Two holding midfielders provide defensive cover while a creative trio behind a lone striker are given license to roam forward looking for ways to break down opposition defenses through intricate passing moves.
Real Madrid's recent dominance in modern soccer on both domestic and international fronts have been partially attributed to their use of the flexible 4-2-3-1 formation that allows for seamless transitions between defense and offense mid-match based on opposing teams' playing styles. Two holding midfielders provide defensive cover while a creative trio behind a lone striker are given license to roam forward looking for ways to break down opposition defenses through intricate passing moves.