4-4-2 Modern - Control and Attack Space

[kr10]

Download link: https://www.mediafire.com/file/rx3ep57go442gy6/442_Spazio_di_Controllo.fmf/file

Hello All,

Big FM and football fan for many years, particularly on the tactics front. By far the most intriguing element of the game for me. I've spent countless hours understanding, research, and applying tactical concepts from here and from real world write-ups to continually improve my knowledge, whilst at the same time building my own tactical philosophy. I've created many tactics over the years in FM, and have done most of what the game has to offer, including long-term LLM saves. However, the tactic that I created in FM 20 for my beloved Milan has been by far the most effective, and it's not even close.

What brought me so much joy about this tactic is not just the results, but the fact that it just makes sense from a fundamental standpoint - I am talking about intelligent and cohesive movement, opening up and exploiting of space, defensive cover and balance, and putting players in the best possible positions to succeed. 

The aim was to not only share the tactic, but also provide a write-up explaining how I built a tactic from the ground up, using concepts related to space, movement, supply, and demand that we should be thinking through. 

The tactic: a 4-4-2, with a modern twist. 

My tactical philosophies and how I used it to build the tactic

1. Build-up play: Variability. In short, I want a least three distinct routes to goal. Through the left flank, through the center, and through the right flank. I want each route to goal to be different - so, you'll never see me create a tactic that is symmetric across role and duty combinations on both flanks. I do this primarily to improve consistency of results, and make it harder for the AI to defend against me. When you have the same type of attacks going on in both flanks, it becomes much easier to defend against. Counter with fast wing-play? Sit back and defend. Possession based relying on overloading the central areas? Push up and restrict space. By varying routes to goal, it becomes much harder for the AI to game plan against you. 

2. Attacking Philosophy: Attack Space. I believe in creating and exploiting space through the intelligent and cohesive movement of players, in a carefully drawn out manner, rather than a ball-to-feet possession based approach. More Klopp than Pep, if you will. To do this, you need 3 things

1)Players creating space for others to exploit

2)Players making runs into the space created

3)Having the right players in the right positions to supply the players attacking space

Creating this requires a careful understanding of the movement of the players, who they function with each other, and how it affects the overall balance of the team. This is reflected by horizontal and vertical depth of players. 

3. Defensive Philosophy: Zonal High-Block with horizontal and vertical compactness. As a Milan fan, Sacchi's high-pressing zonal 4-4-2 was certainly an inspiration for this tactic. In FM, I have used a control setting, with much higher defensive line and standard LOE (to create vertical compactness), and slightly narrower defensive shape (horizontal compactness. This is coupled with more urgent pressing (but not much more), to put pressure on the ball-carrier without being pulled out of shape.  Tighter marking has not been used because this is a zonal press that utilizes the offside trap, and man marking goes against this concept. I have also not ticked counter-press, as I want this to be used situationally, and not at every opportunity - Sacchi's team sometimes retreated to position and sometimes did a "fake press" to make opponents move towards a certain part of the pitch - counter press wasn't used always. The offside trap is the final tool to aid the compact high block philosophy. 

Building the 4-4-2

1. I decided early on that I wanted to employ a Wide Playmaker, and build the tactic around him. To do this, I needed a few key elements to work out: 1)Create space for the WP to operate in 2)Provide enough runners off the ball, from different starting points and in different directions, to give him enough passing options. 

With the wide playmaker cutting inside, I knew I needed an attacking full-back to take advantage of the space he was vacating on the flank, and also to provide a threat out-wide. An attacking full-back was the ideal choice here; they work beautifully together, each creating space for the other to exploit. 

2. With a wide playmaker and an overlapping attacking full-back on one flank, I knew I wanted a different route of attacking play on the left. The obvious and stable choice here was a winger supported by a less attacking fullback, to maintain balance in the team. A winger attack and full back support was the sensible option. Again, I was looking to balance support and attack duties on both flanks, and create variability in my play. 

3. CM Pairing - this was key to get right. The RCM needed to do 2 things

    1)Cover for the attacking full-back and

    2)Combine effectively with the WP.

 

A defend duty midfielder was the clear choice here. Firstly, he can cover for the marauding RB, and secondly and more importantly, he wouldn't step on the shoes of the WP, who likes to take up narrow, central positions. A support duty CM wouldn't give the WP enough space to operate in. I decided to go with the CM-d which is a balanced option. the RCM, WP and FB all function beautifully together, creating overlapping triangles that are very hard to track. For the other CM, I knew I needed a support role (from the pairs and combinations guide, so I went for a CM-s, although other support duties should work quite well also. His job was to 1)balance the central midfield 2)link up with the wingers and strikers. I wanted a fairly solid role without much movement (B2B/Mezzala ruled out), as this would leave his midfield partner alone to do the defending). 

4. Striker Pairing: It was key to have one support and one attack duty striker, the question was which duty on which side. After some thought, I decided to go for the attack striker on the right slot, and the support striker on the left slot. The reasons, again, are related to creating and exploiting space. 1)The attack striker would push up, giving the WP plenty of space to operate in, and also making runs which the WP can feed 2)The support striker can drop deeper, and play in the onrushing winger on the left, or his attack duty strike partner.  I decided to go with a standard DLF (s) and an AF (a) here. 

In essence, almost all of the players in the team have been deployed to help create space for teammates playing next to them and/or provide passing opportunities by making runs. For example, the RCM, RB and RCF are all designed to to get the best out of the WP. The whole system works as one.

In short, I have built the tactic around the WP. In possession, he has 4 passing options:

1) Cross-field ball to the attacking winger
2) Ball down the channel for the attack duty striker
3) Overlapping ball to the fullback
4) Safe pass to one of the CMs. 


Putting it all together:

Whilst I undoubtedly have a world class team, this is a tactic that I expect to work well across all levels, which is why I wanted to share it and get your feedback. The reasoning is that, from a standpoint of fundamentals, it just makes a lot of sense and works well:

1. 3 players making attacking runs, all from different stata (Demand)
2. Each attacking player has at least 2 support/defend duty players to feed them (Supply)
3. No one is running into each others' toes; everyone's movement is designed to give each other space to operate in
4. Balanced defensive philosophy without any major weaknesses (save for the space between attack and defense)
5. Large variability in play - Standard wing play on the left, midfield overloads and overlapping play down the right, and two strikers supporting each other in the center

Sample results are below - I have been continuously tweaking the tactic since FM 19, but I can say with confidence that it works well and provides incredibly beautiful football. This is not an exploit tactic, it is not meant to break the match engine; instead, it is meant to help you tailor your squad towards a very measured and well-defined style of play which should bring enjoyment to long term saves, particularly in terms of squad building. 

Required player attributes/PPMs

Note: The information below (including footedness) is based on the above screenshots. However, you could easily use a mirror image of the tactic instead with opposite footedness, if your players are better suited.

GK: Nothing specific
CB: In addition to normal key CB stats, good teamwork stat is key for an effective offside trap. If you have a good passing CB he can be BPD on the winger side. 
RB: Attacking RB with good work rate, passing, and crossing. PPM - Get forward when possible
LB: Defensive LB with a focus on good passing stats as he will get the ball a lot. Get further forward PPM should be avoided like the plague. 
CMs: Both CMs absolutely must be all rounded with high work rate (15+). This is the best way to make the 2 man mid work. In addition, the CM(s) will benefit from vision, flair, passing, and long shots to make an attacking contribution. The CM (d) will be more of a defensive player, while the CM (S) will be better at passing, vision, long shots etc. The CM(s) should have 13+ in marking/tackling/positioning as well - don't try to force an advanced playmaker into this role; he must be a work horse. I tend to get tall players if possible in all positions as well. 
ML: Left footed winger with crossing, dribbling, and finishing (he will find himself in goal scoring positions reasonably often) - height/heading is a bonus. 
MR: Left footed play maker. PPMs - Dictates tempo, tries killer balls often, cuts inside from right wing
Left striker: Support duty striker, with good balance and strength, in addition to finishing, first touch, and creativity attributes. Right footed player preferred. PPM - comes deep to get ball, plays one twos, tries killer balls often. Beats offside trap to be avoided for this role. 
Right striker: Right footed player required, no exceptions. He is the star of your team - I can't stress this enough, but a tall striker makes a massive difference. Look for someone with 15+ jumping if you can, and good all round AF stats (based on the level which you play). One of the hardest positions to fill as regen strikers all tend to be short. 

Overall there are quite a few requirements for the tactic to work - you want to build towards the right kind of players. This means that you will need to pass up on many high PA players who don't fit the tactic (example - short strikers, wrong footed number 10s) etc - but this adds to the fun of the long game, and creates a devastating tactic once you bring the right players in.  

This isn't a tactic that you can expect to automatically get to work well without the right types of players, compared to say a 352 or 4231 which typically has less requirements. 

Quite a few players had tried this tactic on FM 19 and results were good across varying skill levels of teams. If you want a good balanced tactic that produces beautiful, penetrating football, it might be worth giving this a go. 

PS - based on your players, you could also go for the inverted tactic (footedness/roles would be a mirror image of the tactic above) - left footed strikers, right footed winger and playmaker, etc.

EDIT:

Shut-up shop 4-1-4-1 tactic also added (can play using the same squad as the 4-4-2): https://www.mediafire.com/file/4f0mb8ccawi9mhl/4-1-4-1.fmf/file

Edited April 19, 2020 by kr10
SUS tactic added

[rmills2000]

Love the detail and thought that has gone into this, going to try it with a new save in League 1 and see how it fairs 

[DocSnyder]

Looks fine. I´m testing it with Hoffenheim - from the beginning a good team for this tactic. Robert Skov ist great as WP, strong strikers (Kramaric, Belfodil, Dabbur), hard working midfield (Samassékou, Geiger, Rudy)...I´ve won the first four games (A-4:0 vs. an underdog in the cup, H-2:0 vs. Leverkusen (!), A-4:0 vs. Union, H-1:0 vs. Wolfsburg) in a really beautiful way.

[thegoon65]

Finally you've made the fm20 version, tried using the fm19 version but with very mixed results, can't wait to get this fired up and start using it on my Ipswich save 2023 in the prem and sitting 15th. If I can stay up I should be able to bring in the players needed. 

I'm on beta 20.2.4 so let's hope it's as good as the fm19 version. 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, thegoon65 said:

Finally you've made the fm20 version, tried using the fm19 version but with very mixed results, can't wait to get this fired up and start using it on my Ipswich save 2023 in the prem and sitting 15th. If I can stay up I should be able to bring in the players needed. 

I'm on beta 20.2.4 so let's hope it's as good as the fm19 version. 

How you are in 20.2.4 BETA? Hm?

BTW looks promising tactic and balanced.

+1

[danjpalmer1984]

Do you change the Mentality (attacking, positive, balanced, etc) as the games go or do you just play as it is?

[kr10]

1 hour ago, danjpalmer1984 said:

Do you change the Mentality (attacking, positive, balanced, etc) as the games go or do you just play as it is?

I don’t change mentality at all. The only changes I would consider making would be to defensive line (back to standard), and perhaps one/both fullbacks down one notch if the opponent has particularly dangerous wide forwards (Mbappe, Neymar, etc.) 
 

I think changing mentality changes too much and causes more harm than good. I’ve tried both attacking and balanced, but I think control works best. 

[thegoon65]

3 hours ago, Cadoni said:

How you are in 20.2.4 BETA? Hm?

BTW looks promising tactic and balanced.

+1

Sorry Beta 20.4.0 typed it wrong

[kr10]

6 hours ago, thegoon65 said:

Finally you've made the fm20 version, tried using the fm19 version but with very mixed results, can't wait to get this fired up and start using it on my Ipswich save 2023 in the prem and sitting 15th. If I can stay up I should be able to bring in the players needed. 

I'm on beta 20.2.4 so let's hope it's as good as the fm19 version. 

I didn’t play the beta but the ME with the latest update isn’t that bad, no crazy one on one or ball over the top issues. Looks and feels very similar to FM 19.

Great to see you here again! The main changes I made since FM 19 are the support striker role, build up play (removed work ball into box to encouraging more crossing), and removed prevent short GK distribution as this needs 3 up top. A bit of trial and error based on my observations from the match engine. 
 

on my 13th or 14th season and still searching for that 6’5” Bomber that will tear up Europe with this tactic. Good tall striker regens seem to be so rare. 

[thegoon65]

Quick question the left cms can I give him DLP pi's or would this affect his positional role? 

I have a perfect player as a DLPs but don't want to upset the balance. 

[kr10]

2 hours ago, thegoon65 said:

Quick question the left cms can I give him DLP pi's or would this affect his positional role? 

I have a perfect player as a DLPs but don't want to upset the balance. 

A DLP type stats is the best for this role. Good passing/vision but also solid defensively. I wouldn’t change any PIs, but you could train PPMs to help him (dictate tempo, tries long range passes, etc). 

[thegoon65]

2 hours ago, kr10 said:

A DLP type stats is the best for this role. Good passing/vision but also solid defensively. I wouldn’t change any PIs, but you could train PPMs to help him (dictate tempo, tries long range passes, etc). 

Nice one cheers for quick reply. 

[thegoon65]

Survived first season in prem with Ipswich finished 13th. Huge rebuild ongoing but given only £26m so gotta shop carefully. 

Positions I need are 

Left Back defend

Right Back attack

Right Wide Playmaker

Central Midfield support

Central Midfield defend 

Lots of scouting going on and lots of trials but very hard finding the right players, great fun though trying to haggle deals on the never never. 

Will post up after window closes who I managed to buy and you can let me know what you think🤔

[Guest]

Only £26m? That's really low.

[thegoon65]

22 hours ago, Cadoni said:

Only £26m? That's really low.

Yep Ipswich ain't the richest club and have a high debt that needed clearing. It's fun though as makes you really scout and think before buying a player making sure his the one you really need. 

[Guest]

25 minutes ago, thegoon65 said:

Yep Ipswich ain't the richest club and have a high debt that needed clearing. It's fun though as makes you really scout and think before buying a player making sure his the one you really need. 

I would prefer clearing the debts, first. :-)

[thegoon65]

2 hours ago, Cadoni said:

I would prefer clearing the debts, first. :-)

Board have used the prem money wisely and debt is cleared. They want me to fight bravely against relegation again so no pressure. The transfer budget amount is ok and used wisely I think I've got a squad good enough to again finish between 17th and 13th. Once home will post up the players I managed to bring in. 

[thegoon65]

Ok window closed and I managed to buy all players I needed. I had a budget of £26m and with sales got that up to £40m.

My Attacking Right Back

My Defensive Left Back

My Wide Playmaker Right

My Central Midfielder Defend Right

My Central Midfielder Support Left

Let me know what you think. These are the best I can afford that fit the club vision and the tactical style, am predicted to finish 19th again will update during the season.

Edited April 4, 2020 by thegoon65
better quality pictures

[kr10]

I made a couple key changes to improve the performance of this tactic, and add a bit more balance (especially for CL away games). 
 

remove “counter”, change CF to PF(s). Both changes help keep possession a bit better 

[thegoon65]

1 hour ago, kr10 said:

I made a couple key changes to improve the performance of this tactic, and add a bit more balance (especially for CL away games). 
 

remove “counter”, change CF to PF(s). Both changes help keep possession a bit better 

That will help me in the prem, all I've altered is added play for set pieces(good team and have developed some good routines)and removed get stuck in as too many missed tackles in the prem and 8 yellows in 2 games decided that.

Loving this tactic and if anyone intrested will post up my set piece routines. 

[kr10]

1 hour ago, thegoon65 said:

That will help me in the prem, all I've altered is added play for set pieces(good team and have developed some good routines)and removed get stuck in as too many missed tackles in the prem and 8 yellows in 2 games decided that.

Loving this tactic and if anyone intrested will post up my set piece routines. 

I would urge you to keep get stuck In - just ask players to ease of tackles once they get it a yellow. I experimented a lot and the tactic is more more defensively solid with this instruction. It just means that your 2 CMs need to basically be physical destroyers. You can also create a lot of chances by quickly winning the ball back and restricting space. 
 

it affects not only tackling intensity, but also how close you mark the other team. 
 

by easing of tackles after a yellow, I get at most one red card a season, if that

[thegoon65]

2 hours ago, kr10 said:

I would urge you to keep get stuck In - just ask players to ease of tackles once they get it a yellow. I experimented a lot and the tactic is more more defensively solid with this instruction. It just means that your 2 CMs need to basically be physical destroyers. You can also create a lot of chances by quickly winning the ball back and restricting space. 
 

it affects not only tackling intensity, but also how close you mark the other team. 
 

by easing of tackles after a yellow, I get at most one red card a season, if that

hmmmm ok I will give it a try

[thegoon65]

Ok 2 months into the season, followed the added and changed hints from the thread and apart from the opening game everything going great. The football is a joy to watch and happy with my current squad, the new players especially the CMd and RBa have been immense. Predicted to finish 19th and currently sitting 3rd.

[kr10]

20 minutes ago, thegoon65 said:

Ok 2 months into the season, followed the added and changed hints from the thread and apart from the opening game everything going great. The football is a joy to watch and happy with my current squad, the new players especially the CMd and RBa have been immense. Predicted to finish 19th and currently sitting 3rd.

Great stuff, glad it’s working for you.

[thegoon65]

Kr10 have you updated the original tactic with your new changes? 

Admit the Get Stuck In being ticked does improve marking and helps with the pressing side of the tactic. Only downside 2 if my main players hit the 5 yellow card suspension. My backups are ok but got walloped by arsenal at home 4-1. So January window will be to buy or loan better backup players 

[kr10]

1 hour ago, thegoon65 said:

Kr10 have you updated the original tactic with your new changes? 

Admit the Get Stuck In being ticked does improve marking and helps with the pressing side of the tactic. Only downside 2 if my main players hit the 5 yellow card suspension. My backups are ok but got walloped by arsenal at home 4-1. So January window will be to buy or loan better backup players 

I haven’t yet, but I thought whoever comes and sees the comments etc and adjust it themselves. 
 

Definitely need good depth - not just for suspensions, but also for the high intensity nature of the tactic. Could lead to fatigue/injuries. I try to keep 3 starting level players and 1 backup/wonderkid for every 2 positions. So for strikers, CMs, CBS, etc. 

 

[thegoon65]

21 minutes ago, kr10 said:

I haven’t yet, but I thought whoever comes and sees the comments etc and adjust it themselves. 
 

Definitely need good depth - not just for suspensions, but also for the high intensity nature of the tactic. Could lead to fatigue/injuries. I try to keep 3 starting level players and 1 backup/wonderkid for every 2 positions. So for strikers, CMs, CBS, etc. 

 

Good advice that. I'm defo lacking in several key areas for backup. So my scouting has been focused on the positions I need. 

My youth and junior levels/facilities are now world class, I have a great HOYD so hopefully some local top talent should start coming through. 

Key areas need for support players are. 

RBa

DCd

WPs(MR) 

Wingera(ML) 

So a busy January and summer ahead. I might risk not buying in January and focus full budget in the summer on the above need players. 

 

[thegoon65]

21 hours ago, kr10 said:

 

Do you have a list of ppm's you use for each position? 

 

[kr10]

4 hours ago, thegoon65 said:

Do you have a list of ppm's you use for each position? 

 

I think PPMs should largely be based on the characteristics of your players. 
 

the game is obsessed with making midfielders “get forward when possible” - I would say just avoid that for all players except your winger/fight back. 
 

Below is a list of PPMs I tend to use, but again it depends on your players and what makes sense:

- RB - gets forward, Knocks ball past opponent 

CM-d: stays back at all times 

WP: dictates tempo, killer balls, switch balls to other flank

winger: runs wide, runs often, tries tricks, beats man repeatedly 

PF: comes deep to get ball, tries killer balls 

[kr10]

On 29/03/2020 at 16:13, thegoon65 said:

Good advice that. I'm defo lacking in several key areas for backup. So my scouting has been focused on the positions I need. 

My youth and junior levels/facilities are now world class, I have a great HOYD so hopefully some local top talent should start coming through. 

Key areas need for support players are. 

RBa

DCd

WPs(MR) 

Wingera(ML) 

So a busy January and summer ahead. I might risk not buying in January and focus full budget in the summer on the above need players. 

 

Are you still on the beta ME? This tactic works really well and looks gorgeous on the latest ME. The pass and move and combination play is superb. I’d update if I were you

[thegoon65]

13 hours ago, kr10 said:

Are you still on the beta ME? This tactic works really well and looks gorgeous on the latest ME. The pass and move and combination play is superb. I’d update if I were you

I'm at work but will check once home. 

I'm loving this tactic my 2 central midfielders are beasts. This tactic deserves so much more recognition. 

Have you posted it on other sites? Fmbase and Fmscout for instance. 

[kr10]

18 minutes ago, thegoon65 said:

I'm at work but will check once home. 

I'm loving this tactic my 2 central midfielders are beasts. This tactic deserves so much more recognition. 

Have you posted it on other sites? Fmbase and Fmscout for instance. 

My post on FM 19 forums on this site got more traction, but sadly not this. But I agree I absolutely love it too, results aside. Genuinely beautiful football that mirrors real world concepts. I wish more people would see this and give it a go. 
 

I haven’t posted on the other sites yet, will do so soon. Thanks for the positive feedback as always 

[thegoon65]

8 hours ago, kr10 said:

My post on FM 19 forums on this site got more traction, but sadly not this. But I agree I absolutely love it too, results aside. Genuinely beautiful football that mirrors real world concepts. I wish more people would see this and give it a go. 
 

I haven’t posted on the other sites yet, will do so soon. Thanks for the positive feedback as always 

No probs. I'm also loving the real style football, the edge of seat 1-0 wins, my Chelsea game I lost 1-0 to an 88th goal and had to leave the game for 20 mins as was gutted, we played amazing and deserved a draw. Fab game and the best tactic I've used, simple, productive and fun to watch. 

[andre62]

this tactic work for underdog teams?

[kr10]

23 minutes ago, andre62 said:

this tactic work for underdog teams?

I think it will as overall it is quite balanced and defensively sound. Quite a few people tried it on FM19 with good results, using a range of teams. 
 

Which team are you managing? To me, as long as the team is capable of pressing and using an offside trap it should work, in LLM for example it might be to simplified 

[thegoon65]

22 minutes ago, andre62 said:

this tactic work for underdog teams?

Mate I'm Ipswich 2nd season in the prem, forecast to finish 19th and sitting in 4th. As kr10 says the right players are vital but you don't need to spend big money on them. My most expensive buy is £17m which in the prem is peanuts 

current league form

media prediction

 

current league standing

using the me 20.2.4

 

[andre62]

and any change for away games or against bigger teams?

[thegoon65]

48 minutes ago, andre62 said:

and any change for away games or against bigger teams?

 

[markv1]

What type of player do you advise for RM? I know you said playmaker, what other stats would he need? Does he need to have the general physicals of a typical wide player? Also can you talk about how important his foot is? Is it possible I can play someone with reasonable left foot there?

[kr10]

6 hours ago, andre62 said:

and any change for away games or against bigger teams?

Based on the characteristics of the opposition strikers you could move the defensive line back to standard. However, with the right CBs (speed, anticipation, position, teamwork), the high press with offside trap becomes more effective and this won't be necessary.

It also helps to have a goalie with a good one on ones attribute. 

The key is in having the right CMs who can cover ground and make the tackle to provide a shield to the CBs.   

[kr10]

5 hours ago, markv1 said:

What type of player do you advise for RM? I know you said playmaker, what other stats would he need? Does he need to have the general physicals of a typical wide player? Also can you talk about how important his foot is? Is it possible I can play someone with reasonable left foot there?

Foot is critical - for the tactic posted above, you want someone with a stronger left foot, as this will encourage cutting in behavior. Even for an either footed player, you want left foot to be very strong, as he will tend to dribble towards his stronger foot. Alternatively, you could go with right footed winger/playmaker and make both your strikers be left footed. 

 

Regarding the playmaker, a classic 10 would do. In addition to passion, vision, composure, technique etc, I would also look for teamwork, flair, and workrate. But most advanced playmakers can do a good job here. 

[thegoon65]

15 hours ago, markv1 said:

What type of player do you advise for RM? I know you said playmaker, what other stats would he need? Does he need to have the general physicals of a typical wide player? Also can you talk about how important his foot is? Is it possible I can play someone with reasonable left foot there?

I got Joe Willock from Arsenal on a free. His down as a AMC but his stats are perfectly suited to a wide playmaker. Have had him retrainonh and his a superstar his stats are in the picture on an earlier post. 

[markv1]

14 hours ago, kr10 said:

Foot is critical - for the tactic posted above, you want someone with a stronger left foot, as this will encourage cutting in behavior. Even for an either footed player, you want left foot to be very strong, as he will tend to dribble towards his stronger foot. Alternatively, you could go with right footed winger/playmaker and make both your strikers be left footed. 

 

Regarding the playmaker, a classic 10 would do. In addition to passion, vision, composure, technique etc, I would also look for teamwork, flair, and workrate. But most advanced playmakers can do a good job here. 

Thanks for the reply. I will playthrough a season a give some results.

Few questions:

1) Regarding PF(s). Would it be possible to play someone with PF attributes (high mentals and physicals) but has bad/decent finishing? How often is he finding himself in scoring opportunities vs making chances + space for others?

2) What changes would you make for

i) going down to 10 men

ii) securing a lead in the final 10/15 mins

iii) having to chase a goal or two.

 

So far I am impressed with the tactic. It satisfies 2 main things for me. Firstly plays fantastic looking football on the ME. It is not as fun if i'm winning with boring looking unrealistic play. Additionally, I commend you for being one of the few tactics on here who isn't using the throw in exploits.

[kr10]

11 hours ago, markv1 said:

Thanks for the reply. I will playthrough a season a give some results.

Few questions:

1) Regarding PF(s). Would it be possible to play someone with PF attributes (high mentals and physicals) but has bad/decent finishing? How often is he finding himself in scoring opportunities vs making chances + space for others?

2) What changes would you make for

i) going down to 10 men

ii) securing a lead in the final 10/15 mins

iii) having to chase a goal or two.

 

So far I am impressed with the tactic. It satisfies 2 main things for me. Firstly plays fantastic looking football on the ME. It is not as fun if i'm winning with boring looking unrealistic play. Additionally, I commend you for being one of the few tactics on here who isn't using the throw in exploits.

1. The ideal player here is a DLF type - good hold up play, passing/vision, and solid finishing. Doesn’t have to be extremely quick, but certainly needs to be a good finisher. I tired a DLF and CF here a lot, but the performance of the team just wasn’t as good as a PF, especially for those crucial CL away games. I suspect it is to do with DLF/CF having “move into channels” - with the AF also moving into channels; the strikers get too much horizontal separation. 
 

2. 

i) Go to 4-4-1. Same duties in mid and defense. Lone striker is PF(s)

ii) I don’t change shape, but there are a few changes you can do, again based on the opposition: drop defense line to standard, shorter passing, waste time, etc. alternatively, you could go to a 4-1-4-1 setup (MR/ML), with a support duty striker up top. 
 

iii) this is a tricky one. Again it depends on the opposition. One thing that worked for me is going with an ultra high press 4231. You can’t press super high up the pitch or prevent GK distribution with a 442, as there are only 2 men in advanced positions. But a 4231 with higher line of engagement and prevent short GK distribution can achieve this. Did this in a recent CL final when losing 1-0 in extra time. Winger attack and IF(s), with a shadow striker behind a DLF(s). 
 

thanks for taking the time, and for the positive feedback. By goal all along was to create a realistic tactic, based on real life football concepts - at the end of the day, I am more a football fan than an FM fan. I didn’t just want results with ME exploits/unbalanced tactics,  but something realistic you could use to build your team around. This tactic was the result of a lot of thought experimentation over several editions and seasons of FM. Looking forward to hearing your results. 

[thegoon65]

Coming up to end of January and will post up league and current form. 

Made the league Cup final play Man Utd. Into 5th round of fa cup. League wise bit up and down but have played Arsenal, City, Utd and Liverpool so not expecting much from the top 6 home and away. 

Once home will post up the table etc. 

[thegoon65]

Here are the latest results up to end of January and current League table. Good news have reached the League Cup Final

 

[thegoon65]

Kr10 posted

So far, I am keeping possession better, and am a lot more solid defensively, as the AM helps protect the midfield areas. The football isn't as pretty, it isn't really what I want from a pure 4-4-2, but I was forced to make these changes against teams that have so many central players. The football is less exciting and less penetrating, but more solid and measured, which could be good for away games against big teams. 

I am also trying out an AM(A) with a AF (A) - one direct AF working channels/going wide, and an AM(A) attacking the central space.

Would be great if you could also try it out and let me know your results - it has worked for me so far. 

To summarize, it would look like this:

             CF(s)

             AM(a)

W(a) CM (s) CM (d) WP (s)

Fb(s) BPD(d)  CD (d)  FB (a)

Once home from work will try this, have you got a good PFa? 

I've got about 5 or 6 tough away games so perfect to try it out. I take it the team and player instructions are the same just positional changes. 

[kr10]

2 minutes ago, thegoon65 said:

Kr10 posted

So far, I am keeping possession better, and am a lot more solid defensively, as the AM helps protect the midfield areas. The football isn't as pretty, it isn't really what I want from a pure 4-4-2, but I was forced to make these changes against teams that have so many central players. The football is less exciting and less penetrating, but more solid and measured, which could be good for away games against big teams. 

I am also trying out an AM(A) with a AF (A) - one direct AF working channels/going wide, and an AM(A) attacking the central space.

Would be great if you could also try it out and let me know your results - it has worked for me so far. 

To summarize, it would look like this:

             CF(s)

             AM(a)

W(a) CM (s) CM (d) WP (s)

Fb(s) BPD(d)  CD (d)  FB (a)

Once home from work will try this, have you got a good PFa? 

I've got about 5 or 6 tough away games so perfect to try it out. I take it the team and player instructions are the same just positional changes. 

I posted a screenshot of the revised tactic, a couple minor tweaks to team instructions. 
 

to be honest I am still torn between using an attack duty striker or support duty striker, in front of the AM(a). 
 

for now I feel the AM(a) and AF(a) combo works well as it recreates a 442 shape in attack, while allowing for the direct penetrative nature of the tactic. Using a support duty striker would make it feel too much like a 4231 which I want to avoid at all costs.

so I would go with the screenshot tactic, and maybe just use an AF instead of a PF based on who you have.

i am still testing this tactic and doing some theory crafting in my head to see what works best. 
 

I definitely want an attack duty role at #9. For the 10 position, I want someone who links up play and then gets into the box at the end of moves like a second striker, and the AM(a) seems to do this. However, guides recommend against playing 2 attack duties behind each other. Would be great to hear your experiences so I can try and refine it further. 

[thegoon65]

So no change with Pi's just a change if Ti's and a few roles. With the DLFs could you also use a PFs? 

[kr10]

4 hours ago, thegoon65 said:

So no change with Pi's just a change if Ti's and a few roles. With the DLFs could you also use a PFs? 

@thegoon65

Ok so I played around with a few settings and roles. I have come up with this - a few tweaks from the original, mostly in terms of team instructions.

DLF(s) is back in for link up play (as according to the guide the PF plays like an AF), and there are some changes in TIs:

- Pass shorter, to prevent unnecessary turnover of possession

- Much higher defensive line, standard LOE & defend narrower - to achieve horizontal and vertical compactness

- Removed counter-press, added counter (I think both these are situational, but I would like counter to be ticked most games)

- Removed get stuck in etc.

Updated tactic shown below. I'm going to be taking a break for the game for a while, but I hope this works for you: