Is this tactic working or is it an exploit?

[ahmed.sg]

Perhaps paradoxically I'm not looking for help with a tactic but rather I want to know why it works. I've stumbled upon a tactic that has led me to go 89 (and counting) undefeated matches in the premier league with Spurs. This honestly isn't an attempt at a humble brag; I am genuinely worried that I accidently created a tactic that exploits the match engine rather than successfully designing and implementing a philosophy. Over the years I've obviously acquired better players which explains some of the success (especially as I came fifth in my first season when I made no signings) but still, I'm not sure the answer is as simple as that.

I was going for a hybrid of the default Control Possession and Gegenpress styles, what some on here (like @Experienced Defender) refer to as Progressive Possesstion and what I personally like to call Push and Run in reference to the style popularized by my beloved Tottenham way back when. The idea is to pass quickly then run to make yourself available when in possession in order to maintain it, while aggressively pressing whenever the ball is lost.

Although it's working far better than I would have hoped for in terms of results, I am not sure it is actually achieving the stated tactical goals. In fact, most of our assists last season were crosses, though this season crosses and through balls are tied.

I've attached a screenshot of my tactical set up with mentality, TI, roles and duties; none have any additional PI except the DPL who has "dribble more" but only when N'dombele is playing, otherwise it's ticked off. I sometimes up the mentality to attacking during games if I'm chasing a goal and recently this season (my sixth) I've started some games with it at home against weaker sides but I switch back to positive if we're 3 goals up.

I've included all the information I think is needed but do let me know if other stats or any screenshots are required. Thanks.

Edited September 29, 2020 by ahmed.sg
89 games undefeated, not seasons lol

[crusadertsar]

It doesn't look like an exploit tactic to me. In fact the roles and team instructions look very well balanced. Congrats on well-designed tactic mate No reason not to be proud, or even brag a little 

[crusadertsar]

I especially like the double pivot in the midfield and the symmetry on the wings. That is the alternating supporters and runners on both flanks. 

[Experienced Defender]

Quote

Is this tactic working or is it an exploit?

Well, exploit tactics do work even though they make no sense. That's why they are called "exploits". But your tactic does not look like an exploit, so you can be proud of yourself as manager 

[ahmed.sg]

1 hour ago, crusadertsar said:

It doesn't look like an exploit tactic to me. In fact the roles and team instructions look very well balanced. Congrats on well-designed tactic mate No reason not to be proud, or even brag a little 

Haha thanks man. I read a lot of guides on this forum and the Guide to FM website. I suppose I'm partially worried because when I plugged it into the Rate my Tactic app they have it came back with a lot of issues.

1 hour ago, crusadertsar said:

I especially like the double pivot in the midfield and the symmetry on the wings. That is the alternating supporters and runners on both flanks. 

Yeah the idea was to have the two midfielders hold the fort because the front four are all playing very adventurously and I need the defense shielded. I initially wanted to use a BWMd but I've been warned against it here so I played a simple CMd. The DLPs is key because he has to be defensively sound and hold his position but at the same time supply creativity since the no. 10 isn't a PM, rather a goal scoring threat. 

29 minutes ago, Experienced Defender said:

Well, exploit tactics do work even though they make no sense. That's why they are called "exploits". But your tactic does not look like an exploit, so you can be proud of yourself as manager 

Thanks! I guess I meant is it working the way it's *supposed* to work.

[andre62]

can you share for give a try please?

[Experienced Defender]

1 hour ago, andre62 said:

can you share for give a try please?

He did share the tactic already. Here it is: 

 

4 hours ago, ahmed.sg said:

 

[yaşar]

Can someone transform this tactic to fm2018 ?

[yonko]

I will second the others and congratulate you on well made tactic. 

The only thing to watch out for is Prevent Short GK Distribution - against good teams who play from the back, it can cause you problems as they will bypass the initial press from goal kick and run with numbers 2v1 against your players on the wings. This may lead to yellow cards for your FBs. Just beware of that. 

[sporadicsmiles]

Indeed, this looks like a nicely balanced tactic with roles that make sense and will support each other in defence and in attack. This is the kind of tactic that you can export between versions of the game, which is a sign that it is just a nice tactic. So do not doubt yourself, you know what you are doing. 

[yonko]

I just noticed something I missed the first time I looked at the tactic. You might consider having the CM-D on the same side as the more attacking fullback, just to make sure there is better cover on that wing. Also the IW-S will be closer and better able to connect with the CM. Something to consider. 

Btw, the DLP-S & CM-D is probably the most effective double pivot combo for 4231 and very underrated. Too often gamers go for more adventurous combos and wonder why their tactic fails. 

[lfds89]

Any PIs? or PPMs trained?

Tactic looks balanced. As @yonko said, I would probably change CM with DLP for LWB cover. And I'm not a big fan of CWBs as I find them too risky in attack. However, if it's working how you like, don't change it.

[Experienced Defender]

46 minutes ago, yonko said:

Btw, the DLP-S & CM-D is probably the most effective double pivot combo for 4231 and very underrated

Couldn't agree more 

Especially when one wants to play with the possession-first approach.

[ahmed.sg]

On 01/10/2020 at 19:08, yonko said:

I will second the others and congratulate you on well made tactic. 

The only thing to watch out for is Prevent Short GK Distribution - against good teams who play from the back, it can cause you problems as they will bypass the initial press from goal kick and run with numbers 2v1 against your players on the wings. This may lead to yellow cards for your FBs. Just beware of that. 

Yeah I definitely got a lot of yellow cards for fullbacks initially, especially at right back, but not as much now as personnel changed.

14 hours ago, yonko said:

I just noticed something I missed the first time I looked at the tactic. You might consider having the CM-D on the same side as the more attacking fullback, just to make sure there is better cover on that wing. Also the IW-S will be closer and better able to connect with the CM. Something to consider. 

Btw, the DLP-S & CM-D is probably the most effective double pivot combo for 4231 and very underrated. Too often gamers go for more adventurous combos and wonder why their tactic fails. 

That's how I initially set it up but N'dombele has "prefers to play on the left of a two man midfield" and Skipp has the same but for the right, so I switched them. I used to have Florentino Luis at CMd who also preferred the left so I put him there but since he's gone (Real came in with too much money to refuse and he wanted to leave) I switched. I might switch the roles on the flanks (for separate reasons) which would naturally mean the CMd is back on the same side as the attacking fullback, we'll see.

13 hours ago, lfds89 said:

Any PIs? or PPMs trained?

Tactic looks balanced. As @yonko said, I would probably change CM with DLP for LWB cover. And I'm not a big fan of CWBs as I find them too risky in attack. However, if it's working how you like, don't change it.

Only PI is "dribble more" for N'dombele because I want him to carry the ball, though if that can be achieved otherwise I'm happy to drop it as it feels wrong to ask a holding player to dribble, though the Tactics Creator doesn't flag up the "conflicting instructions" thing it does with other stuff so who knows maybe it's fine. I drop that PI when someone else is playing DLPs (Winks, usually) though.

Lots of PPMs, I may have gone overboard in fact, because eventually my coaches kept telling me the players "have enough about their game" so let me know if I should have them unlearn some in your opinion.

RB (CWBs): run with ball down right, get forward whenever possible, run with ball often

LB (CWBa): run with ball down left, get forward whenever possible, run with ball often, get into opposition area, knock ball past opponent, move ball to left foot before dribble attempt, tries tricks

CB (CDd): plays short simple passes, stays back at all times, runs with ball rarely, refrains from long shots

CB (BPDd): just realised I haven't taught De Ligt the stuff I taught his predecessor yet

CM (CMd): plays short simple passes, dives into tackles 

CM (DPLs): plays one-twos, dictates tempo, looks for pass rather than attempting to score, knocks ball past opponent, likes ball played into feet

RW (IWa): run with ball through centre, moves into channels, tries killer balls often, tries tricks, runs with ball often, cuts inside from right wing

AM (SSa): run with ball through centre, gets into opposition area, gets forward whenever possible, tries tricks, runs with ball often

LW (IWs): run with ball down right (he had that, didn't teach him), places shots, likes to round keeper, cuts inside from left wing, moves ball to right foot before dibble (he had that also I think)

ST (CFs): moves into channels

[Rashidi]

Definitely a decent tactic, I wouldn't call it an exploit. Wondering how many yellow cards the left back and the DLP get. I would probably have a different duty distribution in midfield

[crusadertsar]

7 minutes ago, Rashidi said:

Definitely a decent tactic, I wouldn't call it an exploit. Wondering how many yellow cards the left back and the DLP get. I would probably have a different duty distribution in midfield

Just wondering why would they be getting lots of cards?

But probably a better idea to have a more defesive midfielder on the side of the more attacking fullback.

Edited October 3, 2020 by crusadertsar

[wkdsoul]

Anyone made this for d/l, before i copy all the PIs and give it a go? 

[lfds89]

4 hours ago, ahmed.sg said:

Yeah I definitely got a lot of yellow cards for fullbacks initially, especially at right back, but not as much now as personnel changed.

That's how I initially set it up but N'dombele has "prefers to play on the left of a two man midfield" and Skipp has the same but for the right, so I switched them. I used to have Florentino Luis at CMd who also preferred the left so I put him there but since he's gone (Real came in with too much money to refuse and he wanted to leave) I switched. I might switch the roles on the flanks (for separate reasons) which would naturally mean the CMd is back on the same side as the attacking fullback, we'll see.

Only PI is "dribble more" for N'dombele because I want him to carry the ball, though if that can be achieved otherwise I'm happy to drop it as it feels wrong to ask a holding player to dribble, though the Tactics Creator doesn't flag up the "conflicting instructions" thing it does with other stuff so who knows maybe it's fine. I drop that PI when someone else is playing DLPs (Winks, usually) though.

Lots of PPMs, I may have gone overboard in fact, because eventually my coaches kept telling me the players "have enough about their game" so let me know if I should have them unlearn some in your opinion.

RB (CWBs): run with ball down right, get forward whenever possible, run with ball often

LB (CWBa): run with ball down left, get forward whenever possible, run with ball often, get into opposition area, knock ball past opponent, move ball to left foot before dribble attempt, tries tricks

CB (CDd): plays short simple passes, stays back at all times, runs with ball rarely, refrains from long shots

CB (BPDd): just realised I haven't taught De Ligt the stuff I taught his predecessor yet

CM (CMd): plays short simple passes, dives into tackles 

CM (DPLs): plays one-twos, dictates tempo, looks for pass rather than attempting to score, knocks ball past opponent, likes ball played into feet

RW (IWa): run with ball through centre, moves into channels, tries killer balls often, tries tricks, runs with ball often, cuts inside from right wing

AM (SSa): run with ball through centre, gets into opposition area, gets forward whenever possible, tries tricks, runs with ball often

LW (IWs): run with ball down right (he had that, didn't teach him), places shots, likes to round keeper, cuts inside from left wing, moves ball to right foot before dibble (he had that also I think)

ST (CFs): moves into channels

As previously said, if it's working that well, keep it. But here goes my opinion:

- for the WB: if they are playing CWB, even one of them with Attack duty, then run with ball/get forward are already expected. Don't think they'll do anything different with those PPMs

- about Ndombele, probably doesn't need any instruction to dribble more. He already does it, especially because he already has the knock ball past opponent.

- not a fan of tries tricks on the LWB, but if he has technique, flair and dribbling it's not hurtful I guess.

The rest, I don't know if they need some of them (same theory as CWB not needing PPM to run with the ball) but they are not contradicting so it does no harm.

[yonko]

23 hours ago, Experienced Defender said:

Couldn't agree more 

Especially when one wants to play with the possession-first approach.

I think it's a good solid combo for any kind of playing style. It's simple and effective. Variations can come with different player traits. 

9 hours ago, ahmed.sg said:

Yeah I definitely got a lot of yellow cards for fullbacks initially, especially at right back, but not as much now as personnel changed.

That's how I initially set it up but N'dombele has "prefers to play on the left of a two man midfield" and Skipp has the same but for the right, so I switched them. I used to have Florentino Luis at CMd who also preferred the left so I put him there but since he's gone (Real came in with too much money to refuse and he wanted to leave) I switched. I might switch the roles on the flanks (for separate reasons) which would naturally mean the CMd is back on the same side as the attacking fullback, we'll see.

I ignore which side the player prefers to play as I don't think it effects their performance. The balance of duties is a lot more important for sure. 

5 hours ago, crusadertsar said:

Just wondering why would they be getting lots of cards?

But probably a better idea to have a more defesive midfielder on the side of the more attacking fullback.

Because the DLP-S and the more attacking fullback on the same side will be exposed by better opponents. Hence why it's better to have more defensive midfielder next to the more attacking fullback. 

[kingjericho]

Would there be a big negative impact if the IW were in the MR/L slots instead of AMR/L? It could help protect the team defensively, but on the other hand it can hinder the high pressing effectiveness.

[bbuullddoogg]

Been following this with interest as it's close to the 4-2-3-1 I've been using but I think a little more solid overall. Nice job! Couple of questions:

1) Would it not be better to have the BPD on the opposite "side" as the DLP? So if the DLP was on the left of a CM pairing, would it not be better to have the BPD on the right of the 2 CD's? My thinking being that the CD behind the DLP will be more likely to just make a short pass to the DLP vs looking for a longer pass themselves.

2) I see you have nothing selected for "When possession has been won" under "In transition". I didn't really know things could be left blank here. So if you don't select "Counter" or "Hold Shape", what do you find the team does when they win the ball back? Just something between the 2?

3) Also wondering if you tried this without Offside Trap and how that affected things. I get nervous using that instruction but as I will be managing a good team I'm assuming they can handle it and know when to step up etc.

4) MENTALITY!!! Do you use Positive for every game regardless of opposition and venue??? I often see tactics discussed on here and nothing mentioned re this. I don't think I've ever come up with a tactic where I just used the same mentality for every game. I barely use the same mentality for the entirety of a single game even. 

Any feedback welcome!

Edited November 10, 2020 by bbuullddoogg

[facman]

8 hours ago, bbuullddoogg said:

4) MENTALITY!!! Do you use Positive for every game regardless of opposition and venue??? I often see tactics discussed on here and nothing mentioned re this. I don't think I've ever come up with a tactic where I just used the same mentality for every game. I barely use the same mentality for the entirety of a single game even. 
 

Mentality is an expression of risk, with 'higher' settings giving the green light to your players to be more attacking and take more risky passes, runs etc. My 'defensive' 4-2-3-1 DM Wide tactics I used as a massive underdog away at Real Madrid and Juventus (as Everton) were using the Positive mentality, and I got draws in both games. By contrast, my main Home tactic (which is a more adventurous 4-1-4-1 DM Wide) uses the Balanced mentality. I can play entire games and never change the mentality once

In my 'Away' tactic, the roles and duties are fairly conservative, and I offset that somewhat with a Positive mentality, to allow a little more risk taking. By contrast, my 'Home' tactic has more aggressive roles and duties, so the Balanced mentality reigns my players in a little. By then changing to Positive on my Home tactic, I can let the shackles off my players.

[bbuullddoogg]

8 hours ago, facman said:

Mentality is an expression of risk, with 'higher' settings giving the green light to your players to be more attacking and take more risky passes, runs etc.

That's correct.

8 hours ago, facman said:

My 'defensive' 4-2-3-1 DM Wide tactics I used as a massive underdog away at Real Madrid and Juventus (as Everton) were using the Positive mentality, and I got draws in both games. By contrast, my main Home tactic (which is a more adventurous 4-1-4-1 DM Wide) uses the Balanced mentality. I can play entire games and never change the mentality once

In my 'Away' tactic, the roles and duties are fairly conservative, and I offset that somewhat with a Positive mentality, to allow a little more risk taking. By contrast, my 'Home' tactic has more aggressive roles and duties, so the Balanced mentality reigns my players in a little. By then changing to Positive on my Home tactic, I can let the shackles off my players.

Not sure why you're telling me this but thanks for the update!

Edited November 10, 2020 by bbuullddoogg

[facman]

18 minutes ago, bbuullddoogg said:

That's correct.

Not sure why you're telling me this but thanks for the update!

I’ll be honest, I got carried away typing, then rather than deleting it thought I’d click ‘post’ instead!

[bbuullddoogg]

20 minutes ago, facman said:

I’ll be honest, I got carried away typing, then rather than deleting it thought I’d click ‘post’ instead!

All good, brother. Thanks for the input! 😄

[dom.march]

Le 03/10/2020 à 10:33, ahmed.sg a dit :

Yeah I definitely got a lot of yellow cards for fullbacks initially, especially at right back, but not as much now as personnel changed.

That's how I initially set it up but N'dombele has "prefers to play on the left of a two man midfield" and Skipp has the same but for the right, so I switched them. I used to have Florentino Luis at CMd who also preferred the left so I put him there but since he's gone (Real came in with too much money to refuse and he wanted to leave) I switched. I might switch the roles on the flanks (for separate reasons) which would naturally mean the CMd is back on the same side as the attacking fullback, we'll see.

Only PI is "dribble more" for N'dombele because I want him to carry the ball, though if that can be achieved otherwise I'm happy to drop it as it feels wrong to ask a holding player to dribble, though the Tactics Creator doesn't flag up the "conflicting instructions" thing it does with other stuff so who knows maybe it's fine. I drop that PI when someone else is playing DLPs (Winks, usually) though.

Lots of PPMs, I may have gone overboard in fact, because eventually my coaches kept telling me the players "have enough about their game" so let me know if I should have them unlearn some in your opinion.

RB (CWBs): run with ball down right, get forward whenever possible, run with ball often

LB (CWBa): run with ball down left, get forward whenever possible, run with ball often, get into opposition area, knock ball past opponent, move ball to left foot before dribble attempt, tries tricks

CB (CDd): plays short simple passes, stays back at all times, runs with ball rarely, refrains from long shots

CB (BPDd): just realised I haven't taught De Ligt the stuff I taught his predecessor yet

CM (CMd): plays short simple passes, dives into tackles 

CM (DPLs): plays one-twos, dictates tempo, looks for pass rather than attempting to score, knocks ball past opponent, likes ball played into feet

RW (IWa): run with ball through centre, moves into channels, tries killer balls often, tries tricks, runs with ball often, cuts inside from right wing

AM (SSa): run with ball through centre, gets into opposition area, gets forward whenever possible, tries tricks, runs with ball often

LW (IWs): run with ball down right (he had that, didn't teach him), places shots, likes to round keeper, cuts inside from left wing, moves ball to right foot before dibble (he had that also I think)

ST (CFs): moves into channels

Do you use any OI or tweak during game ?

[ahmed.sg]

On 09/11/2020 at 19:30, bbuullddoogg said:

Been following this with interest as it's close to the 4-2-3-1 I've been using but I think a little more solid overall. Nice job! Couple of questions:

1) Would it not be better to have the BPD on the opposite "side" as the DLP? So if the DLP was on the left of a CM pairing, would it not be better to have the BPD on the right of the 2 CD's? My thinking being that the CD behind the DLP will be more likely to just make a short pass to the DLP vs looking for a longer pass themselves.

2) I see you have nothing selected for "When possession has been won" under "In transition". I didn't really know things could be left blank here. So if you don't select "Counter" or "Hold Shape", what do you find the team does when they win the ball back? Just something between the 2?

3) Also wondering if you tried this without Offside Trap and how that affected things. I get nervous using that instruction but as I will be managing a good team I'm assuming they can handle it and know when to step up etc.

4) MENTALITY!!! Do you use Positive for every game regardless of opposition and venue??? I often see tactics discussed on here and nothing mentioned re this. I don't think I've ever come up with a tactic where I just used the same mentality for every game. I barely use the same mentality for the entirety of a single game even. 

Any feedback welcome!

1. That makes sense, I think I started out this way due to personnel (the defender who was better on the ball had a better left foot) but I will take another look because you're right, it does seem more logical to have the DLP ahead of a CD and not a BPD.

2. It leaves it up to the players on a case by case basis. Usually the defensive minded ones regroup and the attackers counter.

3. I've tried going without an offside trap and using a stopper/cover partnership but it didn't go well. I've never tried not selecting it but leaving the defenders on defend duty, though.

4. I use positive for 90% of games. Only very recently I have started using attacking from the start if I am playing a much weaker team but with mixed results. Otherwise I've only ever switched mentalities based on specific situations in matches (they/we go a man down, chasing a lead, etc.) but conversely I start on balanced if I am worried about a game and it does work to a degree.

[Icy]

Tactic looks good and balanced, and if you match it with the required players, you just have a winning formula for that team, not an exploit. 

The midfield pair as said before is key imho for the 4-2-3-1 as well. Usually we see FM players playing too aggressive and have the need of using a midfield with a b2b and advanced playmaker or mezzala instead of a contaning midfield as it should. In that formation the attack and creative must be provided by the AMC, AMR, AML and FW while the midfield pair needs to be there to provide cover, avoid counters and recicle the ball, specially if your wingbacks also go up the filed to provide width. That is also why the 4-2-3-1 version with two DMs work well.

In fact probably the main "problem" is not the tactic but morale. If you start winning and your players morale maxes up, and you don't screw it in team talks or press releases so they don't get overconfident, it's easy to maintain winning streaks that boost your morale so you win more etc in a loop effect, specially visible for strikers.

In FM20 at least, morale plays a huge role and there are some threads questioning it already. As a test, you can try a new save with same players and same tactic and if you don't start winning soon, you might see that the same tactic is effective but not as "overpowered" without the moral boost from the initial wins. 

I started my last save in FM20 in the lowest uk league, started winning a few games with a balanced tactic and then kept the streak for like 20 games until I got bored of the "easy" wins and decided to abandon the save as it was looking unrealistic to me.

Edited November 15, 2020 by Icy

[dom.march]

Le 13/11/2020 à 12:13, Icy a dit :

Tactic looks good and balanced, and if you match it with the required players, you just have a winning formula for that team, not an exploit. 

The midfield pair as said before is key imho for the 4-2-3-1 as well. Usually we see FM players playing too aggressive and have the need of using a midfield with a b2b and advanced playmaker or mezzala instead of a contaning midfield as it should. In that formation the attack and creative must be provided by the AMC, ALR, AML and FW while the midfield pair needs to be there to provide cover, avoid counters and recicle the ball, specially if your wingbacks also go up the filed to provide width. That is also why the 4-2-3-1 version with two DMs work well.

In fact probably the main "problem" is not the tactic but morale. If you start winning and your players morale maxes up, and you don't screw it in team talks or press releases so they don't get overconfident, it's easy to maintain winning streaks that boost your morale so you win more etc in a loop effect, specially visible for strikers.

In FM20 at least, morale plays a huge role and there are some threads questioning it already. As a test, you can try a new save with same players and same tactic and if you don't start winning soon, you might see that the same tactic is effective but not as "overpowered" without the moral boost from the initial wins. 

I started my last save in FM20 in the lowest uk league, started winning a few games with a balanced tactic and then kept the streak for like 20 games until I got bored of the "easy" wins and decided to abandon the save as it was looking unrealistic to me.

Icy, what was this balanced tactic ?

[Sarmatian]

On 13/11/2020 at 12:13, Icy said:

Tactic looks good and balanced, and if you match it with the required players, you just have a winning formula for that team, not an exploit. 

The midfield pair as said before is key imho for the 4-2-3-1 as well. Usually we see FM players playing too aggressive and have the need of using a midfield with a b2b and advanced playmaker or mezzala instead of a contaning midfield as it should. In that formation the attack and creative must be provided by the AMC, ALR, AML and FW while the midfield pair needs to be there to provide cover, avoid counters and recicle the ball, specially if your wingbacks also go up the filed to provide width. That is also why the 4-2-3-1 version with two DMs work well.

In fact probably the main "problem" is not the tactic but morale. If you start winning and your players morale maxes up, and you don't screw it in team talks or press releases so they don't get overconfident, it's easy to maintain winning streaks that boost your morale so you win more etc in a loop effect, specially visible for strikers.

In FM20 at least, morale plays a huge role and there are some threads questioning it already. As a test, you can try a new save with same players and same tactic and if you don't start winning soon, you might see that the same tactic is effective but not as "overpowered" without the moral boost from the initial wins. 

I started my last save in FM20 in the lowest uk league, started winning a few games with a balanced tactic and then kept the streak for like 20 games until I got bored of the "easy" wins and decided to abandon the save as it was looking unrealistic to me.

That is my impression as well. Since I've managed in Serbian Superleague, you had 2-4 teams including mine that were ahead of the rest of the pack by a large margin, so any slip ups were hard to overcome. If I managed to win against such a team, it was often followed by a heavy drop in results for that team in the next several game.

On the whole, I've found FM20 match engine very weird. That may be due to my style. I try to set up a tactic that focuses on creating CCC, but whatever I do, I can't set up a tactic that do it consistently and conversion rate for CCC have been incredibly low, across multiple teams and multiple strikers.

Even extremely high quality players struggle, and most of my goals come from crosses, long shots or set pieces.

Edited November 15, 2020 by Sarmatian

[Icy]

hace 18 horas, dom.march dijo:

Icy, what was this balanced tactic ?

The one that opened the thread and created this discussion.

[facman]

So, I thought I'd plug in the tactic in the OP to my Everton save to see what happened.

It is season 2 (FM20), and as you can see, my team for this match is largely vanilla (Rugani was bought as a replacement for Keane who was poached by Arsenal, and Jam Rod was picked up on a free at the end of the first season. Esposito was a 'wonderkid' purchase, but don't hold it against me! ).

The tactic itself is identical in every way to the one in the OP, even including 'Dribble more' on the DLP, with the exception that it is flipped on its axis to match up better with my fullbacks and doesn't have the 'Offside Trap' ticked, because reasons...

I tried it in the second leg of the Europa League Qtr Final, as I was already 2-0 up from the away leg, so I wasn't too stressed if it didn't work that well.

As you can see, however, it worked quite spectacularly! The AMC was involved throughout, which is something I've struggled with in FM20, and my whole 'front 6' were immense.

I followed that up with a 2-0 win over Norwich, in which I had 32 shots on their goal. Frankly, Esposito should have had another hat-trick, but missed several sitters (obviously he wasn't wearing Dead Shot Keen's boots - lets see who's old enough to get the reference), before being subbed for DCL, who eventually got the first goal after an hour. Norwich weren't in the game at all, and I ended up dominating possession as well as all the chances. Leicester are up next at Goodison, so we'll carry on the trial!

 

 

Edited November 16, 2020 by facman

[facman]

As a brief follow up to my last post, I thought I'd share the rest of the season. After the positive results against Feyenoord and Norwich, I persisted with the 4-2-3-1 detailed above, using it exculsively for the final 9 games of the season. All I changed during matches were TIs, PIs and OIs. Roles, Duties and mentality stayed the same.

The results speak for themselves.

P9, W7, D1, L1

GD +16

What interested me most was that it was pretty defensively sound (the Man City game excepted), which I wasn't expecting.

Another interesting point of note is the performance of the AMC position. Reading through the forums, getting hte AMC to perform well seems to have been something of a problem in FM20. James Rodriguez started in 8 of the 9 games in the AMC position, and played the full 90 minutes in 6.

Overall, his average rating was 7.7, and he got 3 goals and 5 assists during that period. Pretty good, I would say.