Expanding knowledge of 1-4-2-2-2 game model implementation. Part 2

By analyzing the 1-4-2-2-2 features, we will provide insight into its effectiveness in various tactical scenarios. Understand the dynamic balance between offensive pressure and defensive stability is a key to evaluate formation's true potential. Let's go through roles, requirements, and responsibilities.

In addition to the usual skill set, the goalkeeper (GK) must be integrated into the chosen model of play, understand the principles and roles, prepared to act in a huge variety of specific set pieces and lead the defense. Technically mastery of accurate short, medium, and long passes (fig. 1)

Tactically implement and follow key principles execution, minimally participate in the play of the ball without holding it for a long time, and move as vertically and safely as the game situation allows. Physically ready to move around and play on the backline in cooperation with the defense line.

Psychologically, to show stability, composure, calmness, composure, and encouragement of partners. The Center Back (CB) protects the goalkeeper to prevent the opposing team's forwards from scoring (fig. 2).

Technically, it is essential to show quality header skills, ball recovery and interception, short, medium and long-range passes, and confidence in one-on-one situations in defense and attack.

Tactically be able to read the game and see the situation ahead, to back or save the episode near his goal, to understand and apply the chosen game principles, to create in attack using his strengths in the final third, to prompt and guide not only the defense, but also to communicate with the holding midfielders.

Physically tall, athletically strong, and possess high starting speed, stamina and agility. Psychologically a team leader, guide teammates, morally stable, strong-willed and confident in every action.

Wingback (WB) is responsible for everything that happens on his wing all over the field (defense and attack). He aims to maintain a high game tempo, execute in attack, and effectively press and close the space during the opponent’s attacks and counterattacks (fig. 3).

Fig. 1. Goalkeeper

Technically, in addition to a high level of defender’s skills (tackling, interceptions, one-on-ones, etc.), be able to perform quality medium and long-range pass attacks one-on-one on the wing.

Fig. 2. Center Back

Tactically, active use group and team tactical rearrangements, recognize game situations in a fraction of a second and react to them in the right way earlier than the opponent, shift from the position playing adjacent in the center of the field and in attack, and use continuity in the transitional phases of the game.

Fig. 3. Wingback

Physically, you must be a strong athlete with high starting and distance speed, endurance index and agility. Psychologically, he gives confidence to partners, is the team's motor double-strung, is strong-willed, loves hard work and exudes confidence in his abilities.

Fig. 4. Defensive Midfielder

The Defensive Midfielder (DM) protects the back four and breaks up the opposing team's attacks. Technically expected to have tackling and interception skills, short and medium passes, marking (fig. 4).

Fig. 5. Central attacking midfielder

Tactically interact with the defensive line and offensive midfielders, link attack and defense actions, being uninterrupted in the transitional game phases with a high degree of involvement, cooperate with partners.

Being attentive, possess a high level of tactical skill ability to analyze the situation and react accordingly creating a numerical or positional advantage in both center or wing, play in a trio with the central defenders.

Fig. 6. Forward

Physically athletic, agile, coordinated, and have high speed on small distances. Psychologically resist changes in the game, show leadership and confidence, be extroverted with partners in various positions.

The central attacking midfielder (CAM) operates behind the forwards, responsible for chances and scoring goals in the final third, performing in different positions (fig. 5). Technically competent, able to beat the opponent one-on-one, make decisive passes of any complexity and effective shots on goal.

Tactically show exceptional mobility and creativity moving into free spaces, create numerical and positional advantages in attack, emphasize pressing when taking the ball, be in constant communication with the forwards, supporting midfielders and flag defenders, creating zones for partners, performing different roles.

Physically possess high starting speed, agility, coordination, stamina, physically strong to cover the ball or engage in tackling. Psychologically looking for attacking opportunities and advantages, spontaneous, encourage teammates, create a constructive and inspirational atmosphere.

The forward (ST) constantly scores goals and puts pressure on the opposing team (fig. 6). Technically take a shot of any difficulty, beat an opponent one-on-one, make short passes, header, tackle and interceptions.

Tactically find the space to finish attacks and create chances, interact with central attacking midfielders and wing-backs to develop a numerical or positional advantage in a particular area, change position, adapt to the game situation, create space for partners, actively engage in pressing in defense.

Physically possess high starting speed, agility, coordination, general and speed endurance, physically muscular to impose the struggle. Psychologically aim at quick tackling and goal scoring, focusing on the result, emotional stability, stubbornness and self-confidence.

Finally, let’s review the overall advantages and disadvantages of the game system 1-4-2-2-2.

Advantages

1. Balance

Creates a structure that allows to defend and attack with equal proficiency. With four defenders, two holding and central midfielders and forwards team can maintain aggressive shape.

2. Control

With two central and attacking midfielders, team can effectively control the area. Players can work together to create scoring opportunities while preventing the opposing team from dominating on the pitch.

This helps to develop central overloads and dangerous positions around the opposition's central midfielders, leading to frequent progress through the center of the field.

A double pivot enables the fullbacks to attack simultaneously without requiring complex rotations or positional changes to add numbers in the central midfield.

3. Attack

The formation offers multiple offensive options, with two forwards and attacking midfielders. This allows the team to progress from different angles and create scoring opportunities from various areas of the field.

4. Fluidity

It offers a high degree of complexity, allowing players to interchange positions and create confusion for the opposing team. This can be particularly effective in breaking down of a well-organized defense.

5. Possession-based play

It is well-suited with the two defensive midfielders providing a shield to the back four and allowing team to build from the back. Payers work to create scoring chances while defense remains solid and organized.

Strong shape from which a team can counter-press centrally and launch counterattacks. There should be significant numbers around the ball without many movements or rotations when possession is lost.

6. Solidity

Provides a structure with four center backs and two defensive midfielders. This can make it difficult for the opposing team to create scoring opportunities if defense remains disciplined and well-organized.

When playing against a back four, both opposing center backs are occupied by the two center-forwards. This discourages them from stepping into midfield to compete for the ball.

Disadvantages

1. Vulnerability on the wings

It is dangerous to attack from the flanks as it may lack the necessary coverage in wide areas. This can leave the team exposed to counterattacks and crosses from the wings.

When the intensity of pressure is low, a team switching to one side risk to miss the exit from the opponent's aggressiveness and transferring the ball to the other flank with a numerical advantage.

Specified move as turning an attack to the other wing is more acceptable than getting a counterattack in the center, when there is no time left to regroup.

2. Lack of defensive cover

While the formation offers two holding midfielders, they may not always be able to provide sufficient cover to the back four. This can leave the defense vulnerable to quick counterattacks and long balls.

3. Lack of width

The formation can be narrow and make it easier for the opposing team to play against. Limit team’s ability to create chances from wide areas. Additional movements from the central players are required.

4. Dependence on midfield creativity

With only two forwards, the team may rely heavily on the midfielders to create scoring opportunities. Struggle to score goals if the they cannot break down the opposing defense shape.

5. High demands on players’ fitness

Formation requires a high level of fitness and stamina from the players, particularly the midfielders, who need to cover a lot of ground and play both attacking and defensive roles. Center-backs are required to cover wide areas whenever the double pivot can’t get across once the fullbacks have pushed forward.

This leads to a detached backline in dealing with direct counterattacks, when the fullbacks have advantage.

6. Tactical inflexibility

Formation is less tactically liquid than other schemes, as it may be harder to change the team’s shape during the game without making significant substitutions.

Suited for counterattacking, transition threat and less effective during sustained periods of possession. Players block one another off due to being on the same vertical passing line, especially in central areas.