*(I want to finish this, but I have to run to a meeting. I'll try to finish it tonight)

Okay, well there's a few different options then. I'll list them out and talk about the whole formation if necessary with a focus on the defensive players. (I would love if people chime in to tell me if there are things to add or if they disagree with what I've said - a lot of this is perspective-based)

4-2-3-1

This is effectively a flat back four on paper, but the fullbacks are play higher up and help attack on the wing (they may be called wingbacks instead of fullbacks in this scenario). This pushes the outside midfielders higher and tighter to the middle to assist the lone forward. There are two defensive midfielders that play the same position very differently. One almost plays as a stopper/sweeper and the other plays as more of a central midfielder to defend attacking midfielders and get the ball moving forward.

Strengths

• Creates a higher variety of attack while strengthening the central defense
• Zone 14 (most long shots outside the box) is defended well if CDMs are good enough.
• Very versatile. Can be converted quickly into a more defensive formation by shifting wingbacks to fullbacks and the wingers to outside midfielders.

Weaknesses

• Vulnerable to a higher number of cross attempts (though they are typically defended better)
• Breakaways are more dangerous, especially when given away by the CBs or CDMs.

Diamond

This could also be called a stopper/sweeper defense. The sweeper plays very deep and does not mark anyone. This player is typically very comfortable with the ball on his feet as well as on his opponent's feet. They are good at clearances, tackling, and are very good defending breakaways. The stopper is typically a strong player who is aggressive on the ball and can get the ball out of the back while keeping possession. This player will often match up against the opponent's best player. They play higher than the fullbacks, but rarely move into the box. They are like a more defensive box-to-box midfielder. The fullbacks play the position a bit more defensive than normal, marking players on the outside, defending crosses, and occasionally carrying the ball forward to make crosses into the box.

Strengths

• Crosses are defended well and they are not attempted as often and breakaways are defended well (although they may be more frequent with the central defenders staggered)

Weaknesses

*Attack is very reliant on forwards and attacking midfielders which can become very predictable.