Tool
4-1-4-1 formation: positions and shirt numbers
A 4-1-4-1 formation has a goalkeeper and ten outfield players: 4 in defence, 5 in midfield and 1 in attack, as the digits read from the back.
Open the 4-1-4-1 on the tactics board Print the 4-1-4-1 (A4 or PNG)
Positions in the 4-1-4-1
| No. | Position |
|---|---|
| 1 | Goalkeeper |
| 2 | Right-back |
| 3 | Left-back |
| 4 | Centre-back |
| 5 | Centre-back |
| 6 | Defensive midfielder |
| 7 | Right midfielder |
| 8 | Central midfielder |
| 9 | Striker |
| 10 | Central midfielder |
| 11 | Left midfielder |
All positions and what their numbers mean
How the shape changes
With the ball it often turns into a 4-3-3 formation. 4-3-3
Read the full guide to the 4-1-4-1 formation
What are the shirt numbers in a 4-1-4-1?
The numbers follow the most common international order. In a 4-1-4-1 formation: 1 goalkeeper, 2 right-back, 3 left-back, 4 centre-back, 5 centre-back, 6 defensive midfielder, 7 right midfielder, 8 central midfielder, 9 striker, 10 central midfielder, 11 left midfielder.
How many defenders, midfielders and forwards are in a 4-1-4-1?
A 4-1-4-1 formation has a goalkeeper and ten outfield players: 4 in defence, 5 in midfield and 1 in attack. The digits of a formation count the outfield lines from the back.
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