The central midfield triangle in the 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-4-1-4-1 formations

Other articles in this series:

The Goalkeeper
The Linking Midfielder
The Center Midfielder
The Attacking Midfielder

Having just completed the articles on the central midfield positions I thought it would be a good idea to look at the central midfield as a unit and how they compliment and interact with one another.

First and foremost must come a recognition there are three distinct and separate positions and roles that comprise the central midfield triangle. While it is true there must be some overlap in technical, tactical and physical characteristics it is also true there must be differences in the psychological approaches of each player manning these positions.

In a general sense the #6 Linking Midfielder is defensive oriented, disciplined, and a link between lines or positional unit groups.  The #8 Center Midfielder is a versatile player that moves easily between defending and attacking postures. He must be a work horse.  The #10 Attacking Midfielder is a creative attacking player. A great passer with the ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates and himself.

If we look at this unit as a whole we will find they define the numerical designation of the formation. When played as a 1 - 2, the Linking midfielder is tasked with protecting the (center) backs and is a primary ball winner and distributor. He is able to make a few calculated runs into the attacking third during the course of a match, but this is not his primary function. In a similar sense he is there in support of the Center Midfielder and the Attacking Midfielder. He watches their backs allowing them to freely attack. He also is tasked with being a pivot player through which his team can switch the point of attack.

When deployed in as a 1-2 triangle, the Center Midfielder plays advanced of the Linking Midfielder but not necessarily along side of the Attacking Midfielder. It is more of a staggered alignment that provides an offset 1-1-1 look with the Attacking Midfielder being ball side and the Center Midfielder being weak side although these roles must be interchangeable. 

When played as a 2-1, the Linking Midfielder and Center Midfielder play side by side as the base of the central midfielder triangle.  This is a more defensive posture in a sense but can also be utilized in an aggressive counter attacking manner as it can serve to draw opposing defending players more forward thereby opening the space between them and their goalkeeper.

The 2-1 alignment is also often used by teams that look to press when they first lose the ball.  It is a rule of thumb that a team has 7 seconds to aggressively press in an attempt to regain possession once they have lost the ball.  During those 7 seconds immediate pressure be brought and support supplied in the forward passing lanes about the ball.  This allows the remaining 7 defenders to track back and establish defensive shape behind the ball. During this transitional moment many teams prefer to establish as a 2-1 central triangle s it is more secure than playing a lone Linking Midfielder.

In the descriptions we can see the primary differences between playing in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation and a 1-4-1-4-1 formation are found in how the central midfield is set up.  In particular the difference is found in where the Center Midfielder deploys.  The shape of the formation is usually 4-2-3-1 when defending and 4-1-4-1 when attacking.

However, the basic 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 are extremely versatile formations. They are merely starting points for further mutations which we will begin exploring as we continue looking at the various positions in the formations.  More on that as we look at the center back and outside back positions.

Position #8 the CM in the 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-4-1-4-1

Thus far in this series we have looked at the Goalkeeper and the Linking Midfielder positions.  Keeping with the theme of defining and determining a teams spine we will today look at the #8 position, the Center Midfielder.

The technical considerations for the center midfielder position are similar to those of the linking midfielder. There is a premium placed on playing with an economy and efficiency of touches. A high quality of touch is paramount to maintaining possession and helping to establish his teams rhythm and pace.

Tactically the center midfielder has a blended or dual role in that he must be able to play as both a Linking midfielder and an attacking midfielder - the # 10 position.  He is in fact a linking player between the linking midfielder and the attacking midfielder.  It is the positioning of this player that determines if a teams formation resembles a 1-4-2-3-1 or 1-4-1-4-1.  Ideally, the team's formation will be flexible between the two formations throughout a match. Playing with 2 linking midfielders when defending and two attacking midfielders when in possession of the ball. The center midfielder must be a strong communicator and possess a high soccer IQ to be able to recognize which role his team needs him to fill at any given point in a match.  A high level of quality decision making is a mandatory requirement for the position.

From a physical standpoint the linking midfielder must demonstrate both speed and quickness on and off the ball.  He needs to possess strength on the ball and a willingness to challenge opponents in all three phases of the game. A blended balance of aggressiveness and discipline is essential.

If the linking midfielder is the hub of the team, it is the center midfielder who is the teams engine. He must a 360 degree player.  This player must balance a disciplined approach on defense with being a risk taker on offense. There is a distinct need for this player to be able to cross lines both between the positional units of his team and those of opposing defenses.  It is a unique psychological make up and proper consideration must be given to this trait in identifying the player to man this position.