Advantages Strong midfield. Favors both defensive cover and offensive improvisation. Excellent support available on both attack and defense. If work rate and speed of midfield players is sufficient, system can generate five attackers, four midfielders, and five defenders. Tall, powerful, and mentally solid center back is required.
Defenders are limited to their responsibilities.
Improvisation on defensive end and counter attacks are limited. The two midfielders act as a link between the defensive and offensive thirds of the field. To help out the midfielders, the two wingers drop back, increasing the reliance on the two strikers for scoring. One on each flank, with two in the middle. Advantages Outside backers have freedom to move up and attack.