More Formations

4231(2)

3 of 5 stars
Name 4231(2)
Base Formation 451
Attacking Score 2 /3
Defending Score 2 /3
Counter Score 3 /3
Popularity Medium
Availability UT
FIFA/FC Editions FC 24 | FIFA 14 | FIFA 15 | FIFA 16 | FIFA 17 | FIFA 18 | FIFA 19 | FIFA 20 | FIFA 21 | FIFA 22 | FIFA 23
Features 4xx
Countering
Possession

4231(2)

A more attacking wider variation of the 4231, that converted the wide CAM’s into natural wingers.

▲ Suitable for short passing style as well as fast counters.
▲ Two CDM’s give plenty of cover at the back.
▼ Needs a really good player to play as a CAM, the key position.
▼ A lone striker can often be outnumbered, especially against formations will 3 CB’s.

Pos Att WR Def WR Important Attributes
RB M M Pac Def
CB R L H Def Phy
CB L M H Pac Def
LB M M Pac Def
CDM R M H Def Pas
CDM L H M Pas Pac
CAM H M Pas Dri
RM H M Pac Dri
LM H M Pac Dri
ST H L Sho Phy
Key Player
CDM | The two CDM’s need to keep the ball moving and protect the back 4. It’s also crucial to have a strong, fast ST who is capable of playing the lone role.

Play Styles

Medium to short passing style. Use a free-form style of play to allow the CAM, RM and LM players, behind the striker, to see the ball in as many dangerous areas as possible.

How to Use this Formation

Unlike the regular 4231, this formation is more defensive and controlling. Using this formation may not result in a lot of goal-scoring opportunities, but it is great for patient players. This is a great formation for those who are not as confident about defending as they are attacking. The back 4 and 2 CDM’s will mean that you shouldn’t be caught on the counter easily and so will generally have more than enough defensive support. Instead of having two CAM players, using this formation, you will have an RM and an LM, which could assist your sole striker from the sides and also using the long aero balls.

How to Counter this Formation

It can really frustrate you because passes are intricate and the team dynamic allows for quick counters down the wing or just to drop the ball if they are being pressured a lot. The key player here is the CAM. They have good vision and can pass out wide or link up with the striker exceptionally well. To be effective against this formation you have to constantly press the ball carrier. This will force you to win the ball in a good attacking position. You need a lot of players in your attacking half.

Formations you should use to beat this one (by descending order):
4222, 442, 451, 5212.