For full written analysis: https://www.rdftactics.com/post/marcelogallardotactics-riverplatetacticalanalysis-bestfm21tactics
Marcelo Gallardo frequently operates in a 4-4-2 Diamond (on paper - 4-1-2-1-2 or 4-1-3-2). The defensive midfielder sits clearly detached from the other midfield men, often drifting towards the back-line to pick up the ball, while the attacking midfielder also drifts toward the ball to give it that 4-1-3-2 shape rather than 4-3-1-2. While Gallardo has experimented with the 3-5-2 and 4-3-3, his other formation of choice is the 4-2-2-2, which follows similar principles of play to the 4-4-2 diamond. Coincidentally, the 4-4-2 diamond and 4-2-2-2 are Jesse Marsch's favourite formations with Red Bull Salzburg, and the two teams operate in many of the same ways.
