Are you curious about the double pivot in football and how it impacts the game? At CAUHOI2025.UK.COM, we break down this tactical approach, exploring its origins, roles, benefits, and drawbacks. Discover how teams utilize this formation to enhance both defensive stability and attacking options.
1. Defining the Double Pivot
The double pivot is a tactical formation in football featuring two central midfielders, often defensive-minded, positioned in front of the defense. This pairing operates behind the attacking midfielders and inside the full-backs or wing-backs, most commonly in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
1.1. Origins and Evolution
Having two central players protecting the defense has been a tactic used for decades.
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Early Formations: Herbert Chapman’s W-M formation in the 1920s included two half-backs covering similar areas as the modern double pivot.
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Brazilian Influence: In the 1980s, Brazil’s 4-2-2-2 formation featured Falcão and Cerezo shielding the defense, an early version of what would resemble today’s 4-2-3-1.
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Tactical Shift: The trend shifted towards using a single holding midfielder to allow another player to move further up the pitch. However, teams began to add a second pivot to prevent the single pivot from being drawn out of position.
1.2 The Rise of the 4-2-3-1
Juanma Lillo, an early advocate, and Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, helped popularize the 4-2-3-1 formation. The double pivot supported a high press and provided defensive security.
2. In-Possession Responsibilities
Players in a double pivot need a strong understanding of space and pressure, particularly in central areas.
2.1. Spatial Awareness
Each player must be aware of their partner’s position, avoiding similar lines and spaces.
2.2. Technical Skills
Both players must be comfortable on the ball with a good passing range, able to switch play, combine with short passes under pressure, and break lines to find teammates.
2.3. Defensive Contributions
The players should be comfortable dropping into the defense during build-up, turning and playing off both feet, shielding the ball, and escaping counter-pressure.
2.4. Attacking Support
One player should support attacks with late forward runs, penetrating the penalty area or overlapping wide players. These runs often occur during transitions.
3. Out-of-Possession Responsibilities
The primary role of the double pivot is to win the ball.
3.1. Ball-Winning
They must compete for first and second balls in the air and on the ground.
3.2. Defensive Protection
The double pivot must protect the center-backs, communicating well and maintaining a defensive block.
3.3. Pressing and Delaying
Responsibilities include supporting a high press and delaying counter-attacks, curving runs to press outwards, and locking the ball on one side of the pitch.
4. Modern Examples of the Double Pivot
Several teams have successfully employed the double pivot in recent years.
4.1. Bayern Munich under Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann’s Bayern Munich often used Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka as a double pivot, balancing attack with defensive stability.
- Kimmich: With full-back experience, he defends effectively in one-on-one situations and drops into the backline during build-up.
- Goretzka: More attack-minded, he exploits central spaces when Thomas Müller moves to support the striker or goes wide.
4.2. Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel’s Chelsea utilized a double pivot in front of a back three, typically in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, and N’Golo Kanté forming the midfield base.
- Jorginho: Dominates build-up play with short passes, connecting the defense with attacking midfielders.
- Kovacic and Kanté: Offer penetrative passes for the center-forward and are adept at dribbling out of pressure.
4.3. David Moyes’ West Ham
Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek formed a formidable partnership in West Ham’s midfield under Moyes, providing exceptional protection for the defense.
- Rice: Makes powerful forward runs and penetrates by carrying the ball over long distances.
- Soucek: Offers well-timed forward runs and presence in the penalty area.
4.4. AC Milan under Stefano Pioli
Milan’s double pivot, consisting of Sandro Tonali, Franck Kessié, or Ismaël Bennacer, drops one player into the backline during build-up, creating a three-man first line.
5. Other Successful Double Pivot Teams
Several other teams have effectively used the double pivot:
- Liverpool (2008/09): Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano under Rafa Benítez.
- Chelsea (2014/15): Cesc Fàbregas and Nemanja Matic under José Mourinho.
- France (2018 World Cup): N’Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba under Didier Deschamps.
- England (Euro 2020): Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice under Gareth Southgate.
6. Benefits of the Double Pivot
The double pivot offers several advantages.
6.1. Enhanced Defensive Protection
It provides more defensive cover than a single pivot, screening forward passes and competing for loose balls.
6.2. Increased Passing Options
The double pivot offers additional passing lanes to create overloads in central or wide areas.
6.3. Full-Back Freedom
Two central midfielders allow both full-backs to push forward, sharing responsibility for breaking up counter-attacks.
6.4. Attacking Runs from Deep
The double pivot offers extra forward runs from central areas, creating high-quality chances.
7. Disadvantages of the Double Pivot
Despite its benefits, the double pivot has drawbacks.
7.1. Crowded Central Spaces
It can crowd central spaces, hindering more creative, deep-lying midfielders who might be more effective as a single pivot.
7.2. Reduced Attacking Numbers
The double pivot reduces the number of players in attacking units, requiring complex movements and rotations.
7.3. Limited Counter-Attacking Support
It can reduce the number of players joining counter-attacks, placing more pressure on the attackers.
8. FAQ: Double Pivot in Football
8.1. What is the primary role of a double pivot?
The primary role is to provide defensive stability in front of the backline while also contributing to the team’s build-up play.
8.2. Which formations commonly use a double pivot?
The 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 are the most common formations that utilize a double pivot.
8.3. What qualities are essential for players in a double pivot?
Key qualities include tactical awareness, strong passing ability, defensive skills, and the ability to read the game.
8.4. How does a double pivot differ from a single pivot?
A double pivot uses two players in central midfield for defensive cover, while a single pivot relies on one player for that role.
8.5. Can a double pivot improve a team’s defensive record?
Yes, by providing an extra layer of protection, a double pivot can significantly improve a team’s defensive record.
8.6. What are some challenges of playing with a double pivot?
Challenges include potential overcrowding in midfield and reduced numbers in attack, which require careful tactical adjustments.
8.7. How does the double pivot support attacking transitions?
The double pivot can quickly transition from defense to attack by providing passing options and launching forward runs.
8.8. What impact does the double pivot have on full-backs?
It allows full-backs to push higher up the pitch, knowing they have solid cover behind them.
8.9. What are the tactical requirements for a successful double pivot?
Successful double pivots require disciplined players, effective communication, and well-coordinated movements.
8.10. How do different leagues use the double pivot differently?
Different leagues may emphasize different aspects, such as defensive solidity in some leagues and quick transitions in others.
9. Conclusion
The double pivot is a versatile and influential tactical formation in modern football. While it offers significant defensive benefits and enhances midfield control, it also presents challenges in terms of attacking output.
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