4-4-1-1

by Topher
(Seattle, Washington, USA)

The 4-4-1-1 formation is an evolution of the 4-4-2. Like the 4-4-2, this formation features a solid back four in defence.

What separates the 4-4-1-1 from the 4-4-2 is that instead of just having two strikers who both have equal responsibilities, this formation has one standard striker who stays up front and another striker, sometimes called a "special striker" who sits between the standard striker and the midfield.

Sometimes, this position is called "the hole". You need someone who is a great playmaker here and has a lot of skill. South Africa will be running this formation in the upcoming World Cup; as does AC Milan.