Premier League Adaptability: Formations, Counter-Attacks, and Underrated Players

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast · December 24, 2025 · Listen to Original Episode →

Original Title:

TL;DR

The 4-3-2-1 formation, while allowing top players into the lineup, struggles with modern game transitions and explosive power due to inherent lack of width and difficulty filling vertical zones.
Manchester City's recent use of a narrow 4-3-2-1 formation, with players like Doku and Foden, effectively overloads the center and creates width dynamically, enabling high goal volume.
Managers transitioning from less competitive leagues to the Premier League face superior tacticians and player quality, requiring significant adaptability and potentially leading to struggles.
The Portuguese league's high inequality means managers of top clubs face weak opposition 85% of the time, potentially hindering preparation for dominant performances against mid-table Premier League teams.
Counter-attacking success relies on "rest attacking" principles, positioning players to launch quick turnovers and exploiting defensive disorganization before opponents can re-establish structure.
Elite counter-attacks involve engaging defenders before passing, forcing commitment and creating space, rather than passing early and allowing defenders to recover position.
Teams like Leeds and Bournemouth have seen significant performance improvements by adopting tactical shifts, such as a back three or five, to better suit player profiles and address defensive issues.

Deep Dive

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast episode "Underrated Premier League players & formation changes" explores the tactical nuances of football formations, counter-attacking strategies, and the evolving role of players, ultimately suggesting that the modern game's demands necessitate adaptability in both team systems and individual player roles. The discussion highlights how seemingly niche formations like the 4-3-2-1 can offer tactical advantages when adapted to specific personnel, while also emphasizing that the Premier League's elevated competition level requires managers to be exceptionally tactically astute. The podcast also delves into the concept of "underrated" players, illustrating that their importance often lies in their off-ball contributions and ability to facilitate team cohesion rather than overt goal-scoring or assists.

The conversation begins by examining the 4-3-2-1 formation, often termed the "Christmas tree," and its historical usage, noting its association with managers like Carlo Ancelotti and its challenges in the modern, transition-heavy game. Manchester City's recent adoption of a narrow structure, morphing into a wider shape in the final third, is presented as a contemporary example of how this formation can be leveraged to overload central areas and exploit space. This adaptation, the podcast explains, allows teams to accommodate more midfielders and creative players, but requires dynamic fullback involvement or wingers to provide width, a dynamic that can be difficult to sustain against high-pressing, transition-oriented opponents.

Counter-attacking is analyzed not as purely instinctive, but as a strategically planned element of "rest attacking" principles, where teams position players to exploit turnovers. The analogy of water polo players immediately swimming after a turnover, regardless of the ball's exact location, illustrates the urgency and pre-planned movement required to exploit the opposition's disorganization. The core idea is to create overloads and utilize runners and forward passes before the defending team can re-establish their structure.

The discussion then shifts to which Premier League teams should consider changing their systems. Leeds' move to a five-three-two is cited as a successful adaptation to defensive weaknesses, while Brighton is suggested as a candidate for a back three due to their recruitment of center-backs and wing-back-suited players. Bournemouth's struggles are attributed, in part, to their rigid adherence to a back four, with a potential shift to a back three offering better defensive cover and utilizing players better suited to wing-back roles. Newcastle is also considered for a 3-5-2 to enhance attacking numbers in wide areas.

The concept of "underrated" players is explored through examples like Everton's Dwight McNeil, whose off-ball runs and ability to create space have significantly improved the team's attacking patterns. Burnley's Josh Cullen is highlighted for his purposeful midfield play and ability to spot and exploit gaps. Nottingham Forest's Emi Buendía is recognized for his ball recoveries and simple, effective play, while Wolves' João Gomes is praised for his aggressive yet disciplined midfield presence and ability to relieve pressure with forward passes, demonstrating intelligence despite his team's struggles.

Finally, the podcast contemplates the potential impact of basketball-style substitutions (allowing re-entry) in response to fixture congestion and increased physical demands. While acknowledging it as a potential future solution to maintain high tempo and prevent injuries, the contributors express skepticism. They suggest it could paradoxically encourage more pressing and intensity, potentially exacerbating muscle injury risks due to repeated bursts of high-intensity play after periods of reduced activity. The practicalities of keeping substituted players warm and ready to re-enter the game at an elite level are also questioned, implying that such a system might fundamentally alter the game's physical and tactical dynamics in ways that could detract from its current appeal.

Action Items

Audit formation usage: Analyze 3-5 recent matches for each Premier League team to identify systemic tactical inflexibility or missed opportunities for system adaptation.
Measure tactical impact: For 3-5 teams identified as potentially benefiting from system changes, track key performance indicators (e.g., expected goals, defensive errors) before and after hypothetical shifts.
Evaluate player role definitions: For 3-5 players discussed as "underrated" or having unique roles (e.g., Raumdeuter), define quantifiable metrics to assess their true impact beyond traditional statistics.
Analyze counter-attack effectiveness: For 3-5 teams known for counter-attacking, map successful transitions to identify repeatable patterns and strategic triggers versus purely reactive play.

Key Quotes

"I think generally this is where Serie A is a bit different to other leagues because I think there is less focus on transitions and explosive power and wingers in general but I think in a slower pace you can fill the space out wide quite dynamically can come from the fullbacks can come from the players on the outside of the three can come from the number 10s but I think in the modern game that is so much based upon transitions you can't have your fullbacks covering the entire width of the pitch and also just the focus on structure you know with all the zones all the vertical zones being filled I think it's generally quite difficult to do."

Michael Cox explains that while the 4-3-2-1 formation, or "Christmas tree," might seem effective on paper, it struggles in the modern game. He highlights that its success is limited in leagues like Serie A, which have less emphasis on rapid transitions and explosive wing play, unlike the Premier League.

"But as Michael says the big strength there is City kind of flip the shape when they get into the opposition half so Doku then goes really wide and it really it all comes to life because you've got Phil Foden who's who's such a good runner beyond the ball makes some really good overlapping runs it's created quite a few good chances this season that haven't always been taken but he then really helps because otherwise Doku will end up just kind of one v two all the time and you're going to really kind of reduce his output."

Michael Bailey discusses how Manchester City utilizes a flexible formation, specifically mentioning how players like Doku and Foden adapt their positions in the opposition's half. Bailey notes that this adaptability allows them to create chances effectively, preventing players from being isolated.

"The thing about Thomas Müller is he was a bit of a weird player he never really had a fixed position he was kind of a right place at the right time guy but he also wasn't a number nine as you would expect of someone like that and Raumdeuter basically means interpreter of space but it's also a pun because it comes from Traumdeuter which is someone who investigates dreams so it's actually quite a clever pun."

Michael Cox explains the origin and meaning of the term "Raumdeuter," coined by Thomas Müller. Cox clarifies that it translates to "interpreter of space" and also functions as a pun on "dream interpreter," highlighting Müller's unique playing style and positional fluidity.

"I think there is some substance to the idea that going to a tougher league means that you're up against superior tacticians if nothing else and obviously this is a tactics podcast but you know ultimately it's player quality is is the biggest jump up and tactics of course do come into that but you think about the Premier League now a lot of not all of but a lot of the best tacticians in the world are managing Premier League clubs so if you are going to come into a league like that then you have to make sure that you're up to the task."

Mark Carey discusses the challenges managers face when moving to a more competitive league like the Premier League. Carey emphasizes that while tactical acumen is important, the superior player quality in such leagues presents the most significant hurdle for incoming managers.

"I think these moments tend to be too chaotic and too random and the whole principle is you've got to attack quickly and get forward early before the opposition team have a time to get back and set themselves so you can't no I think always what that's going to look like or where it's going to happen but teams will set traps for that exact reason so you might put certain players back or you might press down a certain side you might be passive down one side so that they try and kind of keep the ball there."

Liam Tharme explains the nature of counter-attacking in football. Tharme suggests that while the exact execution is chaotic and unpredictable, teams can plan the timing and general positioning for counter-attacks. He also notes that teams may employ specific defensive strategies to bait opponents into predictable counter-attacking situations.

"I really like Josh Cullen for Burnley came through West Ham's academy and had a kind of a few loan spells out in the lower leagues and he really came to the fore by going to Belgium quite an unusual move and he played under Vincent Kompany there two seasons and when Kompany came to Burnley he took Cullen with him and he's always been like quite a I'd say solid reliable deep midfielder but I've been quite impressed by his forward running this season his forward passing I think he's a very purposeful player in possession."

Liam Tharme highlights Josh Cullen's development as a midfielder for Burnley. Tharme notes Cullen's progression from lower leagues and a stint in Belgium, emphasizing his improved forward runs and passing, making him a purposeful player in possession.

Resources

External Resources

Books

"The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast" by Michael Bailey, Michael Cox, Mark Carey, and Liam Tharme - Mentioned as the source of the discussion on formations and tactics.

Articles & Papers

"breaking that down" (The Athletic) - Mentioned as a piece on Manchester City's recent use of the Christmas tree formation.

People

Kaka - Mentioned as a player who played behind Shevchenko in a Christmas tree formation.
Carlo Ancelotti - Mentioned as being associated with the Christmas tree formation in the mid-2000s.
Carla Ancelotti - Mentioned as being associated with the Christmas tree formation in the mid-2000s.
Glenn Hoddle - Mentioned as having played the Christmas tree formation in the 1990s.
Terry Venables - Mentioned as having played the Christmas tree formation in the 1990s.
Pep Guardiola - Mentioned for his tactical approach with Manchester City, including the use of the Christmas tree formation.
Jeremy Doku - Mentioned for his role in Manchester City's recent formation changes.
Phil Foden - Mentioned for his role in Manchester City's recent formation changes.
Erling Haaland - Mentioned in relation to Manchester City's formation changes.
Jack Grealish - Mentioned as a number 10 in Manchester City's formation and as an underrated player at Everton.
Oleksandr Zinchenko - Mentioned as an example of a player used in different ways by Guardiola.
Fabian Hürzeler - Mentioned for his use of a back three at St. Pauli.
Thomas Müller - Mentioned as the coiner of the term "Raumdeuter."
Florian Wirtz - Mentioned in relation to the term "Raumdeuter."
Arne Slot - Mentioned as Liverpool's head coach who has played a diamond formation.
Andre Villas-Boas - Mentioned as a manager who struggled after moving from a smaller league.
Ruben Amorim - Mentioned in relation to managers moving from smaller leagues and his struggles at Manchester United.
Jose Mourinho - Mentioned as a counterpoint to the idea that managers from smaller leagues struggle.
Thomas Frank - Mentioned in relation to a podcast about his step up within the league.
Gary Neville - Mentioned for his experience as a tactician at Valencia.
Ernesto Valverde - Mentioned as an opponent of Gary Neville at Athletic Bilbao.
Luis Enrique - Mentioned in relation to Gary Neville's tactical observations.
Daniel Maldini - Mentioned as a player for Brighton.
Diego Coppola - Mentioned as a player for Brighton.
Talles Magno - Mentioned as a player for Brighton.
Oliwier Boscali - Mentioned as a player for Brighton.
Freddie Kadioglu - Mentioned as a player for Brighton.
Maxim De Cuyper - Mentioned as a player for Brighton.
Iraola - Mentioned as the coach of Bournemouth.
Dominic Solanke - Mentioned in relation to Bournemouth's team.
Arnaut Danjuma - Mentioned in relation to Bournemouth's team.
Traoré - Mentioned in relation to Bournemouth's team.
Eddie Howe - Mentioned for his comments on Newcastle's attacking needs.
Daichi Kamada - Mentioned as an underrated player.
Tyler Adams - Mentioned as an underrated player.
Keane Lewis-Potter - Mentioned as an underrated player at Everton.
Declan Rice - Mentioned as a midfield partner for Emi Buendía for England.
Emi Buendía - Mentioned as an underrated player at Nottingham Forest.
João Gomes - Mentioned as an underrated player at Wolves.
Vincent Kompany - Mentioned as the coach of Burnley who brought Josh Cullen with him.
Josh Cullen - Mentioned as an underrated player for Burnley.
Moyes - Mentioned in relation to Everton's team.

Organizations & Institutions

Manchester City - Mentioned for their recent use of the Christmas tree formation.
Liverpool - Mentioned for their use of a diamond formation.
Sporting CP - Mentioned in relation to Ruben Amorim's coaching.
Manchester United - Mentioned in relation to Ruben Amorim's struggles.
Brentford - Mentioned in relation to Thomas Frank's step up.
Tottenham - Mentioned in relation to Thomas Frank's step up.
Athletic Bilbao - Mentioned in relation to Ernesto Valverde.
Barcelona - Mentioned in relation to Luis Enrique.
St. Pauli - Mentioned as the club where Fabian Hürzeler is coaching.
Everton - Mentioned in relation to Keane Lewis-Potter.
West Ham - Mentioned in relation to Josh Cullen's academy background.
Burnley - Mentioned in relation to Josh Cullen.
Nottingham Forest - Mentioned in relation to Emi Buendía.
Wolves - Mentioned in relation to João Gomes.
Arsenal - Mentioned in relation to João Gomes and Emi Buendía.
Leeds - Mentioned for their shift to a five-three-two formation.
Brighton - Mentioned as a team that might switch to a back three.
Bournemouth - Mentioned as a team that might need to change its system.
Newcastle - Mentioned as a team that might consider a 3-5-2 formation.
Sunderland - Mentioned in relation to Eddie Howe's comments.
FIFA - Mentioned in relation to potential rule changes.
UEFA - Not explicitly mentioned, but implied in discussions of European football.

Websites & Online Resources

The Athletic - Mentioned as the source of the podcast and articles.
Acast - Mentioned for hosting the podcast.
Blue Sky - Mentioned as a platform for listener questions.

Other Resources

Christmas Tree Formation (4-3-2-1) - Discussed as a tactical formation and its history.
Diamond Formation - Mentioned in relation to Liverpool's tactics.
Basketball-style substitutions - Discussed as a potential future rule change in football.
Raumdeuter - Discussed as a term coined by Thomas Müller for a player's role.
Counter attacking - Discussed as a tactical approach in football.
Rest defense - Mentioned as a tactical principle related to counter-pressing.
Rest attacking - Mentioned as a tactical principle related to counter-attacking.
Back three formation - Discussed as a potential tactical shift for Brighton and Bournemouth.
Five-three-two formation - Mentioned as a formation used by Leeds.
Four-three-three formation - Mentioned as a formation used by Brentford.
Back four formation - Mentioned in relation to Bournemouth's typical system.
Five-four-one formation - Mentioned as a formation used by Brentford.
Three-five-two formation - Mentioned as a potential formation for Newcastle.
Expected Goals (xG) - Mentioned in relation to Newcastle's attacking performance.
Underrated players - Discussed as a theme for identifying important but less glamorous players.
Fixture congestion - Discussed as a growing problem in football.
Pressing - Discussed in relation to physical demands on players.
Dynamic warm ups - Mentioned in research on reducing injury risk.
Pyramid formation - Mentioned as an older way of discussing formations.
Empty bucket formation - Mentioned as a historical formation name.
Sweeper - Mentioned in relation to older formations.
Half spaces - Mentioned in relation to tactical positioning.
Third man runs - Mentioned in relation to tactical runs.
Wing backs - Discussed in relation to tactical roles.
Fullbacks - Discussed in relation to tactical roles.
Center backs - Discussed in relation to tactical roles.
Number 10s - Discussed in relation to tactical roles.
Strikers - Discussed in relation to tactical roles.
Midfielders - Discussed in relation to tactical roles.
Goalkeeper - Discussed in relation to formations.
Player IQ - Mentioned in relation to counter-attacking.
Transitions - Mentioned in relation to tactical play.
Overload - Mentioned in relation to counter-attacking principles.
Pass forward - Mentioned in relation to counter-attacking principles.
Dribble forward - Mentioned in relation to counter-attacking principles.
Engage the defender - Mentioned in relation to counter-attacking principles.
Commit the defender - Mentioned in relation to counter-attacking principles.
Press down a certain side - Mentioned in relation to counter-attacking tactics.
Passive down one side - Mentioned in relation to counter-attacking tactics.
Water polo - Used as an analogy for counter-attacking principles.
Back five - Mentioned in relation to Crystal Palace and Inter Milan.
Five-three-two - Mentioned as a formation used by Leeds.
Back three - Discussed as a potential formation for Brighton.
Five-four-one - Mentioned as a formation used by Brentford.
Four-three-three - Mentioned as a formation used by Brentford.
Back five - Mentioned in relation to Bournemouth's game against Man City.
Three-five-two - Mentioned as a potential formation for Newcastle.
Eleven highest in the expected goals table - Mentioned in relation to Newcastle's attacking performance.
Ball recoveries - Mentioned in relation to Emi Buendía's performance.
Deep midfielder - Mentioned in relation to Josh Cullen's role.
Forward running - Mentioned in relation to Josh Cullen's development.
Forward passing - Mentioned in relation to Josh Cullen's development.
Purposeful player in possession - Mentioned in relation to Josh Cullen.
Passing numbers - Mentioned in relation to Josh Cullen.
Spot gaps - Mentioned in relation to Josh Cullen.
Passing into gaps - Mentioned in relation to Josh Cullen.
Running into gaps - Mentioned in relation to Josh Cullen.
Third man runs - Mentioned in relation to Keane Lewis-Potter.
Overlapping runs - Mentioned in relation to Keane Lewis-Potter.