2-3-1 formation is the central threat it carries. A proficient double pivot allows them to strangle the opposition and create central overloads. The wingers can invert along with the striker and the 10 who crash the box. This not only gives offensive strength but also provides defensive cover. The pivot can screen the defence well. Also, the presence of a 4 line structure covers the gaps between the lines well.

One of the main drawbacks of the 4 2 3 1 formation is the need for highly skilled players in every position. The players must be proficient with the ball and must possess good game intelligence off the ball to perform at a high level. Also, since there is only a single striker, if they can be isolated successfully, the offensive threat is nullified by more than half. It doubles the burden on the number 10 and the wingers to create good chances.

Famous Managers Who Successfully Implemented the 4-2-3-1 Football Formation

The list below shows the managers who have excelled the 4-2-3-1 formation and have dominated the world of football with it. However, out of many managers who have implemented the system, we have only picked the best managers who have utilised the formation to its limit.

Jurgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund)

Bayern Munich had the Bundesliga in a chokehold till Jurgen Klopp rocked up with his 4 2 3 1 formation. He built his core with hard-working youngsters and built a system that punched above its weight. It was in fact his tactics and sensational campaigns from his players that helped them win two back-to-back titles in the league.

Klopp’s team lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which turned into a 2-2-6 on the field. The wide players tucked in and played alongside the strikers. The full-backs joined the attack, leaving the centre-backs and the pivot to fight for themselves. Robert Lewandowski’s incredible exploits fired Klopp’s side forward. His players like Mario Gotze, Marco Reus and Jakub Blaszykowski used to have intense games full of running to help their side.

His side combined this formation with the gegenpressing tactic, which made them a fun team to watch. They also won titles, showing how a good team with tactics can become a legendary one.

Hansi Flick (FC Barcelona)

Hansi Flick has successfully implemented the 4231 Formation in the Catalan-based team FC Barcelona after he saw good results with the formation when he was managing the German Side Bayern Munich. In his team's domestic treble-winning team last season, the responsibility to play in the double pivot was given to Frenkie De Jong and Marc Casado. While the number 10 role was given to players like Dani Olmo and Spanish prodigy Fermin Lopez, who made the most of the position.

However, being his first season at the club, he was seen switching between Barca's conventional 4-3-3 formation and the 4-2-3-1 formation several times. The current season also saw the German manager playing the 4 2 3 1 formation with Ballon d'Or nominee Pedri and Frenkie De Jong/Casado playing in the pivot roles, while the number 10 role was given to Raphinha/Fermin Lopez.

Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich)

Vincent Kompany took over the role of Manager after he left the recently promoted club Burnley in the year 2024. His implementation of the tactics made them win some crucial games, eventually resulting in lifting the domestic title. Kompany's 4-2-3-1 squad comprises Kimmich and Goretzka playing as the Defensive midfielders, while the free role upfront is given to Gnabry to create chances for wingers and the striker.

Kompany’s 4-2-3-1 formation football tactics led to dominant performances, including a 9-2 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb, showcasing his ability to maximize Bayern’s attacking talent. The current season saw the team carrying forward the old 4 2 3 1 formation with hardly any changes, which is positively impacting one of the best clubs in the world in their domestic run.

Arne Slot (Liverpool)

The successor of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield has successfully bought the 4-2-3-1 formation football with him from Feyenoord, where he used to play with same tactics. His 4231 formation focused on quick passing and high pressing. Defensive midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister provided balance last season. The formation was so effective for the Reds that they only lost 4 games out of the 38 games.

Even the start of the new 2025/26 season saw the Dutch manager using the same formation, with different players playing as pivot in the initial matches of the league, making it very likely that Slot's go-to formation for the 2025/26 season is going to be the 4-2-3-1 formation until the most successful team of EPL faces any turbulence during the season.