This diagram shows a 4-4-2 diamond formation for 11 vs 11 soccer games. Advantages and disadvantages of this system include:

Pros

• Same as 4-4-2 flat, but #6 and #8 have been given instructions on who plays deeper than the other. This helps alleviate defensive mistakes and having your center-midfields get caught “flat”.

Cons

• Center-midfields are now less flexible in their movement as they have been given set spaces to control. The rigidity helps on the defensive side of the ball, but can hurt on the attacking side of the ball.