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Soccer Strategy: How to Play the 4-2-3-1 Formation

By Max Ramsfelder, Youth1, 03/08/18, 12:00PM PST

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Centerbacks typically remain in defensive positions while the fullbacks are responsible for contributing to the attack and defense as mentioned before.

The 4-2-3-1 is perhaps the most balanced and universally used formation in the modern game. It provides teams with adequate structure to defend effectively and quickly transition moving forward.

The 4-2-3-1 is most often used in the English Premier League. The formation relies on two defensive minded midfielders providing cover for their defenders and three creative attacking midfielders who can produce chances for each other and the Striker, who is typically the primary goal scorer in this formation.