Football Manager 2024: The Pros & Cons Of Deploying 4-2-3-1 DM Formation

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The 4-2-3-1 dm formation that became very popular in football since the turn of the millennium but has already become somewhat sparsely used nowadays. This formation has back four with two defensive midfielders sitting above them in a double pivot.

Two wingers and one designated attacking midfielder is played just behind the centre forward. It can be hugely effective but also comes with sone big drawbacks which is the reason it is used much lesser these days.

One of the biggest advantages of this formation is the defensive solidity it provides because of the presence of a back four and a double pivot. This formation can negate quick counter attacks quite well and is also effective regardless whether you are playing a high defensive line or a low block.

This formation is also very effective if you intend to play out of defence with two centre-backs, two full backs and two defensive midfielders.

However, a huge drawback of this system is the space created between the two defensive midfielders and the four forward players. This can be negated to some extend with players with high work rate but it can take a toll physically on players.

While the presence of an out and out number ten can be particularly helpful in breaking down the opposition defence, this can often result in a negative way when you are up against strong teams with quality defenders who can good intercepting abilities.

With the double pivot far behind the front four, you are also effectively losing out on the second balls. This formation can also be particularly ineffective against a 4-3-3 formation, which most top teams will be using more often.

A 4-2-3-1 formation requires plenty of work rate from each and every players, particularly the two defensive midfielders and the two fullbacks.

However, if you have a creative number ten who is also industrious and an all round striker, this can be somewhat negated. Despite the wane in popularity, this formation is still quite a good option in Football Manager 2024.