eFootball 4-3-2-1 Formation: Tactics & Best Managers

The 4-3-2-1 looks central, but it breaks teams down with the full-backs. Two AMFs draw the opponent into the middle, a thick midfield keeps the ball, and the full-backs get forward into the space out wide. The clear hole is the space behind those full-backs.

4-3-2-1: overview

Rank	BTested over five games in Division 3
In one line	Looks central, but attacks down the flank through the full-backs
Biggest weapon	Flank attacks from the full-backs, and keeping the ball with a thick midfield
Biggest weakness	The space behind the full-backs, and one CF up front
Suits you if	You want to break teams down patiently with passing and crosses
Not for you if	You want to attack fast on the counter
Team Playstyle	Possession Game / Out Wide

Rank B. Two wins, two draws and a defeat in five games in Division 3. The rank is provisional.

What it does well, and where it hurts

The shape

4-3-2-1: a back four, three midfielders, two AMFs and one CF.

One CF and two AMFs up front, with three midfielders (two CMFs and a DMF) behind them. The middle is thick, so creating width is the full-backs’ job.

How to attack

Down the flank is the main route, built with passing. Two AMFs pull the opponent in, the full-backs go into the space, and you finish the move rather than rushing it.

The full-back overlaps, then crosses

When an AMF has the ball, the full-back goes past on the outside or the inside.

1. The AMF holds it and the RB goes past
2. The RB overlaps and gets away down the flank
3. The RB crosses
4. The CF heads it in

The CF holds it up, the AMF runs in behind

With one CF, a pass into feet can get crushed. Let the CF hold it while the team moves up.

1. A CMF plays it into the CF
2. The CF holds it up and waits for support
3. The CF slides a through ball for the AMF running in behind
4. The AMF shoots

Building up

Five midfield players can stand between their defenders, so building up is a strength. It is easiest when the opponent plays two forwards or a back five and the press is loose.

Through the middle

With so many midfielders, there is usually a free player between their defenders.

1. A CB plays a vertical pass into midfield
2. The free CMF receives between their defenders
3. The CMF slides it into an AMF

Round the side when the middle is shut

Stretch them with the width first, then play back into the middle.

1. A CB plays it out to the LB
2. The LB finds the CMF holding the touchline
3. The CMF plays it into the AMF in the middle

Mistakes people make, and the fix

The CB loses the ball to the press

The pass from CB to full-back gets cut out

How to defend with it

Five midfield players fill the space, so the midfield rarely gets stretched, and when you lose the ball up front the AMFs and CMFs are well placed to cut it out.

Players and playing styles that fit

The full-backs and a thick midfield decide how this shape plays. These are the styles it asks for.

Best managers for this formation

4-3-2-1 runs on Possession Game and Out Wide, so what you want is a manager with high Team Playstyle Proficiency for those. Every manager below is rank SS on eFootball LABO — high proficiency, a Booster and Link-up Play — picked for their proficiency in these Team Playstyles.

Best managers for Possession Game

Niko KovačBall Control +1 / Defensive Engagement +1

90

Thomas TuchelLow Pass +1 / Stamina +1

90

D. DeschampsSpeed +1 / Ball Control +1

89

Johan CruyffAcceleration +1 / Balance +1

89

Jürgen KloppSpeed +1 / Aggression +1

89

Best managers for Out Wide

Cristian ChivuLow Pass +1 / Lofted Pass +1

90

Niko KovačBall Control +1 / Defensive Engagement +1

89

Antonio ConteDefensive Awareness +1 / Kicking Power +1

89

V. MontellaAcceleration +1 / Tight Possession +1

89

Ronald KoemanKicking Power +1 / Jumping +1

89

Matchups

Matchups are provisional. We update them as we play more.

FAQ

Summary