Defending in 1-4-4-2 Real Sociedad and Liverpool on 9 / 21/ 2013

Each weekend we see different teams with distinct tactical dispositions. In recent years it has grown the number of teams restoring the 1-4- 3-3 in order to advance the pressure on the opposing teams and make a faster transition from defense to attack. Variations of this system are defined in terms of how a team attacks so this defines how it will defend. At the same time, other teams keep maintaining two lines of four (1-4-4-2 or 1-4-4-1-1) to state a system of game that starts from the definition of how they defend, which it will be determinant to attack. Two ways to look at the game completely distinct. In the last weekend, I saw two teams using two lines of four for defending, they left some lessons and questions.

In the first picture, we see how Real Sociedad is defending face Barcelona. There are two lines of 4 players to defend, which are good fixed and balancing toward the left side of the pitch. The line of 4 midfielders is also clear; however behind them there are two spaces being occupied by Iniesta and Messi (both of them inside circles). In the picture, we see Xavi and Busquet (who has the ball) are surrounded for 4 players, and they have three supporters: Alves, Mascherano, and Messi. If we put out Alves, we should see an 4 vs.2 game with 2 supports on both sides of the box. oh like a training session. The same will happen if the ball is being played by the left side of Busquet. At least, I have a question, why were the spaces behind the line of 4 midfielders, being occupied by Iniesta and Messi? in such spaces Messi and Iniesta will have time to turn and go to penetrate the line of four defenders.

In the second picture, Southampton and Liverpool are playing at Anfield. SFC is attacking while Liverpool defends with two lines of four player. Liverpool's lines are close each other and the two teams are playing in just 30 mts. In the pic, we see three Liverpool's players, who are inside the circle, that are not marking apparently. Liverpool's strikers go to press to who initiates the attack without causing large movements in the two lines of four players. This has generated that SFC's play becomes predictable and lines passes blocked. The three men in the circle are marking the likelihood that the opponent use their spaces to through balls. Given this, who drives the ball will find that line passes are blocked and must go back to play with defenders, at that moment Liverpool should get up its last line.

The details of these pictures reveal some features about how defend using two lines of four players: 1) patience, not to be overcome by anxiety, 2) Check the zone through which the ball will circulate as well as attacking lines proposed by the opponent, 3) Make predictable opponent's game and take it to go backwards, forcing to send the ball toward the goalkeeper 4) Reduce those spaces could be occupied by receptors behind the line of four midfielders. If this does not work, attackers can turn and have a broad vision to generate plays and shot on goal.