So 4-2-3-1 essentially means you’re running 4 defenders, 2 defensive midfielders, 3 offensive midfielders, and one striker.  Of course, midfielders can multi-task their work and run both offense and defense as required by the manager or, in this situation, the player (us).  Here’s the best part about this formation, piece by piece.

The four defenders help us have someone who attacks us at almost all times.  The most strikers you’ll see is 3, commonly used in 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 lineups.  That’s one defender for each striker and an extra to support in case one player in particular needs some extra attention or support.  Breaking through four defenders typically requires risky through balls that will lead to a pushed out keeper for a clear or just an awkward position in the corner.  Your defenders should be fast enough to apply pressure properly and give your team some breathing space.

As those 4 defenders work to keep the strikers in check you’ll see you have 2 midfielders applying pressure from the back.  This is crucial as sometimes there’s just one pesky striker that is too much to handle alone.  Also, getting past two well-positioned defensive midfielders will make it even tougher to break down the defense, afterwards.  Keep this in mind.

Now let’s look at the 3 offensive midfielders.  These guys are probably the best part of the team.  Let’s say we have the ball at the feet of one of our defenders.  They can play a simple and safe ball up to the two players in front of them.  Now, rather than having to cover the run through the middle part of the field, they have options.  They can work their way through if they have the space but they can also take advantage of 3 players who are ready to open themselves up.  This will force the other team’s midfielders to choose a defensive stance or offensive stance.  If they’re running a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3-, then it may be difficult to get past all these extra players.  But if they’re passed by then it’s pretty much the defense that remains.  In other situations you’ll probably get past them then you’re through to the final phase.

Your lonely striker might have a lot to do but we can easily feed the ball through to him with our 3 offensive midfielders who have now penetrated to the border of the final third and the middle of the field.  Even if you don’t have an opening for the striker you can usually find some shooting ability in those offensive midfielders.  It’s a great opportunity to test the keeper.  It’s also a surprise that can be taken advantage of if not taken care of quick enough.

That’s the general idea behind the 4-2-3-1 formation.  It’s typically tough to get past since you’re constantly being pressured by the opposition and you’re also dealing with random positions needing to be filled.  Let me know if it works for you and what strong changes come to your team when you apply it yourself!

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Each one tends to have its benefits and downfalls. But, I’ve found that everything is dependent on your own playstyle.  For those who’ve played on the field themselves, you understand the need to adjust to certain teams because of their way of playing the sport.  Some teams are brutes that take powerful shots while others rely on clinical finishes to make a simple tap-in look just as amazing.  Regardless, there’s room for each playstyle.  Let’s see what these three roles have to offer.

Hammers are what you’d think they are.  Strong players.  Sometimes your defense caves in and there’s a problem with leaving your box or even your half of the field.  A big boot from one of these boys will send the ball flying.  They’re particularly strong-suited in launching the ball significantly further than other players, giving you relief from the pressure you just underwent.  Match this with an offensive line that has speed and you’ll see that these long balls can quickly lead to goals out of absolutely nothing.

Prowlers are for you tactical players.  Long balls are risky and it’s not exactly ideal to always rip a pass down the entirety of the field.  Prowlers offer you the opportunity to pick out a few one-twos passing plays to get around your opposition.  This tiki-taka play style will suit many players as you’re moving the ball fast without burning out their energy with sprints around the field.  This is more of my playstyle as finding the feet of another teammate is another opportunity to build up into something that can furthermore become a shot on target and perhaps a goal.  The only thing to mention is their players aren’t the strongest.  Their shots won’t be the best for beating the keeper and you’re probably not going to get as many long balls up the field with them.  Make sure to be efficient with them.

Intruders are the brains of the team it seems.  Typically these guys are the ones who’ll make a split decision and wait to do something intelligent.  They won’t wait for someone to pressure them, leaving you more open passes and plays while you’re using them.  Consider them the Özil of your team.  It helps keep possession within your team which essentially leads to more chances at the net.  They’re also not afraid to take a player on if they think they can beat them in a 1 on 1.  Just make sure to put them on the wings as strikers with these mentalities aren’t the most promising with shots.

So depending on your playstyle, you now know how to incorporate these positions into your team, if at all.  I’m more on the Prowlers side as I like the quick passing to run circles around my opponents.  But we all know that having a Hammer or two will be beneficial, especially when depending on set pieces.  If you’re playing Prowlers to the feet of winged Intruders, that can also be a sufficient strategy.  Mix and match and see what works!  It’s all about your preferences!

Add Hammers, Prowlers and Intruders to your team on our favorite trading site.

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