Ligue 1 2025/26 | The 4-2-3-1 – Formation of Champions?

Discover how the 4-2-3-1 formation is shaping the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season. Learn about its tactical advantages, key players, and how top teams like AS Monaco, Marseille, and Nice use it.

Tactical Mastery of the 4-2-3-1 Formation

The 4-2-3-1 formation continues to be a popular choice for teams in Ligue 1 in the 2025/26 season due to its balance between defensive stability and attacking creativity. This formation allows teams to dominate possession while maintaining a solid structure, making it effective against both compact defenses and high-pressing teams. Key teams such as AS Monaco, Marseille, and Nice have all utilized the 4-2-3-1 to their advantage, showcasing its tactical versatility.

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AS Monaco: High-Pressing and Vertical Play

Under coach Adi Hütter, AS Monaco has fully embraced the 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on aggressive high-pressing and vertical transitions. Monaco’s pressing strategy often involves targeting the ball carrier’s blind side to win possession quickly. This rapid regaining of the ball allows them to transition from defense to attack in a flash. Key midfielders like Youssouf Fofana play crucial roles in breaking up opposition plays and setting up quick counter-attacks, showcasing the effectiveness of Monaco’s high-pressing tactics within the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Fluidity in Attack with Marseille’s 4-2-3-1

Coached by Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille’s use of the 4-2-3-1 formation is marked by fluidity and asymmetric positioning. De Zerbi’s tactical approach involves having the right-back drop back into the center to form a back three, allowing numerical superiority in midfield. This gives Marseille the ability to dominate the midfield and create wide overloads that break down opposition defenses. The team’s positional rotations and quick ball circulation make them a constant threat going forward. Key players like Adrien Rabiot and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg add creativity and stability in midfield, while wingers like Mason Greenwood provide width and attacking depth.

Structured Approach of Nice’s 4-2-3-1

Under Franck Haise, Nice has adopted a structured 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and rapid counter-attacks. Nice maintains a compact shape, making it difficult for opponents to break through. Once they win possession, they quickly transition and exploit spaces behind the opposition. Khéphren Thuram, a key midfielder, is essential in breaking up opposition attacks and kickstarting fast counter-attacks. The 4-2-3-1 formation provides Nice with a solid foundation while still allowing them to be dangerous on the counter.

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