By Danny Carvalho
Question - “We play with a 4-4-2, but I'm struggling with the two center mids. I give them freedom to move where they want and interchange with each other. However, there are lots of times where both of them move forward to join the attack which leaves a big hole in the center of the field that we sometimes get exposed. Should I nominate one as the defensive mid and one as the attacking mid? Or are there other options?”
This happens a lot, very common. There are a few different solutions to this problem. Nominating a defensive mid and an attacking mid might help. But why not get a little more creative and setting some other mechanisms to avoid this gap on a defensive transition?
1- Opposite winger providing coverage
In the diagram below you’ll see a situation where as soon as the winger/side-mid realizes that both CMs went up and predicts a possible counter attack in case we lose the ball. See that they quickly get central to provide coverage and fill this gap.
2- The side back providing coverage
On this situation, the side back on the ball’s side predicts a cross in or sees that they don’t need to join in the play and quickly provides coverage in the middle.
3- Center back providing coverage
On this third situation, one of the center backs jumps in the center mid position and the side backs drop back to make a back three with the other center back.
The most important thing after all is: no matter what option you make, just make sure your team is playing as a unit, occupying the important spaces and denying counter attacks through the middle.
Want to nominate a defensive mid and an attacking mid? Do it! Want to try one of the options above? Do it! Just make sure to communicate this to the whole team, work on it at practice and hold all players accountable.
By Danny Carvalho, DOC at Corinthians Campinas Youth Club, Brasil
