Throughout Sam Allardyce’s time as West Ham manager, some fans have been unwavering in their calls for a return to a 4-4-2 system. Allardyce clearly feels that this is outdated and, to a large extent, so do I.
Today’s game is much more midfield oriented, with the outcome of a game often decided on who can win the battle in the middle of the park. Playing four in midfield against a team that plays five immediately puts you at a disadvantage, and if the other team is playing four it seems silly not to play five for the same reason.
Holding, attacking, playmaking, ball-winning, box-to-box are all modern types of ‘central’ midfielder, each performing different roles. In today’s game only being able to fit two of them in a 4-4-2 system is a detriment to the team, when you can fit an extra one in at the expense of a conventional striker. The midfield unit can reasonably be expected to contribute as many goals as a second striker would whilst also providing much better defensive support.
With fitness levels being what they are today, it’s not inconceivable to defend as a 4-5-1 unit and attack as a 4-3-3. This effectively gives you an extra player when compared with a flat 4-4-2 system.
I cannot think of a Premiership team that currently plays as a standard 4-4-2, a couple such as Southampton or Manchester City may use a 4-4-1-1 or a 4-2-2-2 which suits the squad they have, but West Ham definitely do not have the squad to effectively make use of it.
Some of the best teams in Europe such a Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund often do not play a recognised ‘striker’ instead having any of six versatile midfielders furthest forward at any time.
The unwillingness of some fans to stop clinging to the idea that somehow we would be doing better had we stuck with 4-4-2 under Allardyce suggests that they haven’t really thought the situation through.
If you don’t agree with me, let me know the players we should use in a 4-4-2 system in the comments or on twitter @myers_whu
