4-1-2-1-2

http://outsideoftheboot.com/2015/07/07/a-guide-to-the-4-1-2-1-2/

The 4–4–2 diamond (also described as 4–1–2–1–2) staggers the midfield. The width in the team has to come from the full-backs pushing forward. The defensive midfielder is sometimes used as a deep-lying playmaker, but needs to remain disciplined and protect the back four behind him.[25] The central attacking midfielder is the creative player, responsible for picking up the ball, and distributing the ball wide to its full-backs or providing the two strikers with through balls.[26] When out of possession, the midfield four must drop and assist the defence, while the two strikers must be free for the counter-attack.[26] Its most famous example was Carlo Ancelotti’s Milan, which won the 2003 UEFA Champions League Final and made Milan runners-up in 2005. Milan was obliged to adopt this formation so as to field talented central midfielder Andrea Pirlo, in a period when the position of offensive midfielder was occupied by Rui Costa and later Kaká.[27] This tactic was gradually abandoned by Milan after Andriy Shevchenko’s departure in 2006, progressively adopting a “Christmas tree” formation.