Tool
3-4-2-1 formation: positions and roles
A 3-4-2-1 formation has a goalkeeper and ten outfield players: 3 in defence, 6 in midfield and 1 in attack, as the digits read from the back.
Open the 3-4-2-1 on the tactics board Print the 3-4-2-1 (A4 or PNG)
Positions in the 3-4-2-1
| Position |
|---|
| Goalkeeper |
| Centre-back |
| Centre-back |
| Centre-back |
| Left wing-back |
| Central midfielder |
| Central midfielder |
| Right wing-back |
| Attacking midfielder |
| Attacking midfielder |
| Striker |
All positions and what their numbers mean
How the shape changes
Without the ball it often drops into a 5-4-1 formation. 5-4-1
Read the full guide to the 3-4-2-1 formation
How many defenders, midfielders and forwards are in a 3-4-2-1?
A 3-4-2-1 formation has a goalkeeper and ten outfield players: 3 in defence, 6 in midfield and 1 in attack. The digits of a formation count the outfield lines from the back.
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