by Girgensons » December 2nd, 2013, 10:30 pm
Shieet nigga.
I could write a book on this subject.
Neither formation is better. Everything depends on the type of players available and their skillset/style of play.
2-2 requires major playmaking & passing skills, patience and great team chemistry.
It's much easier to employ 1-1-2 and/or 4 defenders effectively.
Essentially, it's similar to the whole barca vs chelsea debate: 2-2 equals domination in the midfield and 55-65% ball possession even against really good teams, while a good defensive side with a bus parked in front of their own goal can still beat a 2-2 team relying on a few counter-attacks per match.
Also, obviously there are different variations of the 2-2 formation. You can use it only in transition to attack (and not necessarily all the time) to help move the ball, etc. You can play a more conservative 2-2 with an actual GK, not 2 defenders. Or a more compact, hybrid 2-2 that can use pressuring tactics in front of the opponent's goal, etc.