Diego Simeone has often used a low block with great success throughout his tenure at Atlético Madrid, usually from a 4-4-2 out-of-possession structure (below).
Diego Simeone has often used a low block with great success throughout his tenure at Atlético Madrid, usually from a 4-4-2 out-of-possession structure (below). Versatile midfielders such as Koke, Marcos Llorente and Saúl Ñíguez have played alongside defensively minded players such as Rodri, Héctor Herrera, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Thomas Partey or Gabi, to create a narrow and combative second line that can also transition quickly and dangerously to attack. Since 2020/21, however, Simeone has also used formations with a back five to add another body in central defence.