Slightly OT - Is 442 dead?

Agree with the first part, not the second. Not sure where you've drawn that conclusion from?

 

The reason why 4-5-1 has become popular is because when attacking it automatically becomes a 4-3-3. You have to have two fit wingers who can attack and defend. When defending defence sit mid deep and you two cm should squeeze space. Win possession and quick breaks to the wings. Your cf acts as a hold up player. The worlds best players and indeed goalscorers now are not cf. they are wide midfielders. Messi plays attack left mid. As does Ronaldo as does bale as does robben. The only one I can think of who plays centrally is ibrahimovic and Suarez but he plays all over the shop.

 

No its just not used just like fashion it will be back. As soon as a bug club does it the ant swarms will follow suit.

 

Does messi play attack left mid???

 

I think you play what suits the players you have but to be successful need to be flexible enough to change formation during a game. Let to opposition worry about you then make changes when you need to. The work rate of your players crucial whatever the formation, as is the quality of those players too obviously.

 

I think you play what suits the players you have but to be successful need to be flexible enough to change formation during a game. Let the opposition worry about you then make changes when you need to. The work rate of your players crucial whatever the formation, as is the quality of those players too obviously.

 

Having two banks of four, if played properly, can be very difficult to break down.

Sides like Stoke play it often, and concede few goals, especially at home.

 

That doesn't necessarily mean it has to be a defensive set up, Chris Hughton had us playing some very forward thinking 4-4-2 football at times.