It needed to be a 4-4-2 because the formation is simple enough for players to:
- Return to their zone after jumping to track an opposition player, on their own.
- Cover the gap left by their adjacent teammate(s), on their own.
- Allow the centreback to monitor the overall team shape and call for changes accordingly.
Wingbacks complicate covering duties and zonal responsibilities when they switch between the backline and the midfield.
Also, you would maximise the ball-winning capabilities of SGPWT No.9 and No.22 — facing the ball — rather than being isolated as attacking outlets up front.
