It has three central defenders - occasionally with one acting as a sweeper.

It combines defence and attack, but it is very reliant on the two wide players who operate as wing-backs.

It is their job to work the full length of the pitch, supporting both the defence and the attack.

If these two attacking defenders struggle with the pace of the game the team can be left short of support - be it up front or at the back.

What formation?

The 4-4-2

The diamond

The 4-3-3

The 5-3-2

The 4-5-1

The 4-4-1-1

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