4-5-1 Formation

From Soccer Manager Wiki

Traditionally favoured by European teams, the 4-5-1 formation is becoming ever more popular in the Premiership.

The 4-5-1 formation that is four defenders, five midfielders and one striker - is often seen in European games where teams face a tough away fixture and the manager chooses to pack the midfield.

It can be very effective, particularly at keeping possession, and with five midfielders covering the defence it provides a solid base.

Sometimes you will see 10 men behind the ball. But it also means that attacking options are limited.

The poor old striker often has a lone battle up front.

It works best with a big, strong front man, such as Chelsea's Didier Drogba, who can win the ball in the air and hold it up until support arrives.

Otherwise it can produce relatively few goal-scoring chances.

This system has a lot in common with the 4-3-3 formation, where the wide midfielders join the lone striker.

Jose Mourinho uses this particularly well at Chelsea.

Put simply, they play 4-3-3 when they have the ball and 4-5-1 when they do not.