This document provides an overview of the 1-4-4 (diamond) midfield formation. It begins with an introduction and then discusses the benefits and advantages of the formation, such as central midfield domination and catering for teams with a surplus of midfield players. Potential disadvantages are also outlined, like being susceptible to quick switches of play. The document then provides examples of teams that use the formation and quotes from managers. It concludes with practical sessions to train the tactical concepts of the formation, including defending, attacking, and playing through the thirds.

1. A
ELITE
COACHES
AWARD
Tactical; 1/4/4(diamond)/2
Diamonds Are Forever!

2. I have recently experimented with a new team shape, thanks to
some excellent discussion with my coaching buddy Liam Bramley.
Having been fairly conservative during my coaching years thus far
(for many reasons) the last 18 months have opened my mind to
trying and training different shapes. The aim is simple; to make our
players more flexible and able to adapt to the various factors that
we have to deal with like availability of players, our coaching
curriculum, the opposition shape/strengths/weaknesses etc.
Some initial thoughts: -
 Every tactical system has pro’s and con’s.
 What are you prepared to “trade off”?
 Does your system fit the players at your disposal or
do the players need to fit your system?
 What do you have/or want in your squad?
 What are your players’ strengths? In this instance,
what are your midfield players’ capabilities?
I have listed some thoughts and also some practices that you may
use to develop this tactical concept. You can then use the
methodology of this piece to explore other systems of play.
Enjoy! Neil
Introduction

3. If it turns out as a consistent team selection from me, playing a diamond, it is revolutionary
because we're going against our history … I think the level of the game in England and
Europe is such a high level now that making yourself unpredictable is going to be a
strength. Teams will have to think if we are going to play two wide players or the
diamond because we have players capable of doing both things. Players like Shinji Kagawa
and Tom Cleverley can play very well in the type of matches the diamond offers. And of
course in Nani, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, I've got really good wide players also. It is
difficult – we have had some success playing with the diamond. The history of the club is
always to play with wide players, particularly at Old Trafford, so I have a decision to make
Quote; Trying something new
Alex Ferguson (2012/13 Season)
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/oct/22/manchester-united-alex-
ferguson-diamond-formation

4. Quote; Players fit system or system fits players?
The first task is to get to know the players really
well - watching them as individuals in training
and in match play – to see what is good in their
natural game. Then, and only then, can we
begin to outline the general tactics
Helenio Herrera
Best remembered for his success with Internazionale (1960’s & 70’s)

5. A goalkeeper
2 x central defenders
2 x attack-minded fullbacks
1 x deep lying midfield player
(defensive-minded and/or a playmaker,
i.e. De Rossi, Pirlo or Alonso?!)
2 x central midfield players
1 x attacking midfield player or
withdrawn forward
2 x twin strikers or flank attackers
Simple Breakdown; 1/4/4(diamond)/2
1/4/1/2/1/2 ?
1/4/4 (diamond)/2 ?
1/4/1/3/2 ?
1/4/3/1/2 ?

6. Manchester United AC Milan FC Barcelona
Man United have used this system at various
times. Carrick would play at the base of the
diamond with Cleverley and Kagawa either
side. Rooney would play at the point.
AC Milan play with a 1/4/3/3 shape but will
convert into a midfield diamond when
defending. Flank attackers will be
asymmetrical.
Although Barca play a fluid 1/4/3/3 shape at
times, the positioning of the central striker
does appear like a midfield diamond, esp.
with Messi as a false #9.
Who Uses it? 1/4/4(diamond)/2
Montolivo
De Jong
Nocerino
Pato
Iniesta
Messi
Xavi
Busquets

7. Galatasaray
This is a traditional diamond midfield. This
system accommodates the undoubted talents
of Wesley Sneijder as the #10 whilst retaining
twin central strikers.
Who Uses it? 1/4/4(diamond)/2
Melo
Inan
Altintop
Sneijder
Charlton
Stiles
Ball
Peters
Mascherano
Di Maria
Messi
Gago
Mendes
Maniche
DecoCostinha

8.  Central midfield domination both in and out of possession
(due to numbers).
 Caters for a squad with a plentiful supply of midfield players.
 Caters for a squad with a small number of flank players.
 Allows for attacking fullbacks to create width in the M1/3rd and
A1/3rd to offer a flank outlet.
 Able to get players between the opposition lines, i.e. #4 and
#10.
 Lots of short passing options in the M1/3rd for a team who
prefer possession-based style – midfield players MUST want
and get on the ball.
 Interchange of position possibilities between all units.
 Strikers able to split and use space out side (Barca).
 Allows team to play two strikers.
 Normally a free player in midfield (#4 or #10).
 Possible combinations/rotations between #11, #9 and #10.
 A “wide” diamond?!
 Compact centrally when defending – rarely outnumbered.
 Player placement allows you to deal with a team who
employ a shadow striker or deep lying midfield player.
Benefits & Advantages; 1/4/4(diamond)/2

9. Needs & Disadvantages; 1/4/4(diamond)/2
 Bias towards central attacks although not exclusively.
 Must have midfield players who to want to “get on the ball”
and are comfortable on it in order to maintain possession.
 Losing ball centrally may instigate counter attacks against you.
 May prove difficult to create width if fullbacks are unable to
provide it (technically, tactically or physically).
 Can be caught out with teams who play with an abundance of
width in the M1/3rd and A1/3rd.
 Can be susceptible to quick and longer switches of play if the
team does not balance off using strikers.
 High energy expenditure (at speed) for midfield unit with the
opposition frequently move the ball laterally.
 Difficult to press early in the A1/3rd due to configuration of
players, esp. if strikers cannot gets across to stop forward play.
Mid-low defensive block preferred.
 Regular changes of marking responsibilities within the midfield
unit esp. if they are not equally matched up in terms of
numbers (marking player or space).
 Lack of immediate support/screen for fullbacks. Fullbacks need
to be excellent 1v1 defenders as they may come under
increasing pressure.

10. Examples VERSUS Other Systems; Midfield Match Up’s
Vs. 1/4/4/2 (4v2 in central midfield - #4 & #11 spare)
Vs. 1/4/2/3/1 (4v3 in central midfield - #4 or #11 spare)
Vs. 1/4/3/3 (4v3 in central midfield - #4 or #11 spare)
Vs. 1/3/5/2 (4v3 in central midfield - #11 spare)

11. Johan Cruyff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NZ0byEyeOA
UEFA Training Ground
http://www.uefa.com/trainingground/coaches/video/videoid=537342.html?auto
play=true#tg_formations
Example Footage & Debate

12. For the purpose of the piece, I have used: -
1/4/4(diamond)/2
Vs.
1/4/3/3
The practices are also just a guide to
provoke thinking.
Some thoughts

13. Tactical Concepts; Defending
Denying space centrally
 The team are compact centrally with a surplus
of players in this area, normally outnumbering
the opposition.
 The diamond slides laterally as the ball moves
across the field, leaving far side weakened.
 The diamond provides vertical coverage.
 It will be difficult to press the fullback in the
A1/3rd if the strikers are bypassed. Press M1/3rd.
Transform into a flat midfield four
 The midfield diamond can slide into a flat four,
as in the diagram.
 Here it is important that the nearest player
pressure the ball.
 The point of the diamond will drop into the
third slot in the unit (based on realisitc time and
distance without opening up gaps near to the
ball).

14. Tactical Concepts; Defending
Pressing in wide areas (Who?)
 There is initial space in wide areas but they're
far from surrendered. Pressing very early may
be difficult if #9 or #10 cannot get across.
 Mid defensive block. Here the player on the left
of the midfield diamond engages the
opposition fullback as they receive the ball.
 The player at the base of the diamond leaves
their screening role and must step forward to
mark the player freed by this action.
Pressing in wide areas (How?)
 The angle of approach favours forcing the play
wide. By forcing inside may open up the big
switch pass which negates our diamond.
 The pressing player can deter the switch of play
and trap the ball on one side of the field.
 The furthest striker drop in to provide balance.
 The player in possession now has limited
options.
 Unit needs to slide across.

15. Tactical Concepts; Attacking
Building from the GK
 The team possibly already have a free man (or
men) in the midfield area. It is then a question
of how to find them!
 Here the back four create space by making the
distances between them huge.
 The #4 drops to create an angle to receive (in
the gap). Midfield rotation may also open up
longer options.
Role of #4 (diamond base)
 This player is encouraged to be the fulcrum of
the team’s attacks.
 They will form a diamond with the GK, #5 and
#6 to build from the GK.
 They will form a diamond with the #2, #5 & #7
when the ball is wide.
 They will support behind the ball and offer an
outlet to switch the play.

16. Tactical Concepts; Attacking
Creating width
 Can be achieved in two ways: -
– When #2 is in possession, #7 moves into a
wide position to receive or open up
passing lines into #9, #10 or #11.
– If a midfield player is in possession, at
least one or both fullbacks can advance
forward to provide width (see #3).
 #4 will plug any gaps vacated by #2 or #3 once
the ball advances beyond them.
Opening up forward passing lines
 When the team is in possession, the midfield
diamond needs to “expand”, esp. when the
back four has the ball.
 This spreading in the midfield third will create
many passing lines, short and long.
 The overload in midfield should help maintain
possession for prolonged periods.

17. Tactical Concepts; Attacking
Midfield unit to retain possession
 Due to numbers the midfield unit must work
hard to demand and get on the ball.
 Once in possession the midfield unit should be
able to retain possession with short, precise
passing combinations.
 Losing the ball cheaply in this central area could
encourage counter attacking opportunities for
the opposition with your fullbacks caught high
up the field.
Combinations of the front three
 The team should look to play forward when
possible.
 The twin strikers should look at complimentary
movement, possibly working between the
central defenders and fullbacks.
 #11 should look to combine with the strikers
frequently and exploit any spaces created by
them (even run beyond them).

18. Practical Work

19. Organisation:
Possible Teaching Points:
Diamond Passing Drill
 Players play on 2-touches.
 Initially, pass and move around the diamond,
with players following their pass each time.
 Regularly change direction on the coach’s
command, anti clockwise to clockwise etc.
 Work 2 balls at same time, starting at each end.
Possible Progressions:
1. Pass, set, play forward, i.e. #4  #7  #4  #11
etc.
2. Play a wall pass around the mannequin, i.e. #4
 #7  #4  #7 (spins behind) etc.
3. There are lots more variations to this practice.
Example Session Planner; Technical Practice
1. Accuracy of passing.
2. Speed of passing.
3. Receiving position / stance.
4. Speed of movement/support.
5. Angle and distance of support
4
8
11
7

20. Organisation:
Possible Teaching Points:
Midfield Diamond Rotation
 Tactical possession practice in appropriate area
of the field.
 Set up as in diagram, area split into 4 sections.
 The black midfield players must always try to
keep one player in each section of the field.
They are not locked into a specific area and are
allowed to interchange.
 Black team must work the ball from end to
end.
 End target players, i.e. #5 and #6 must play at
least one square pass before playing into the
midfield players.
 Reds look to win the ball and score in either of
the side target goals (simulate playing wide).
 NB: May be 4v4 in the middle depending on
the ability of the players.
 Change roles regularly as this is physically
demanding for the red team.
Example Session Planner; Tactical Possession Practice
1. Create space as a team by spreading out.
2. Individual creating of space.
3. Create/exploit space by interchanging of positions.
4. Quality of passing.
5. Quality of receiving.
6. Support play.

21. Organisation:
Possible Teaching Points:
Forward passing, combinations & finishing
 Set up as in diagram.
 Players working in positions as per system.
 To start, the first pass must be square.
 Then play through the units to score.
 Players are asked to play on 2-touch maximum
where possible.
 Players are also asked to be imaginative and
work on their own combinations to create a
shooting opportunity.
 There must be an emphasis on quick passing,
explosive movement and accurate finishing.
 Players only move up to the next horizontal
station of they ay the ball forward, here #11
would become #9 in the next attack.
Possible Progressions:
 Add 2 central defenders.
 Add a midfield screen.
Example Session Planner; Finishing Practice
1. Movement – opposite angles.
2. Quality of passing – speed and accuracy.
3. Passing – feet or space – assess receiver’s
movement.
4. Support and clever combinations.
5. Quality of finishing.

22. Organisation:
Possible Teaching Points:
Playing Through The Thirds
 Set up as in diagram.
 Coach working with the black team.
 Players are free to move in all areas of the field
but the coach must manage the set up to
maintain some structure/realism to the teams.
 In essence, here it is, 2v1 in the D1/3rd, 4v3 in
M1/3rd, 2v2 in the A1/3rd.
 If reds win the ball they have 10 seconds to
score.
 NB: Numbers can be adjusted to suit, i.e.
balance midfield up to 4v4.
Example Session Planner; Squad Practice
1. Building from GK.
2. Role of #4 in build up phase.
3. Interchange of positions in midfield to open up
space.
4. Retention of possession/penetration.
5. Support in front and behind ball/between lines.
6. Combinations with strikers.

23. Organisation:
Possible Teaching Points:
11v11 Game
 Blacks are the coached team. They will play
1/4/4(diamond)/2.
 Players encouraged to play in their position.
 Coach to set up opposition to create the
problem for the players to solve, i.e. playing
against 1/4/3/3.
 Mark a central area to be used as a guide to the
coached team. Coach to use this as reference
also for coaching the midfield unit.
 Play for 8 minutes, 2 minutes break.
 Use breaks in between sets to review
performance and progress. Players to lead,
coach to facilitate.
Example Session Planner; 11v11
A selection of the previous points made in this
article to be covered: -
1. Build up phase – from D1/3rd.
2. Consolidation phase – ball retention.
3. Incision phase – linking with strikers.
4. Finishing phase – creating and scoring goals.

24. Neil Winskill
neil.winskill@nufc.co.uk
@NeilWinskill
ELITE
COACHES
AWARD
YOUTH
AWARD
(MOD 3)
About Me

25.  neil.winskill@nufc.co.uk
@NeilWinskill